Forensic Link Worker Uk Visa Sponsorship

Job Description

We are excited to announce two full-time, fixed-term (12-month) positions as Forensic Link Workers within our growing Community Forensic Services team at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. One role is based at Holly Court in Yeovil (covering South Somerset), and the other at The Bridge in Wells (covering the Mendip/East area).

If you’re passionate about supporting people with complex mental health needs, managing risks thoughtfully, and working in a forensic context, this could be the perfect next step for you. We’re particularly keen to hear from flexible, proactive professionals who thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy collaborating across teams.

These roles sit within our Community Forensic Services, which bring together the Somerset Community Forensic Team (SCFT), Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) pathway, IIRMS, and our Court and Custody Assessment Team. As a relatively new and evolving service, you’ll have real scope to help shape pathways, improve processes, and make a lasting impact on forensic mental health care across Somerset.

You’ll partner closely with Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs), Assertive Outreach Teams, inpatient units, and other local services to deliver specialist, evidence-informed support for individuals who present with significant risks to others or forensic-related mental health challenges. The team of Forensic Link Workers covers key areas including Bridgwater, Taunton, and South Somerset, providing a supportive network for shared learning and collaboration.

The positions offer a balanced mix of home and office-based working, giving you flexibility while maintaining strong connections with your base location.
For an informal chat about the role, please reach out to Ben McEvoy at ben.mcevoy@somersetft.nhs.uk or on 01278 454203.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver specialist clinical guidance, including assessment, formulation, and care planning for people with forensic mental health needs or elevated risks.
• Collaborate with CMHTs, inpatient wards, and partner agencies to promote safe, consistent, and best-practice approaches.
• Offer expert consultation, structured advice, and risk-focused formulations to colleagues managing complex cases.
• Develop solid partnerships with external organisations such as Probation, housing providers, MAPPA panels, Police, and others to support joined-up care.
• Help create inclusive care pathways that thoughtfully balance individual therapeutic needs with public protection and safeguarding duties.
• Serve as the main referral gateway into the Somerset Community Forensic Team for those needing more intensive community input.
• Champion strong risk assessment and management practices, including active involvement in MAPPA processes.
• Play an active part in service improvement, clinical audits, quality initiatives, and the ongoing evolution of forensic community pathways.
• Engage in clinical supervision (both giving and receiving), deliver training, and foster reflective practice to support team growth and development.

Day-to-Day Aspects

Clinical Work
Support joint assessments, provide consultations, and act as a trusted expert in complex case reviews and risk discussions.

Partnership & Communication
Build effective multi-agency relationships to ensure seamless, forensic-aware practice across community, inpatient, and justice settings.

Risk & Safeguarding
Lead on comprehensive risk management while fully upholding safeguarding policies and legal requirements.

Service Improvement
Contribute to audits, pathway reviews, clinical governance, and alignment with national standards and guidance.

Professional Growth
Participate in supervision, appraisals, and ongoing training to keep your specialist knowledge sharp, while also mentoring and supporting colleagues.

Administrative Duties
Maintain high-quality, GDPR-compliant records and use Trust systems efficiently.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Qualifications

• Registered qualification as a Mental Health Nurse (RMN), Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, or another relevant health/social care professional.
• Strong commitment to continuing professional development in forensic mental health (or willingness to develop this).
• Recent relevant training and professional updates.

Desirable

• Additional qualification in a psychological therapy.
• Training in tools such as HCR-20.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Band 6 (or equivalent) experience supporting people with complex mental health needs, including those with forensic backgrounds.
• Proven ability to assess and manage complex risks safely and effectively.
• Deep knowledge of mental health practices, supported by psychological and psychosocial frameworks.
• Solid grasp of national guidance on secure care pathways and the MAPPA framework.

Desirable

• Prior work in secure mental health environments.
• Experience providing clinical supervision.
• Work across both community and inpatient settings.

This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and current UK professional registration. We welcome applications from those needing Skilled Worker sponsorship (subject to UKVI rules).

Why Join Somerset NHS Foundation Trust?

We genuinely value our people and offer a supportive package, including:

• Flexible working patterns to suit your life
• Generous NHS pension for your future security
• Plenty of annual leave to rest and recharge
• Clear opportunities for career progression and skill-building
• Access to the Blue Light Card for great discounts on shopping, travel, dining, and more

Somerset is a beautiful place to live and work — think stunning countryside, dramatic coastlines, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, all within easy reach of vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter (and just two hours from London by train). Excellent schools, more affordable housing than many areas, and a great quality of life make it ideal for building both your career and your home life.

Pay & Contract Details

• Band: 7
• Salary: £47,810 – £54,710 per year (Agenda for Change)
• Contract: Fixed-term / Secondment (12 months) — internal secondments welcome with line manager support
• Hours: Full-time
• Locations: Holly Court, Yeovil (Summerlands, 56 Preston Road, BA20 2BN) or The Bridge, Wells (Glastonbury Road, BA5 1TJ)

If this sounds like the kind of challenging, rewarding role where you can make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today!