Overview
Join Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust as a Healthcare Navigator at HMP Swaleside – part of the Kent Prison Healthcare contract awarded to Oxleas in 2022. This role is a key member of the primary care team, providing integrated mental and physical health support within the prison setting.
As a Healthcare Navigator you will improve well‑being for prisoners, staff and families by acting as a liaison between HMPSS and the wider healthcare system.
Employees receive NHS Affordable Care Fund employment, including a pension.
Responsibilities
* Provide reassurance, guidance and signpost patients, families and staff to health and social care services to minimise distress and risk.
* Act as a bridge between HMPSS and healthcare providers to strengthen joint care delivery.
* Maintain a visible presence in the First Night Centre/Induction Wing to support new admissions.
* Identify and address vulnerabilities during early days of custody, including reducing self‑harm.
* Support access to healthcare and social care services, particularly for people from diverse backgrounds or with specific needs.
* Facilitate partnership working between services – especially social care and Safer Custody teams.
* Assist patients in making informed choices about healthcare interventions and promote Health Champions.
* Increase awareness of available healthcare and social care options.
* Run patient forums related to post‑ACCT and other relevant topics.
* Input into complex case meetings and log all referrals accurately.
* Record interventions and support delivery using electronic database systems such as SystmOne and Prison Systems.
* Use clinical and data collection systems for audit, evaluation and report generation.
* Maintain confidentiality and professional communication with all stakeholders.
* Plan, organise and deliver work independently while contributing as a valuable team member.
* Use IT skills including Microsoft Office, Outlook and Excel to support the role.
* Co‑ordinate participation in internal and external working groups, providing project advice and expertise.
* Maintain a physically fit condition and possess required keyboard and IT literacy.
* Communicate across the health community, prisoners and carers even when information is sensitive or disputed.
* Demonstrate empathy, listening, persuasion and negotiation skills, embodying care, compassion, competency, communication and commitment.
Qualifications & Experience
* A-level or NVQ Level 3 and/or equivalent experience in an administrative, business, marketing, customer service, healthcare or prison setting.
* Degree level education or equivalent.
* Experience in multi‑professional collaboration with statutory and voluntary organisations.
* Experience setting up and implementing internal processes and procedures.
* Experience handling sensitive or confidential information.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines.
* Excellent communication and relationship skills.
* Analytical and judgemental abilities.
* Understanding of change management and new ways of working.
Requirements
* Willingness to undertake National Security Vetting for work in a prison setting.
* Proof of right to work, ID and address documentation as required by UK law.
* Compliance with all security requirements and prison policies.
Benefits
* Competitive salary of £30,392 to £33,157 per annum.
* Inclusion of Recruitment & Retention Incentive.
* Employment under NHS Affordable Care Fund with pension provision.
EEO Statement
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals. All hiring decisions are made without regard to race, gender, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
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