Female Apprentice Support Worker, Band 2

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Female Apprentice Support Worker

Due to the nature of the role, this role is restricted to female applicants only in accordance with the provisions of the occupational requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1).

Do you have lived experience of the criminal justice system? Have you personally experienced a vulnerability such as; mental health difficulties, drug/alcohol misuse, homelessness? Are you interested in using your life experiences to support others who may be going through similar situations?

The Advice, Support in Custody and Court Service (ASCC) within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is offering a new and exciting opportunity for a Female Apprentice Support Worker who has lived experience of the criminal justice system and a vulnerability. We are offering a full apprenticeship, alongside a wide range of experience including working with the Police, Courts and numerous community services including The Nelson Trust. This new apprenticeship scheme supports progression into employment, for individuals who have lived experience / expert by experience. This scheme has been initiated across Liaison and Diversion teams in the South of England, with a view to improving services, and widening the pool of people who may enter employment within the NHS. Lived experience of the criminal justice system and a vulnerability is essential.

As an Apprentice Support Worker with Somerset ASCC, you will work alongside our team of Practitioners in Custody, the Courts and the community, providing support and advice to clients to address any unmet needs. You will maintain communications with clients and other key people involved in their care, and help them to engage with relevant community services to address their needs. You will be supporting clients over the age of 18, who may be experiencing a number of different vulnerabilities such as mental health, drug or alcohol misuse, homelessness, etc.

ASCC is an all age service, providing liaison & diversion both within and out of the Criminal Justice System. We assess individuals, arrested for an alleged offence, for potential vulnerabilities that may increase their chances of coming to the attention of the Criminal Justice System. The aim of the service is to reduce rates of reoffending, assist in the efficient and effective movement through the Criminal Justice System and improve access to health and social care.

We are a multidisciplinary team consisting of Mental Health Nurses, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, a Clinical Psychologist, Recovery Workers, a Children and Young Persons Lead, a Female Lead and a Veterans Champion. We work closely with the Police, Courts, Youth Offending Teams, Drugs and Alcohol Services, Probation, The Nelson Trust, Housing and many more health and social care services.

Women have a different experience within the Criminal Justice System and face disadvantage both in sentencing practice and custodial experience. In the community, women face challenges that are also gender related and the drivers for offending behavior have discrete elements. Female specific Apprentices themselves having lived experience can bring an understanding of the needs of women going through the Criminal Justice System. This role will complement the Trust’s expertise and knowledge with your own insight, experience and suggestions and therefore you will need to be able to share your recovery journey with others, motivating and encouraging them to reach their full potential.

We will support you to learn the skills you need to thrive in the role. We will offer you the training and development support you need to begin a fulfilling career. In return, you will need to be motivated, dynamic, flexible and eager to learn.

The successful candidate will be supported by the Trust to achieve a Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship (City and Guilds Diploma in Healthcare Support – 2017). This will be in partnership with Bridgwater and Taunton College, you will receive apprenticeship training whilst working within the Somerset ASCC Service and across the female pathway in addition to regular attendance at College over a period of 18-24 months. You will receive regular support from the Female Offender Lead within Somerset ASCC to develop your skills, knowledge and experience.

For Further Details / Informal Visits Contact

Name: Ben McEvoy
Job title: ASCC Team Manager
Email address: FLT-ASCC.Secretaries@SomersetFT.nhs.uk
Telephone number: 01278 411860