Health & Justice Liaison and Diversion Practitioner

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Health & Justice Liaison and Diversion Practitioner to join their team. This role involves working collaboratively within the criminal justice system and health services to assess and divert individuals with mental health issues into appropriate care. The successful candidate will act autonomously in court settings, conduct comprehensive assessments, and prepare detailed reports. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on individuals' lives while working in a supportive, multidisciplinary environment. If you are passionate about mental health and justice, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Registered Mental Nurse or equivalent with current registration.
• Experience in multidisciplinary teams and crisis work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments in custody suites for vulnerable clients.
• Prepare reports and make clinical judgments in custody situations.

Skills

Effective communication

Assessment

Report writing

Risk assessment

Time management

Independent working

Networking

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Registered Mental Nurse

Mental Health Social Worker

Occupational Therapist

Post-registration qualification in forensic mental health

Job description

Health & Justice Liaison and Diversion Practitioner

Join to apply for the Health & Justice Liaison and Diversion Practitioner role at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Job Overview

The post holder will work under the remit of the Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Services, providing proactive assessment, liaison, and diversion services in Police Custody Suites and Magistrates’ Courts in the area. The service will cover all ages and vulnerabilities, including youths in police custody. The post holder will be part of an established liaison and diversion service, working in partnership with health, social services, and the criminal justice system to ensure individuals with mental health issues or vulnerabilities are appropriately assessed and diverted into suitable healthcare services. Building strong relationships within Criminal Justice Services and with Health and Social Services is essential. The role involves working collaboratively with local community Mental Health Services and other agencies to deliver high-quality services.

Main Duties

1. Act as an autonomous practitioner in court detention cells, assessing individuals’ mental state and risk, and implementing care pathways accordingly.
2. Conduct comprehensive mental state assessments, risk assessments, and background histories for individuals with diverse needs, including serious mental illnesses, personality disorders, and substance misuse issues.
3. Prepare accurate reports following assessments, adhering to quality standards.
4. Make clinical judgments in custody situations, adapting to changing circumstances.

Working for Our Organisation

The CNWL Liaison and Diversion teams are part of a respected service working across health, social services, and the criminal justice system in central and North West London. The service is funded through the NHS England Liaison and Diversion programme, which identifies clients with mental health, learning disabilities, substance misuse, or other vulnerabilities at first contact with the criminal justice system.

Detailed Job Description and Responsibilities

• Undertake court assessments for vulnerable clients, including same-day assessments in custody suites, ensuring proper information sharing with legal and health teams.
• Accept referrals from various sources, including court staff, probation, solicitors, and inpatient services, for clients with dual diagnoses or mental health concerns.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential: Registered Mental Nurse, Mental Health Social Worker, or Occupational Therapist with current registration; evidence of ongoing professional development.

Desirable: Post-registration qualification in forensic mental health.

Experience

Essential: Experience in multidisciplinary teams, community or forensic psychiatric settings at Band 6 or above, crisis work, and risk assessment.

Desirable: Forensic psychiatry experience, assessment of clients with substance issues, and liaison and diversion experience.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential: Effective communication, assessment, report writing, risk assessment, time management, independent working, networking, and cultural sensitivity.

Desirable: Skills in forensic assessments, knowledge of relevant legislation, and promoting user involvement.

Additional Details

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Healthcare Provider

Industries: Hospitals and Health Care