Job Description

The Custody practitioner role will be part of the team of practitioners and support workers who work across the police custodies in Sussex. As a Custody practitioner you will be based in Crawley but also have the opportunity to work from other police custodies.



In the role you will be assessing and supporting vulnerable people who enter into the criminal justice system through the police custody route. You will offer an holistic assessment of need and support and liaise with the appropriate services when necessary. The role is an integral part of the support within the police custody, working alongside partners in supporting people.



We are looking for someone who is flexible, adaptable and able to provide compassionate approaches in challenging environments.

A good understanding of risk management and assessing a range of vulnerabilities and offering support will be essential but we are also able to provide the necessary support and development for the right candidate.



SCREENING & ASSESSMENT

1. Provide compassion to vulnerable individuals at points of acute vulnerability in the criminal justice process.

2. To support criminal justice agencies to better identify vulnerabilities in their respective environments.

3. Provide criminal justice agencies with advice and information regarding pathways to access further support.

4. To secure referrals into mainstream health and social care services and other relevant interventions and support services from a range of statutory and voluntary providers.

5. Completing the screening and management of service user need through initial information gathering, independent face to face screening demonstrating safe clinical decision making, seeking support from the H&J practitioner, identifying further assessment as indicated.

6. Screening of the individual, through the relevant health databases in consultation with other service providers.

7. Identify the need for involvement of the HCP.

8. Identify the need for involvement of the H&J Practitioner.

9. Identify levels of risk.

10. Identify levels of urgency.

11. Identify needs based on a review of any documentation and database checks.

Identify the need for any further screening or assessments.

12. Identifying the need for and initiating referrals/signposting to external agencies, ensuring that individuals are referred to the relevant professionals for specific treatments/advice/support.



Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.



We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.



We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.



We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.



Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications



Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Key responsibilities within this role:

1. Work within limitations and escalate to H&J practitioner as appropriate.

2. To seek support and guidance from H&J practitioner where necessary.

3. Work as part of a team with the freedom to work independently, particularly in relation to providing advice to service users, carers, and professionals who contact the service.

4. Liaise with other agencies as required dependant on the individuals presentation, work closely with other agencies, such Custody Health Care Professionals, and community agencies.

5. Be accountable for aspects of own clinical practice.

6. Ensure that those aspects of service, delivered as part of remit, meet local quality standards.

7. Ensure that the dignity and respect of individuals is maintained.

8. To maintain effective communication between health, social care and criminal justice agencies, individuals, relatives, carers and the multi-disciplinary team, enabling better identification and responses to provide effective outcomes.

9. Communicating and recording information accurately, sensitively and appropriately for use by criminal justice agencies (i.e. police systems) to inform the decision making process.

10. Promoting effective communication with people who are troubled or distressed.

11. Working collaboratively across teams, agencies and organisational boundaries to ensure the delivery of an integrated service through effective communication.

12. Maintaining excellent communication with individuals regarding their health and social care needs liaising with carers and professionals as required.

13. Actively seek support and supervision to maintain safe practice and facilitate robust decision making.



This exciting service is currently funded by NHS England and is delivered by Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.



The successful applicants must have knowledge of working with individuals who present with a range of vulnerabilities and identification of risks with the ability to follow direction and seek support where required. We are looking for a highly motivated individual and someone who is looking for a new challenge and have the skills to make a difference.