Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Team Secretary (Liaison and Diversion Service)

The closing date is 04 June 2025

Job summary

Are you a highly organised individual with a passion for making a difference? Join our dedicated LADS (Liaison and Diversion Service) team as a Team Secretary and play a key role in supporting vulnerable individuals within the criminal justice system.

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.

Main duties of the job

In this pivotal role, you'll be the heartbeat of our team, providing the organisational support that ensures smooth and effective delivery of vital services. You'll act as the first point of contact, coordinating the team's efforts and directly supporting those in need. Key responsibilities include managing calls, processing referrals, assisting with data collection, and supporting our information-sharing efforts with the police and court systems.

Your day-to-day will include:

  • Scheduling appointments and logging referrals.
  • Handling incoming/outgoing mail and managing petty cash.
  • Updating computer systems, compiling reports, and typing (including audio transcription).

About us

As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, fantastic pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will to experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!

Details

Date posted

27 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,625 to £25,674 a year pro rata.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-723

Job locations

Broadway House

Broadway Park

Bridgwater

Somerset

TA6 5LX


Job description

Job responsibilities

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

  • Act as a main point of contact, handling enquiries via phone, email, and in person with professionalism and sensitivity.
  • Liaise regularly with clients, carers, multidisciplinary teams, and external agencies.
  • Provide support to distressed clients or carers, using tact and reassurance.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality in all interactions and documentation.

Administrative & Secretarial Support

  • Provide comprehensive secretarial support, including typing confidential correspondence and reports.
  • Maintain accurate and secure client records, including electronic patient records (e.g. RiO).
  • Organise meetings, manage diaries, prepare papers, and take minutes.
  • Assist with recruitment, induction, and appraisals.

Planning & Organisation

  • Prioritise and manage own workload, ensuring urgent tasks are addressed promptly.
  • Support the team in managing appointment bookings, clinics, and group sessions.
  • Ensure effective office systems are maintained and updated.

Analytical & IT Responsibilities

  • Handle frequent interruptions while maintaining focus on detailed tasks such as reporting and minute-taking.
  • Use and manage specialised databases and Trust information systems.
  • Input and retrieve data related to caseloads, referrals, and appointments accurately and efficiently.

Patient/Client Care Support

  • Respond to and resolve queries from patients, relatives, and staff.
  • Work with clinical teams to manage patient access and appointment scheduling.
  • Handle patient-related documentation with discretion and care.

Policy, Service & Quality Improvement

  • Keep up to date with Trust policies and procedures.
  • Support audit processes and contribute to service improvements.
  • Ensure compliance with confidentiality and data protection standards.

Financial & Resource Responsibilities

  • Handle petty cash, order supplies, manage invoices, or assist with client property, where required.
  • Leadership & Professionalism
  • Serve as a positive role model, promoting Trust values.
  • Be flexible and support team members as needed across the service.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

  • Act as a main point of contact, handling enquiries via phone, email, and in person with professionalism and sensitivity.
  • Liaise regularly with clients, carers, multidisciplinary teams, and external agencies.
  • Provide support to distressed clients or carers, using tact and reassurance.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality in all interactions and documentation.

Administrative & Secretarial Support

  • Provide comprehensive secretarial support, including typing confidential correspondence and reports.
  • Maintain accurate and secure client records, including electronic patient records (e.g. RiO).
  • Organise meetings, manage diaries, prepare papers, and take minutes.
  • Assist with recruitment, induction, and appraisals.

Planning & Organisation

  • Prioritise and manage own workload, ensuring urgent tasks are addressed promptly.
  • Support the team in managing appointment bookings, clinics, and group sessions.
  • Ensure effective office systems are maintained and updated.

Analytical & IT Responsibilities

  • Handle frequent interruptions while maintaining focus on detailed tasks such as reporting and minute-taking.
  • Use and manage specialised databases and Trust information systems.
  • Input and retrieve data related to caseloads, referrals, and appointments accurately and efficiently.

Patient/Client Care Support

  • Respond to and resolve queries from patients, relatives, and staff.
  • Work with clinical teams to manage patient access and appointment scheduling.
  • Handle patient-related documentation with discretion and care.

Policy, Service & Quality Improvement

  • Keep up to date with Trust policies and procedures.
  • Support audit processes and contribute to service improvements.
  • Ensure compliance with confidentiality and data protection standards.

Financial & Resource Responsibilities

  • Handle petty cash, order supplies, manage invoices, or assist with client property, where required.
  • Leadership & Professionalism
  • Serve as a positive role model, promoting Trust values.
  • Be flexible and support team members as needed across the service.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Level III Word Processing or Typing qualificationNVQ Level 3 Business Administration or willing to work towards.

Desirable

  • Audio Typing

Experience

Essential

  • Previous administrative experience.Knowledge and Experience of Microsoft Office packages.

Desirable

  • Experience of working within mental health services.

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Hold a full driving license and have access to transport
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Level III Word Processing or Typing qualificationNVQ Level 3 Business Administration or willing to work towards.

Desirable

  • Audio Typing

Experience

Essential

  • Previous administrative experience.Knowledge and Experience of Microsoft Office packages.

Desirable

  • Experience of working within mental health services.

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Hold a full driving license and have access to transport

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

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Broadway House

Broadway Park

Bridgwater

Somerset

TA6 5LX


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Broadway House

Broadway Park

Bridgwater

Somerset

TA6 5LX


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Hiring Manager

Carrie Brandom

carrie.brandom@somersetft.nhs.uk

07920236197

Details

Date posted

27 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,625 to £25,674 a year pro rata.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-723

Job locations

Broadway House

Broadway Park

Bridgwater

Somerset

TA6 5LX


Supporting documents

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