We're looking for a qualified Mental Health Nurse, Learning Disabilities Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Health Visitor, Public Health Nurse or Social Worker to join our Liaison and Diversion team. You will have a keen interest in Liaison and Diversion and a passion about supporting our service users as they make their way through police custody, court and prison.
We are a dynamic, people‑centred team who are looking for some who is passionate about health outcomes for those making their way through the criminal justice system.
With a reputation for excellence, our service is committed to improving the health of our clients, identifying care pathways, and reducing reoffending.
Recognised with a number of awards, including a Thames Valley/Hampshire Constabulary Police Commendation, Berkshire Healthcare 'Team of the Year' and runner‑up for the Howard League for Penal Reform 'Liaison and Diversion Service of the Year'.
We value our employees and put people first. We achieved an 'Outstanding' rating overall in our latest CQC inspection, which found that: 'Managers across Berkshire Healthcare promoted a positive culture that supported and valued staff, creating a sense of common purpose based on shared values.'
Main duties of the job
Triage, screen and assess needs within the following settings: police stations, custody suites, prison, community settings and magistrates' courts and provide assessments, advice and identify robust care pathways, for individuals where a potential vulnerability has been identified.
To provide the police, court and prison with written and verbal information pertaining to the individual in a timely fashion to inform disposal.
To work closely and build links with all referring agencies within the custody suite, court, probation and prison acting as a single point of contact for health.
To work autonomously, with the ability to organise and manage own time according to delegated workload.
Working pattern + Service operating hours Our service operates in police custody from 7am‑8pm, 7 days a week currently using early/late/long days to fulfil this. Our service operates in court from 9am‑5pm, 5 days a week. Our service operates across the Thames Valley so travel across our sites will be expected, some of these sites are not accessible via public transport. Any request for specific working patterns can be considered in line with our flexible working policy.
This role operates in 09:00 - 17:00, based within Oxford Crown Court.
Work base: You will work from within Crown Court within Oxford and across Thames Valley when required.
About us
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:
* Caring for and about you is our top priority
* Committed to providing good quality, safe services
* Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:
* Flexible working options to support work‑life balance
* 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
* Excellent learning and career development opportunities
* 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
* Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
* Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
* Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
* Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
* Free parking across Trust sites
Job responsibilities
Liaison and Diversion (L&D) services identify people who have vulnerabilities when they first come into contact with the criminal justice system as suspects, defendants or offenders.
L&D services aim to improve overall health outcomes for people and to support people in the reduction of re‑offending through assessing, proactive onward referrals and informing decision makers. It also aims to identify vulnerabilities in people earlier on which reduces the likelihood that people will reach a crisis‑point and helps to ensure the right support can be put in place from the start.
The successful applicant will work in the Oxford Crown Court, and occasionally police custody; working with people within the criminal justice system where vulnerabilities are suspected and further assessment is indicated to inform disposal of the case and to identify care pathways for appropriate onward referral/support.
Due to the nature of the service, there is an additional requirement to secure police/prison vetting for this role. For the purposes of vetting, the candidate will require at least three‑years residency in the UK. Vetting is a thorough investigation of an individual's background, character, and suitability to work in the police force or prison. It includes checks on criminal records, financial history, employment history, personal relationships, and lifestyle choices.
Must haves for this role
* A professional qualification at degree level or equivalent in either Mental Health Nursing, Learning Disabilities Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Health Visitor, Public Health or Social Work along with the relevant registration.
* Significant experience post registration, with equivalent experience in a mental health/learning disability community, acute setting or criminal justice environment.
* Able to assess and manage risk, formulate mitigation plans taking into account health and criminal justice outcomes.
* Ability to teach/supervise more junior staff within the team.
* Driving licence holder with access to your own vehicle who is prepared to travel to multiple sites across Thames Valley as required.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where required.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications/Training
* A professional qualification at diploma, postgraduate or degree level in either Mental Health Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Learning Disability Nurse, Public Nursing or Health Visitor status with the necessary experience.
* Hold current registration with pertinent body as listed for the professional qualifications above (NMC, HCPC, Social Work).
* Mentorship qualification or equivalent teaching qualification/training.
Continuous Professional Development
* Knowledge and experience of modern mental health services; social inclusion, recovery, service user involvement, carer support.
* Further evidence of post registration training and professional development.
Previous Experience
* Significant experience at Band 6 or equivalent in a community or acute setting or criminal justice environment.
* Experience of delivering supervision to more junior staff.
* Previous experience of working with specialist groups of people with complex needs, for example, including young people, people with dual diagnoses and personality disorder.
* Experience of operating across Criminal Justice & Health and reconciling both systems when planning onward support for vulnerable individuals.
* Experience of managing performance, breaches in policy & liaising closely with Human Resources.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
* Able to assess and manage risk, formulate mitigation plans taking into account health and criminal justice outcomes.
* Ability to work autonomously, with the ability to organise and manage own time according to delegated workload.
* Ability to show collaborative approach to service user care.
* Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing situations.
* Knowledge of Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 and the PACE Codes of Practice 2004.
Additional Requirements
* Ability to use multiple IT systems to an advanced level including excel, mental health record systems and Microsoft applications.
* Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English, adequate to enable the post holder to carry out the role effectively.
* Ability to travel efficiently to multiple sites.
* In addition to DBS there is additional requirement to secure police vetting for this role.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Location
Liaison and Diversion - Thames Valley, Oxford Crown Court, Saint Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1TL
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