About this role
Job summary
We're looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual with healthcare or criminal justice experience 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
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. 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 courts, custody probation and prison acting as a single point of contact for health To be able to autonomously plan and organise own workload efficiently and manage a well-structured appointment diary for engagements. Working pattern + Service operating hours
Our service operates in police custody from 7am-8pm, 7 days a week currently using long days to fulfil this. Our service operates in court from 9am-5pm, 5 days a week. Our service operates across the Hampshire area so travel across our sites will be expected, some of these sites are not accessible via public transport. Any request for specific working pattens can be considered in line with our flexible working policy.
This role operates across 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday.
Work base:You will work from within magistrate courts/prison/community within either Southampton or Basingstoke and across Hampshire 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 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
Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
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 courts, prison and the community; 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.
The must haves for this role:
Significant experience of employment within the voluntary or health and social care sector NVQ level 2 in Health & Social Care or equivalent and relevant training to diploma level equivalent /or practical experience of working in health or social care setting at a Band 2 equivalent. Experience of supporting people with identified vulnerabilities. Experience in managing own workload with minimal supervision. Driving licence holder with access to your own vehicle who is prepared to travel to multiple sites across Hampshire as required. For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.
Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate to us how you meet the requirements of the role. We recognise that AI tools can support accessibility, equity and confidence for applicants. However, its important that examples and responses given in your supporting statement genuinely reflect your own experience and abilities, as these will be explored further during the selection process. AI must not be used to provide misleading or false information during any stage of the application journey.
In addition to explaining how you meet the person specification, you must complete your employment history for at least the last five years. Any experience, skills or responsibilities referenced in your supporting statement should be evidenced within your employment history. Applications that do not include sufficient employment history to support the experience claimed may not be shortlisted.
We're committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Stonewall Proud Employer, 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 welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call: Clinical and Operational Lead Jess Hillman on 0300 123 5066 or [email protected] who'll be 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
Education/Qualifications/Training Essential
NVQ level 2 in Health & Social Care or equivalent and relevant training to diploma level equivalent /or practical experience of working in health or social care setting at a Band 2 equivalent
Continuous Professional Development Desirable
Evidence of commitment to continue professional development
Previous Experience Essential
Experience of supporting people with identified vulnerabilities Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
Desirable
Having direct lived experience of recovery from substance misuse, mental health or other vulnerabilities and can demonstrate recovery and recovery capital.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Essential
Knowledge of the health & social care systems Compliance in or willingness to undertake Basic IT training
Additional Requirements Essential
Full driving License and car owner Ability to travel between sites Skills in written and spoken English, adequate to enable the post holder to carry out the role effectively
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 - Hants & IOW, Southampton Magistrates Court,100 The Avenue, Southampton SO17 1EY
100 The Avenue
Southampton
SO17 1EY
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)