About this role
Job summary
Are you passionate about helping people and making a real difference? Have you experienced the criminal justice system yourself and want to use that experience to support others?
We're looking for a motivated and compassionate person with lived experience of the criminal justice system to join our Liaison and Diversion team part-time. You'll play an important role in supporting people as they move through police custody, court and prison, helping them access the support they need to improve their health, wellbeing and future.
You'll use your lived experience to manage a caseload of people using our service, supporting them for up to 12 weeks for 'Liaison and Diversion' cases and up to 6 months for 'Reconnect' cases.
You'll work alongside each person to understand what's important to them and help them access services that meet their needs. This may include support with; Mental health, Learning disabilities, Neurodiversity, Housing, Social isolation, Education and training, Drug and alcohol support and Employment.
Building positive relationships is a key part of the role. You'll work closely with service users, their families, police, courts and a range of partner organisations to ensure people receive joined-up support.
Main duties of the job
To hold a caseload of service users for up to 12 weeks (for Liaison & Diversion cases) and up to 6 months (for Reconnect cases) to support them to access a wide range of agencies and services that can provide help and advice. Tofacilitateengagement withappropriate services, byidentifyingunmet needs including, but not limited to, mental health, learning disability, ASD, ADHD, housing, social isolation and exclusion, education, debt management, drug and alcohol, and employment problems. Support service user who are typically hardfor services toengagewith, to access and utilise community servicesin order tomeet identified health and social needs. Build on professional and supportive relationships, including family, police, court staff, and other partner agencies etc. Working pattern and service operating hours:
This role is based on Monday to Thursday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Our wider Liaison and Diversion service operates across police custody suites between 7:00am and 8:00pm, seven days a week, and in courts between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
You'll work across sites throughout Hampshire, so you'll need to be able to travel. Please note that some locations are not easily accessible by public transport.
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 Generous NHS pension scheme 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 description Job responsibilities
The must haves for this role:
Lived experience of the criminal justice system a minimum of being arrested and taken into police custody and demonstratable recovery of a minimum of 1 year of no longer being in-contact with criminal justice system. Having direct lived experience of recovery from substance use, mental health or other vulnerabilities. You must have been in recovery from drug or alcohol misuse for at least 13 years and have completed any licence conditions or legal requirements at least one year before applying. Flexibility to travel to all sites across Thames Valley/Hampshire. This post requires successful application for police vetting. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK and be able to satisfy the police vetting residency requirements (typically three years' continuous UK residency immediately prior to application).
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.
We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.
Were committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
We are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Please don't hesitate to call:Engagement Lead Danielle Forster on 0300 123 [email protected] delighted to help. You can find out more about the service on our website.
Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Person Specification
Previous Experience Essential
Lived experience of the criminal justice system a minimum of being arrested and taken into police custody and demonstratable recovery of a minimum of 1 year of no longer being in-contact with criminal justice system. Required to demonstrate a recovery capital and period of desistance 1-3yrs from using substance (inc alcohol) and a minimum of one year completing any licence conditions/requirements.
Desirable
Having direct lived experience of recovery from substance misuse, mental health or other vulnerabilities.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Essential
Willingness to share personal experiences in an appropriate way and maintain clear boundaries Empathy, patience, and sensitivity to be able to support people whilst maintaining boundaries. Willingness to seek support and guidance.
Additional Requirements Essential
To be a UK citizen or have the right to remain status. Flexibility to travel to all sites.
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.
Employer details Employer name Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Address Liaison & Diversion Service - Southampton Magistrates Court, 100 The Avenue, Southampton, Hampshire, SO17 1EY
100 The Avenue
Southampton
SO17 1EY
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)