Job summaryAre you looking for a new opportunity or development role? Interested in the management of risk to others? Enthusiastic about Forensic work?We currently have a full-time (fixed term) vacancy for a Forensic Link Worker for the Taunton area.We would welcome applications from individuals who are flexible and proactive in their approach.We will consider applications from internal staff looking for a Secondment opportunity. Any Secondment would need to be supported by your Manager.You will be well supported within a team of Forensic Link workers also are in post covering the Bridgwater, South Somerset and Mendip localities.You'll work within the Taunton CMHS for the provision of a high-quality service for patients presenting with a forensic mental health concern/ significant risk to others.This role sits within Community Forensic services which are made up of a number of small teams including SCFT (Somerset Community Forensic Team), OPD and IIRMS and the Court and Custody assessment team. The Forensic link workers are a valuable part of the broader service. It is a relatively new service and is still in a development phase.This role is a mixture of home and office working. Your base will be Foundation House in Taunton.Please contact Jenny Walton if you would like to find out more!Main duties of the jobYou'll work within the Taunton Team for the provision of a high-quality service for patients presenting with a forensic mental health concern/ significant risk to others.You will need to develop Key Relationships with:Specialist Community Forensic Team Operational Service ManagerSpecialist Community Forensic TeamCMHTsInpatient wardsProbation ServicesAccommodation ProvidersSomerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS)GP'sPsychological Therapies Service staffMedical StaffMAPPA LeadPoliceAbout usAs an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, fantastic pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will to experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan -- there is truly something for everyone!Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesYou'll work closely with their local CMHT, AOT, Complex care team and inpatient wards, providing structured guidance, supervision and advice to other mental health professionals working alongside this service user group.You'll promote awareness and best practice across community and inpatient teams, actively supporting positive attitudes and a consistent approach towards assessment and treatment of this patient group using evidence based interventions and treatment frameworks.As well as working within secondary mental health services, you'll build links with external stakeholders who may be supporting patients with significant offending histories and co-morbid mental health difficulties, for example probation services and accommodation providers who provide support post release from prison.There will be an emphasis on championing inclusive treatment pathways, that are closely balanced with safeguarding, public protection and MAPPA policy.The Forensic Link Worker (FLW) will be closely linked with and well supported by Somerset FT's newly Commissioned Specialist Community Forensic Team, who (in line with the Southwest Provider Collaborative) will be working with patients currently admitted to a secure hospital setting.The FLW will act as a single point of access for referrals into SCFT for patients outside of a secure care pathway, but who may require enhanced support in the community.Person SpecificationQualificationsEssentialRMN OR Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy OR Social Work; OR other relevant health or social care professional qualificationDesirableQualification in a relevant psychological therapyHCR -20 trainingExperienceEssentialAbility to safely manage complex riskDesirableExperience of working within a secure mental health settingExperience of offering clinical supervision to other professionalsExperience of working with clients in the community and inpatient settingsAdditional CriteriaEssentialExpertise within mental health services across a range of procedures underpinned by relevant psychological /psychosocial theoryGood understanding of national guidance and changes to secure care pathways.Understanding of MAPPA processDesirableUnderstanding the thresholds of secure mental health service provision and the relationship required with local mental health servicesDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer nameSomerset NHS Foundation TrustAddressFoundation HouseWellsprings RoadTauntonSomersetTA2 7PQEmployer's websitehttps://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)