Forensic Community Psychiatric Nurse | Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust; Dartford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS healthcare provider in Dartford is looking for a professional to join their Forensic Community Service. This position involves providing specialist mental health care for individuals transitioning from secure settings, developing care packages, and implementing evidence-based interventions. Applicants will be responsible for managing complex client cases and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. The role offers significant opportunities for personal and professional development in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist knowledge on forensic mental health across defined caseload.
• Assess and develop care packages for service users leaving security conditions.
• Work within codes of practice and uphold professional accountability.
• Conduct risk assessments and manage complex client caseloads.
• Facilitate depot and Clozapine clinics with physical health assessments.
• Provide mentorship and supervision to students on placement.

Job description

Oxleas Forensic Directorate provides a range of community and inpatient services across Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich, including specialist forensic aftercare and hostels. Due to recent service changes and expansion, vacancies have opened in the Forensic Community Service, a transitional and recovery‑focused team supporting patients leaving secure settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist knowledge on forensic mental health across all three boroughs through active follow‑up of a defined caseload and provide expert advice to community hostels.
• Assess, develop and implement care packages for service users leaving low or medium security conditions within the CPA framework in conjunction with the MDT.
• Work within codes of practice and professional guidelines, maintaining accountability for own professional practice.
• Ensure observance of all relevant legal and statutory requirements.
• Act within broad occupational policies without direct supervision.
• Maintain client confidentiality at all times.
• Participate fully in continuous professional development and supervision.
• Provide mentorship and supervision to students on placement.
• Implement risk management strategies, including medication administration, organisation and delivery of prescribed medication.
• Conduct random urine screening for illicit substance misuse as directed by Home Office directions.
• Manage a defined caseload of complex and challenging clients presenting as high risk.
• Navigate the therapeutic alliance whilst complying with statutory and legal frameworks.
• Accountable for assessment of care needs, risk assessment, development, implementation and evaluation of treatment packages under Trust CPA policy.
• Coordinate care for community clients who have committed serious offences, including those discharged by the Home Office and subject to Community Treatment Orders.
• Develop and implement evidence‑based interventions.
• Act as social supervisor for conditionally discharged patients.
• Ensure clinical effectiveness in engaging with patients, families and carers, including those who disengage, using flexible engagement strategies.
• Prepare social circumstances reports for Mental Health Review Tribunal and funding panels.
• Assess suitability of residential placements and coordinate MHA assessments in the community.
• Monitor out‑of‑area placements, ensuring attendance at CPA meetings.
• Provide specialist input and advice to forensic mental hostels within the Bracton Centre’s catchment area.
• Participate in reflective practice within the supervision framework.
• Administer prescribed medication safely in accordance with Oxleas policy and NMC guidelines.
• Expose to distressing, volatile and unpredictable situations (e.g., verbal or challenging behaviour).
• Facilitate the depot and Clozapine clinics, incorporating the Physical Health Pathway to provide a seamless service to patients:
• Deliver physical health assessments and interventions, including phlebotomy.
• Assist in the management of a clozapine clinic.
• Administer long‑acting injections and facilitate clozapine monitoring.

Benefits

The role offers an excellent opportunity for personal and professional development, enhancing knowledge and skills in managing forensic service users living in the community.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust is committed to promoting Equality & Diversity, ensuring that all users and providers are not discriminated against and are treated according to their needs.

Closing Date

This advert closes on Wednesday 31 Dec 2025.