Imagine
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Engager Intervention Practitioner
An enhanced DBS will be required for this post
Department:
Operations- Community
Base:
HMP Liverpool & Community
Responsible to:
Engager Clinical Lead/Supervisor
1. JOB SUMMARY
The role involves managing a defined caseload randomly allocated to the Engager
Intervention as part of a clinical trial. The role involves engaging with individuals in prison,
formulating a release plan in co-ordination with other services, supporting and
accompanying them on day of release, and working with them in the community to achieve
their personal goals. A detailed manual provides clear guidance on delivery of the
intervention, which runs from 16-4 weeks prior to release to 2-4 months post release.
Training in the intervention will be provided.
Engager Intervention
The intervention is designed to identify and engage with prisoners with symptoms of
anxiety and depression near to release from prison, and to set up a pathway of care in
the community. The intervention is designed to overcome several barriers:

The transitional barriers associated with leaving the prison environment entering
the community.

The configuration of health and social inclusion services which tend to be linked
to single diagnostic problems (e.g. depression) or single social problems (e.g.
homeless) rather than the reality of individuals with multi-morbidity and
complicated social situations.

Offenders’ reluctance to trust the services or see themselves as having mental
health problems.
A detailed manual provides clear guidance on delivery of the intervention, which runs
from 16-4 weeks prior to release to 2-4 months post release. The intervention needs to
be delivered as closely as possible to the specification in the manual, as the individuals
receiving it are part of a large two centre randomised controlled trial funded by the NIHR.
The intervention has been designed by matching the evidence to the needs of
individuals with mental health problems leaving prison. Flexible working in response to
an individual’s needs is one of the core features of the intervention. Engager
practitioners will adapt ways of working, communication and location of contact in the
community based on needs of the individual offender.
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The research team will provide initial training in the intervention and Mentalisation
approaches and monthly team supervision for mentalisation approaches (via skype or
video conference).The research team will also meet with the Engager Practitioner Team
regularly to support adherence to the Engager model.
Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy
Communication and Working Relationship Skills

Develop and utilise methods of verbal and non-verbal communication skills
informed by mentalisation approach to support individual with a range of
emotional states

Communicate with clients by a range of means including mobile, text, and writing.

Meet weekly with the Engager supervisor/clinical lead to gain supervision.

Contribute to the team’s engagement including liaising with a wide range of other
professionals and agencies.

Impart complex and sensitive information to:

Patients and families/carers re assessment, care planning, treatment and review.

Multi-disciplinary teams to ensure the provision of consistent well-coordinated
management and care.

Primary care teams regarding client care

External agencies also involved in the provision of care e.g.: voluntary and private
sector, prison, police, probation, social services, housing, drug and alcohol
services, employment etc.

Service user/carer groups.

Contribute to the safe and effective day to day operations of the Engager delivery
team including the handling of enquiries related to the team’s caseload.

Provide and receive information some of which may be contentious, sensitive and
complex to and from individuals and their families/carers and actively seek
support as appropriate.

Provide a high standard of written and verbal communication that is clear and in
line with professional documentation standards.

Participate in clinical meetings. This will include case management supervision,
clinical risk and MDT meetings as appropriate.
Communicate information in a way that makes it relevant and understandable for
service users and carers, working in line with practice standards and operational
policies

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
Actively contribute to multi-disciplinary team working.

Facilitate fair access to social care services and promote social inclusion
regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or disability
Analytical and Judgemental Skills

Undertake risk assessments and determine the appropriate course of action,
which has taken into consideration a range of possible options. Where necessary,
ensure that consultation with senior colleagues is undertaken.

Undertake and continuously re-evaluate the Engager shared understanding and
contribute to the development of the shared understanding and shared plan, in
consultation with senior clinical staff and other agencies working with each client.
Ensure that consultation with senior colleagues is undertaken.

Have an awareness of your own clinical competencies, knowledge base and
experience, and ensure that you practice within this and seek support as
required.
Planning and Organisational Skills

Organise meetings including case management and risk meetings.

Responsible for managing own workload to ensure the needs of the individuals
who use our services are met, taking the wider needs of the team into
consideration.

Ensure that interventions are planned in an integrated and co-ordinated manner,
including liaison with prison and community services and agencies.

Plan and organise individuals’ journey through the Engager intervention including
reviews of the shared understanding and shared plan and support through prison
release.

Plan their own workload to ensure that care is provided in the highest quality and
cost efficient manner.
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation
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
Engagement in the development of the Engager intervention as guided by line
management, clinical supervisors and the Engager research team.

Involvement in the implementation of local systems and process in your own area
of work.

Ensure participation in the team’s compliance with CQC standards through the
participation in provider compliance assessment tools.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources

Responsible for the safe use of any equipment.

Responsibility for handling of monies and individual’s valuables.

Responsibility of recording devices and confidential digital files to be transferred
to the research team.
Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and
Management

Demonstrate and role model excellent clinical skills.

