Band 6 Senior CJLS Practitioner - Bristol

Job overview

We are looking for an experienced Mental Health Practitioner (RMN, RNLD, Social Worker, OT) to join the Integrated Non-Custodial Liaison and Diversion service, offering assessment and support and to individuals within Criminal Justice settings in Bristol (predominantly Bristol Magistrates Court, however there may be some cover required in Police Custody suites also). We operate under an all vulnerabilities model, identifying care pathways for individuals with a wide range of support needs, including mental health needs, substance misuse issues, learning disabilities and neurodiversity.

The successful applicant will be working with people within the criminal justice system, where a potential mental health need is suspected and further assessment is indicated, to inform disposal of the case and to identify robust care pathways. This involves a commitment to close partnership working with both statutory and voluntary sector agencies, and a commitment to working with a complex and diverse range of individuals with varying needs. The post holder will be expected to supervise the Support, Time and Recovery Workers and advise on the more complex cases.

Main duties of the job

The CJLS (Criminal Justice Liaison Service) provides mental health assessments, identifies care pathways and where indicated diversion to individuals within the courts and Police custody suites.

The post holder will form part of the management structure of our developing and expanding service covering Magistrates Courts, Crown Courts and Police custody suites in an identified area.

The role will be based predominantly in Bristol Magistrates Court, with occasional cover in Police Custody and Crown Court where required.

This post is open to newly qualified social workers. In line with AWP trust policy all newly qualified social workers (NQSW) will be recruited initially at Band 5 level, regardless of advertised role banding.  All NQSW’s are expected to successfully complete their ASYE within 2 years of employment, unless there are exceptional circumstances in which case it may be extended for a further 2 years.

Please see Job Description for full details

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To attend Court or Custody suite, and provide mental health assessments, advice and identify robust care pathways, for individuals where a potential mental health need has been identified.

To provide the Court and/or Police with appropriate written information pertaining to the individual in a timely fashion to inform disposal of the case.

Prepare comprehensive health and social circumstances reports where indicated in a specified time frame.

To work closely and build links with all referring agencies acting as a single point of contact within the Criminal Justice System.

To address the Court in person when necessary in order to advise the Court in the disposal, and care pathway of a particular case.

To refer to appropriate services for the identified needs of the service user.

To make recommendation to Court, whether criminal justice system remains involved or diversion is indicated.

To build a good working knowledge of the Mental Health Act in relation to the Courts and the criminal justice system.

Where diversion is indicated, to facilitate Mental Health Act assessments at the Court or in Custody in conjunction with the AWP Assessment teams.

To refer to the prison mental health teams where custody is indicated ensuring appropriate information is received along the care pathway.

To provide specialist advice and service to Probation and the custody suites where indicated.

To provide mental health information to Probation in the formulation of their pre-sentence reports, where a potential mental health need has been identified.

To be responsible for adhering to all Trust Policies and procedures.

To be able to communicate clearly with a diverse group of service users.

To work autonomously, with the ability to organise and manage own time according to delegated workload. Take accountability for own professional practice.

To possess a good working knowledge of the Integrated Care Programme Approach (ICPA), including the ability to formulate a risk assessment and risk management plan.

To provide formal and informal clinical supervision to junior staff, students, mental health workers where appropriate/in agreement with the team manager.

Please see Job Description for full details