Trust Search Dog Handler

Job summary

This Post provides a dedicated Drug search facility for ward/unit and departmental managers across the organisation or on request from other NHS Trusts within the North East region.

Reporting direct to the Safety Security & Resilience Manager you will be providing a service to the organisation, in the use and effective handling of a Drug search dog to eliminate the use and supply of illegal drugs with the intent of reducing levels of anti-social behaviour. Whilst maintaining close liaison work with Police on successful Drug Finds and ensure the safe handling of substances on a 'find'.

Develop a safe system of evidence preservation to ensure successful prosecution and subsequent sanctions of offenders.

The post holder will Act as a key advisor in the Human behaviours associated with the supply and use of illegal Drugs and the promotion of patient rehabilitation

The Post holder will be responsible for the health and wellbeing of the Trust Narcotics Search Dog: this includes feeding, grooming, exercising and monitoring the health of the Dog on a daily basis, cleaning, maintaining and caring for the dog's living, working and transport environments on a daily/weekly basis. The Trust cover costs associated with the welfare of the dog and provide an adapted vehicle for the transportation of a working dog also.

Main duties of the job

The Post holder will maintain their own and the dogs re-accreditation/licensing arrangements by assessments attend refresher training periodically every year delivered by local Police forces, also the post holder must maintain a good level of Physical fitness to ensure the dog is adequately controlled during working visits to wards/units and departments across the Trust.

It is important that candidates live within a reasonable commuting distance of The Trusts geographical footprint. his ensures minimal travel time to maintain the wellbeing of the dog and respond within an appropriate timeframe when needed.

Must be able to provide suitable housing requirements for a working dog.

If you live outside this area, we encourage you to apply if you are willing to relocate to meet this requirement.

Educated to Masters level or Equivalent experience in evidence handling, knowledge of illicit substances and appropriate legislation.

Have experience of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, Misuse of Drugs Act and Memorandums of Understanding

Hold a Nationally recognised Dog Handling License and hold a full UK driving license.

Have an awareness of Health and Safety related threats which may compromise the search dog or the handler's safety whilst conducting searches.

Have Search Experience and the ability to effectively manage a search procedure

About us

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

Applicants must also:

Possess a good level of communication skills both Oral and written and have experience of producing witness statements compromising of any evidence gained.

Have experience of Risk management processes and the ability to produce written risk assessments associated with the role.

Have experience of producing and providing reports to senior management which demonstrate the effectiveness of the role, any trends or emerging themes associated with the detection of illegal drugs.

Employer details

Employer name

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St Nicholas Hospital

Newcastle Upon Tyne

NE3 3XT

Employer's website

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

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Employer details

Employer name

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Address

St Nicholas Hospital

Newcastle Upon Tyne

NE3 3XT

Employer's website

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

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