Mentor new Engager practitioners in line with the requirements of the Engager
intervention detailed in the Engager Manual.

Ensure that core training is maintained and you participate in training and
development opportunities, in line with the Directorate’s Workforce Plan, and to
meet professional requirements and those of the Engager intervention.

When tasks are delegated, ensure that the person you have delegated these
tasks to is appropriately informed and skilled to complete the tasks set.
Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties

Ensure information resources are used to maintain a knowledge of Trust,
Directorate and Team priorities and safety initiatives.

Maintain up to date clinical record in a timely and accurate manner.

Ensure information is shared with key stakeholders and other agencies in a
secure manner
Responsibility for Research and Development
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
Assist in a programme of research as directed by the line manager

Support the collection of data for evaluation by the Engager research team
Freedom to Act

Work within the operational policies and service specifications of the team.

Work within the parameters of a defined caseload and take accountability for your
own actions

Act within the health and social care framework which includes policy and
procedural guidelines, which will inform your decision about when it is necessary
to consult with senior mental health practitioner
Any Other Specific Tasks Required

Work cooperatively with staff colleagues ensuring a ‘no hands off’ approach

Ensure you remain professionally competent

Undertake any other reasonable management request

Ensure that vetting, honorary contracts, mandatory and recommended training of
collaborating organisations are maintained.
Review of this Job Description
This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and
will be amended in the light of changing service needs. This job description is to be
reviewed in conjunction with the post holder on an annual basis.
General Information
Equality & Diversity
Imagine Independence is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse workforce
and so we welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age,
disability, sex, race, religion or sexual orientation, maternity/pregnancy, marriage/civil
partnership or transgender status. Imagine Independence expects all staff to behave in a
way which recognises and respects this diversity in line with the appropriate standards.
Recovery
It is a requirement of all employees to have an understanding of the broad principles of
the Recovery Approach and to incorporate them into every aspect of their work in
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support of the organisation’s aim to provide services that support people’s recovery
through being holistic and promoting social inclusion, self-management, personal
autonomy and independence.
Risk Management / Health and Safety
Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health &
Safety at Work Act 1974, ensure that agreed safety procedures are carried out and
maintain a safe environment for employees, patients and visitors.
Records Management
The post holder has responsibility for the timely and accurate creation, maintenance and
storage of records in accordance with Imagine Independence, Lancashire Care Trust
and Prison policy, including email documents and with regard to the Data Protection Act,
The Freedom of Information Act and any other relevant statutory requirements.
Clinical Governance, Compliance and Performance
The post holder will be responsible for proving that the Care Quality Commission
outcome areas have been met in all registered/related activities for which the post holder
is responsible. Where outcomes are not met the post holder is expected to put in
place/recommend action to improve. The post holder will proactively seek and engage
the support of the governance teams in the Compliance and Corporate Development
directorate to gather information as required. The post holder will build an understanding
of and adhere to the CQC guidelines as well as the Imagine Independence and the
Trust’s guidelines on the approach to maintaining CQC registration.
Prevention and Control of healthcare Associated Infection
The post holder is expected to comply with Imagine Independence and Trust Infection
Control Policies and conduct themselves at all times in such a manner as to minimise
the risk of healthcare associated infection.
Smoking
Imagine Independence and the Trust operates a ‘non smoking’ policy. Employees are
not permitted to smoke anywhere within the premises of Imagine Independence and the
Trust or when outside on official business. Staff must also be mindful of public
perception and must therefore not smoke whilst travelling in Trust identified vehicles or
when can be identified as Imagine Independence and Lancashire Care Mental Health
Trust staff.
Policies & Procedures
Employees are expected to follow Imagine Independence and Trust policies, procedures
and guidance as well as professional standards and guidelines. It is your responsibility
to read and familiarise yourself with all policies relevant to your job role. These are
grouped into two sections, HR and Clinical and can be found on the Trust intranet site or
via your line manager. You will also be required to comply with any training needs that
arise from reviews or variations of policies and procedures.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is part of everyday practice and all Imagine Independence and Trust
employees are required to work in accordance with policies, procedures and
professional codes to safeguard people who use our service, their children, families and
carers from abuse. Staff must be aware of any children that live with, or have contact
with, the person in their care, promoting the Childs welfare and ensuring their needs
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have been taken into account as part of the overall assessment and practice process,
engaging other agencies as appropriate. All staff should have the knowledge and skills
to work in such a way as to reduce the likelihood of abuse, be alert to, and take
appropriate action in relation to, safeguarding issues. Where staff are unsure what
appropriate action to take, they should always escalate their concerns and speak to a
senior member.
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive but should be seen as a general
guide and does not preclude other tasks as directed by the operational manager. The
job description does not form part of your contract of employment.
Signed __________________________________________
Date
April 2012
___________________________________________
LD/HR/PA02
ISSUE 02
2014
April 2012