Job responsibilities
MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The post holder will function within a team of specialist nurses, along with the police officers in the unit. There is an expectation of the post holder to train in threat management and the specialist skill development will be through formal teaching programs, along with practice based supervision in post. The post holder will work jointly with other mental health personnel and police officers in the evaluation of concerns in each case, working to specific protocols. The post holder will take part in group referral meetings and supervision sessions that include police officers at which risk evaluations and possible interventions will be discussed. The post holder may on occasion be required to undertake assessments of the mental state of people making inappropriate attempts to gain proximity to prominent people. Such assessments may occur in public places, hospitals or the persons ordinary place of residence. The post holder will aid in the assessment and implementation of appropriate interventions, designed to contain or reduce the level of concern relating to a particular individual. Such interventions in many cases include a psychiatric liaison and/or diversion; this will mean liaising with mental health services in the persons area of origin and the provision of relevant background information which might assist the assessment. The post holder will be required to follow up those on his or her caseload, including obtaining information on the treatment and progress of those detained in psychiatric hospitals. This will be used to contribute to the regular review of threat or concern on those who are considered to constitute a moderate or strong risk. These cases will be followed from the time of referral until such time as the concern is sufficiently low to not require continuous follow up. The post holder will be supervised clinically by senior medical or psychology staff and in terms of management by the Team Leader of the unit. The post holder whilst operating in the field in different parts of the country will be required to take decisions autonomously and in the context of situations where risk is considered to be present. Additionally the post holder will be required to make assessment of concern levels based upon the information that is available. Freedom to act and professional accountability are requirement of the position. The post holder will be required to become proficient in threat assessment theory and practice in this specialist area, to a level which will allow them to guide or inform consultant psychiatrists, along with other health professionals with whom they come into working contact. Promote the service to other statutory, non-statutory agencies including government ministers, correspondence teams and security departments, through training and presentations together with police colleagues.
Communication
The post holder will undertake the gathering of background information on persons referred from, hospitals, general practitioners and social services. This will involve telephone and email contact with such services. The post holder will be required to deal directly with consultant psychiatrists across the UK; and on occasion the representatives of members of parliament, foreign embassies and senior police officers in other services. The post holder will be required to enter relevant details of their cases onto a computerised database, making use of keyboard skills to compile individual case reports, along with risk assessments and recording data. A high standard of interpersonal skill is required to manage the complex and possibly conflicting interests of those involved in the various processes, i.e. health professionals,police, social services, potential or actual victim, their staff etc. The post holder will have access to sensitive or confidential information involving a variety of agencies and he/she will be required to treat such information appropriately, in accordance with professional standards. This management of confidential information also involves adherence to medical standards of confidentiality regarding clinical information and to hcpc/police standards with non-clinical information
Patient/Customer Care (if applicable) (both direct and indirect)
The post holder may on occasion be required to undertake assessments of the mental state of people making inappropriate attempts to gain proximity to prominent people. Such assessments may occur in public places, hospitals or the persons ordinary place of residence. The post holder will have the responsibility of maintaining the dignity of the person in such circumstances. The post holder will manage a caseload together with external services involved in the care of the person. They will attend professionals meetings and based on assessment and dialogue with external services, involve the person as appropriate. The post holder will ensure that the relevant services are informed of progress of the case and new developments at every stage of the case.
People (HR) Management
Day to day supervision and line management of staff band 6 and below. To be involved in local induction, development/updating of induction pack. Provide support for new staff in line with Trust Buddy system. Delivering training, nationally as a major job responsibility, to NHS and Police services as well as representatives of prominent people, MPs and correspondence teams. Comply with relevant policies and procedures pertaining to the North London Forensic service, as well as procedures laid down by the hosting establishment (Metropolitan Police Service) Responsible for reporting and incidents and injuries via Ulysses. Attend Mandatory training days / courses, as and when required Participate, when required, in supervision sessions conducted by the Team Leader / Clinical Coordinator. Participate in joint team meetings. Identify own learning needs.
Information Management
Responsibility for contemporaneous documentation FATC computer system. Regular requirement to create reports and referral letters to a high standard. Responsible for the operation of computer systems, BEH intranet, FTAC TOM system and MPS AWARE.
Policy Development and Service Development
Participating in the creation and implementation policies or protocols Contributing to changes to working practices in a continually evolving service. Contributing to new projects including research developments
Resource Management
Responsible for ensuing equipment failures are reported and stock maintained. Develop an understanding of the unit budget in order to assist management with financial control within trust expectations and the requirements of the unit.
Systems and Equipment
Responsible for the operation of computer systems, BEH intranet, FTAC TOM system and MPS AWARE (training will be provided during induction period).
Effort, Mental and Environment
Must be able to travel nationally and in some cases internationally. At times this will be a very short notice. Office based for extensive periods, working on more than one computer systems. The post holder will be expected to participate in the assessment of correspondence and conduct mental state examination. The post holder will need to be highly skilled in these areas. They will be continuously evaluating each case that they hold requiring extensive mental effort. This can be a high stress environment with occasional cases that are high risk, which will need skill and knowledge to manage effectively. The post hold will be required to work in a unit which can be stressful due to the nature and sensitivity of the work. The post holder will be required to manage these stress levels and have well developed coping strategies. Partnership working with the police, including joint assessment and management of cases. There are often differing opinions on how to manage cases, this can be challenging. Working environment can be a challenge; small open plan office may interrupt concentration. No Natural daylight, regular breaks should be taken in accordance with health and safety regulations. Office is air conditioned.
