Forensic Link Worker (UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Overview

If you’re motivated by complex mental health work and have an interest in forensic services and risk management, this role offers a meaningful next step.

Somerset’s Community Forensic Services are expanding, and we’re looking for a Forensic Link Worker to help strengthen collaboration between forensic and community mental health teams. This is a chance to shape a growing service while working closely with professionals across healthcare, criminal justice, and social care.

What You’ll Be Doing

Clinical & Advisory Role

You’ll act as a specialist resource for teams managing individuals with forensic mental health needs. Your input will support safe, consistent, and evidence-based care.

• Contribute to assessments, formulations, and care planning
  Provide expert advice on managing risk to others
  Support clinicians through consultation and joint working
  Act as a key contact for complex case discussions

Partnership & Multi-Agency Working

This role relies heavily on collaboration across services.

• Work alongside Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs), inpatient units, and outreach services
  Build strong links with Probation, Police, housing providers, and MAPPA partners
  Ensure continuity of care across different settings

You’ll need a solid understanding of public protection frameworks

Risk Management & Safeguarding

Managing risk is central to this role.

• Lead on structured risk assessments and management planning
  Promote safe practices aligned with national safeguarding frameworks
  Ensure compliance with legal and professional standards

Relevant safeguarding guidance

Service Development & Governance

As part of a developing service, your voice will matter.

• Contribute to audits, quality improvement, and pathway development
  Support innovation in community forensic care
  Stay aligned with national policy and clinical standards

Training & Professional Development

You’ll both support others and continue developing yourself.

• Provide supervision and training to colleagues
  Engage in reflective practice and ongoing learning
  Maintain and enhance your forensic expertise

Professional development guidance

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain clear, accurate clinical records
  Follow data protection standards in line with GDPR

About the Service

Somerset Community Forensic Services include:

• Somerset Community Forensic Team (SCFT)
  OPD (Offender Personality Disorder services)
  IIRMS (Intensive Intervention & Risk Management Services)
  Court & Custody Assessment Team

As the service evolves, you’ll play an active role in shaping how forensic pathways develop across the region.

About the Organisation

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust supports staff with:

• Flexible working arrangements
  NHS pension scheme
  Generous annual leave
  Career progression opportunities
  Blue Light Card discounts

About Somerset

Somerset offers a balance of rural calm and city access. With beautiful countryside, coastal areas, and nearby cities like Bristol and Exeter, it’s an ideal place to live and work.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN), or
  Degree/Diploma in Occupational Therapy, Social Work, or similar
  Commitment to ongoing professional development
  Recent relevant training

Desirable Qualifications

• Training in psychological therapies
  HCR-20 risk assessment training

Essential Experience

• Band 6-level experience in mental health services
  Working with complex cases, including forensic histories
  Managing significant risk safely

Desirable Experience

• Secure mental health settings
  Clinical supervision experience
  Community and inpatient work

Key Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of forensic mental health practice
  Awareness of national policy and secure care pathways
  Knowledge of MAPPA processes

Important Information

Disclosure & Barring

• This role requires a DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Sponsorship

• Applications from candidates requiring a Skilled Worker visa are welcome.

Professional Registration

• You must hold valid UK professional registration to apply.

Interested?

This is a great opportunity if you want to:

• Work at the interface of mental health and criminal justice
  Develop specialist forensic skills
  Be part of a growing, evolving service

For informal enquiries, please contact the hiring manager listed in the original advert.