Health and Justice Navigator

Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; Warrington; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has emerged for a Reconnect Navigator within a dedicated team focused on supporting vulnerable individuals in the criminal justice system. This role involves conducting screenings, providing embedded services, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure individuals receive the necessary support. With a commitment to career development and a supportive environment, this position offers a chance to make a real difference in the community. Join a diverse organization that values inclusion and provides excellent benefits, including generous leave and health support.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

NHS Pension scheme

Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Flexible working options

Up to 27 days annual leave

Health and Wellbeing support

Travel reimbursement

Lease car options

Free parking

Annual flu vaccinations

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable individuals in health and social care settings.
• Training in supporting, mentoring, or coaching is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct screenings to identify vulnerabilities in individuals within the criminal justice system.
• Collaborate with service users to develop individualized support plans.

Skills

Mental Health Support

Substance Misuse Knowledge

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care

Equivalent Experience

Job description

Job Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Liaison & Diversion Team for the role of Reconnect Navigator based in Cheshire prisons and community settings.

Liaison & Diversion (L&D) and Reconnect services identify individuals with substance misuse, mental health, learning disabilities, or other vulnerabilities when they first come into contact with the criminal justice system. We aim to identify unmet needs and vulnerabilities that can lead to or worsen offending behavior, providing onward referral and signposting as appropriate. We liaise across agencies to support onward planning and intervention, supporting the diversion of individuals from the criminal justice process into more suitable settings.

Our work spans Police Custody Suites, Courts, prisons, and community settings throughout Cheshire, offering assessments to individuals within the Criminal Justice system, including voluntary attendees. We provide relevant and timely information to support sentencing and disposal decisions.

We also offer brief community-based interventions to maximize service user access and engagement with appropriate services.

Note: This role is subject to prison vetting. The post holder will be expected to travel across the MPFT footprint.

Main duties of the job

• Work within a multidisciplinary team, with flexibility to work across Cheshire depending on skills and service needs. The post holder will primarily conduct screenings of individuals' needs at various stages of their journey through the Criminal Justice System.
• Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

Working for our organization

By joining Team MPFT, you will be helping your communities, and in return, we will support you through:

• Career development and progression opportunities
• Excellent NHS Pension scheme
• Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Flexible working options
• Up to 27 days annual leave, increasing to 33 with service
• Health and Wellbeing support and resources
• Travel reimbursement for community team work
• Lease car options for over 500 business miles per annum, fully insured and maintained
• Salary sacrifice car and bikes options
• Free parking at trust sites
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Citizens Advice support and a Hardship Fund for additional support

We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organization with staff networks to support inclusion.

Additional notes: Use of AI in applications will be monitored for fairness. The vacancy may close early if high volumes of applications are received.

Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities

• Conduct face-to-face and electronic screenings to identify vulnerabilities of individuals in contact with the criminal justice or immigration systems, working within guidelines.
• Work within legal limitations and escalate to IOHP as appropriate.
• Provide embedded services in police custody suites, courts, and prisons, adhering to legislation such as PACE (1984).
• Work independently within a multidisciplinary team, providing advice to service users, carers, and professionals.
• Collaborate with service users and professionals to develop and implement individualized support plans.
• Assist service users in accessing benefits, housing, health promotion, and other resources.
• Show compassion to vulnerable individuals at points of acute vulnerability in the criminal justice process.
• Support criminal justice agencies in identifying vulnerabilities and provide pathway advice for further support.
• Secure referrals to health and social care services from statutory and voluntary providers.
• Identify risk levels and escalate when necessary.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

• Essential: NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or willingness to work towards) or equivalent experience.
• Desirable: Training in Supporting/Mentoring/Coaching.

Experience

• Essential: Experience working with vulnerabilities including mental health, physical health, learning disabilities, abuse, addiction, and social issues. Experience working with statutory and non-statutory agencies.
• Desirable: Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System, experience in community settings, and implementing support or rehabilitation plans.

Vetting

• Additional vetting required, including Police Vetting and/or Prison Clearance.