Job summary
Do you strive to make a difference? Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable individuals within the criminal justice system? Are you an experienced support worker ready for your next challenge?
Join our dedicated LADS (Liaison and Diversion Service) team as a Support, Time and Recovery (STR) Worker! This is a unique opportunity to be part of a vital NHS England programme delivered in partnership with Avon and Wiltshire Partnership, supporting individuals across the Avon and Somerset police area. You'll help make meaningful change in people's lives by ensuring timely referrals and care for those with mental health and related vulnerabilities.
This role is primarily based at Bridgwater Police Custody but will also involve rotational working in community settings. The custody environment can be demanding, but you'll be working in a highly supportive multidisciplinary team that values your growth, resilience, and professional development.
Previous applicants need not apply.
Main duties of the job
Complete assessments within police custody and court settings to identify mental health or other vulnerabilities.
Refer individuals to appropriate health, social care, and community services.
Encourage and support individuals to engage with services that aid recovery and reduce re-offending.
Liaise with families, carers, and professionals to ensure joined-up support.
Work collaboratively with criminal justice agencies including police, probation and courts.
Share relevant information (with consent) to help inform charging and sentencing decisions.
Be a visible, compassionate presence for individuals often experiencing crisis or trauma.
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 description
Job responsibilities
As a Support, Time and Recovery (STR) Worker, you will:
- Provide advice, support, and encouragement to service users--primarily in police custody, and when necessary, at magistrates' or crown courts.
- Support individuals in identifying their needs and accessing services that promote personal recovery and wellbeing.
- Maintain accurate clinical records (RiO and NICHE) and support data collection for service improvement.
- Participate in safeguarding processes to help protect individuals from abuse and harm.
- Build collaborative, recovery-focused relationships to support individuals in making positive life changes.
- Promote Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in all aspects of your work.
- Work independently, manage your time effectively, and remain flexible to respond to urgent calls or changing demands.
You'll need excellent communication skills, the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, and a strong understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in the criminal justice system. This is a role where your compassion, resilience, and common-sense approach can genuinely change lives.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Support, Time and Recovery (STR) Worker, you will:
- Provide advice, support, and encouragement to service users--primarily in police custody, and when necessary, at magistrates' or crown courts.
- Support individuals in identifying their needs and accessing services that promote personal recovery and wellbeing.
- Maintain accurate clinical records (RiO and NICHE) and support data collection for service improvement.
- Participate in safeguarding processes to help protect individuals from abuse and harm.
- Build collaborative, recovery-focused relationships to support individuals in making positive life changes.
- Promote Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in all aspects of your work.
- Work independently, manage your time effectively, and remain flexible to respond to urgent calls or changing demands.
You'll need excellent communication skills, the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, and a strong understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in the criminal justice system. This is a role where your compassion, resilience, and common-sense approach can genuinely change lives.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ 3 Promoting Independence or Health based equivalent, or willing to undertake full training to achieve this standard.
Experience
Essential
- 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.
Desirable
- Experience of working within criminal justice services (Police, Probation, Courts, etc).
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Access to own private transport and willing to travel
- Evidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skills
- 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.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ 3 Promoting Independence or Health based equivalent, or willing to undertake full training to achieve this standard.
Experience
Essential
- 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.
Desirable
- Experience of working within criminal justice services (Police, Probation, Courts, etc).
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Access to own private transport and willing to travel
- Evidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skills
- 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.
