Liaison and Diversion Support, Time and Recovery Worker (STR)

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Bridgwater is seeking a Support, Time and Recovery Worker to assist vulnerable individuals in the criminal justice system. You will conduct assessments, provide advice, and work closely with multi-disciplinary teams. Ideal candidates will have experience with mental health issues and are willing to engage in flexible working arrangements. This role offers a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Career development opportunities

Access to exclusive discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum of NVQ 3 or willing to undergo training.
• Experience working with the public or in community settings.
• Familiarity with issues faced by individuals in the criminal justice system.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments in custody and court settings.
• Support individuals through the justice process.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams.

Skills

Experience with vulnerable individuals

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Understanding of mental health conditions

Ability to work in a challenging environment

Education

NVQ 3 Promoting Independence or equivalent

Job description

Liaison and Diversion Support, Time and Recovery Worker (STR)

Do you have strive to make a difference? Are you keen to play a key role in supporting vulnerable individuals within the criminal justice system? Are you an experienced support worker? Join our dedicated LADS (Liaison and Diversion Service) team as a Support, Time and Recovery (STR) Worker!

As part of NHS England's Liaison and Diversion programme, our team works collaboratively with the Avon and Wiltshire Partnership to assess and support vulnerable individuals in the Avon and Somerset police area. Together, we strive to make a difference in people's lives by ensuring those with mental health and other support needs receive timely referrals and care.

If you're looking for a role where no two days are the same and where your organisational skills and positive energy will make a difference, we would love to hear from you. We are committed to supporting your growth and offer an environment where your contributions are valued every day.

This role is based at Bridgwater Police Custody and will also include rotational working within the LADS community access service. There are no night shifts included in the working pattern. The custody environment can be a challenging environment; if you have questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact us to find out more.

Main duties of the job

• Complete mental health and vulnerability assessments within custody and court settings.
• Identify unmet needs and refer individuals to appropriate health and social care services.
• Provide advice, support, and encouragement to service users, acting as a positive role model.
• Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams, external agencies, and carers to promote wellbeing.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records in line with Trust policy.
• Share relevant information with criminal justice agencies (with consent) to inform decisions on charging and sentencing.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities

As an STR Worker, you will:

• Support individuals in custody, magistrates' court, and community access services.
• Facilitate engagement and recovery by using your professional and life experience.
• Promote effective communication with service users, families, carers, and partner agencies.
• Manage your own caseload, prioritising referrals and ensuring timely assessments.
• Contribute to safeguarding processes and uphold equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Participate in data collection and service evaluation to meet local and national requirements.
• Work flexibly across the region, with occasional travel and lone working.
• Uphold Trust policies on confidentiality, health and safety, and infection control.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• NVQ 3 Promoting Independence or Health based equivalent, or willing to undertake full training to achieve this standard.

Experience

• Experience of working with people e.g. in a caring situation, dealing with the general public.
• Experience of working in community settings.
• Previous experience of caring for people who have experienced trauma and vulnerabilities.
• Experience of working within criminal justice services (Police, Probation, Courts, etc).

Additional Criteria

• A full current driving licence with access to own private transport and willing to travel
• Knowledge and understanding of a wide range of mental health conditions and awareness of vulnerabilities impacting on offending behaviours.
• Knowledge of how to deal sensitively with distress, disturbance and unpredictability.

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.