Health & Justice Liaison and Diversion Practitioner

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Health & Justice Liaison and Diversion Practitioner to join their established service. The role involves assessing and diverting individuals with mental health issues within the criminal justice system. You will collaborate with various agencies to ensure high-quality care and support for vulnerable populations, including youths in custody. This full-time position requires effective communication and independent working skills, and candidates must hold relevant professional qualifications.

Qualifications

• 12+ months post-registration experience in community or forensic psychiatric settings.
• Experience in crisis work and risk assessment within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Act as an autonomous practitioner in court and police detention cells.
• Perform same-day court assessments for vulnerable clients.
• Accept referrals from police, court, and other agencies.

Skills

Effective communication

Comprehensive assessment

Risk evaluation

Time management

Independent working

Networking

Culturally sensitive approach

Education

Registered Mental Nurse

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 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 problems or vulnerabilities are appropriately diverted into healthcare services.

Please obtain approval from your line manager before applying for this secondment. You will collaborate with local community Mental Health Services and other agencies to provide a high-quality liaison and diversion service. Unsocial working hours and participation in a 7-day rota are required. The post may involve working across sites as needed.

Main Duties

1. Act as an autonomous practitioner in court and police detention cells, assessing mental state and risk, and implementing care pathways.
2. Maintain a presence at the work site to respond to referrals promptly, checking regularly for custody cases and responding to calls if leaving the site.
3. Screen youths in police custody in the absence of the youth justice liaison worker, engaging with young persons and guardians, and making referrals as needed.
4. Conduct comprehensive mental state and risk assessments, gathering background histories for individuals with various needs in custody and court settings.

Working for Our Organisation

This NHS-funded service aims to identify vulnerabilities among individuals in the criminal justice system, including mental health, learning disabilities, and substance misuse issues. The role covers Uxbridge Magistrates Court and Heathrow Police Custody Suite.

Vetting Requirements: Candidates must obtain Metropolitan Police vetting clearance before contract finalization. Ensure full disclosure of criminal convictions, police involvement, and residency history as per guidance.

Responsibilities

• Accept referrals from police, court, and other agencies for clients with dual diagnoses or mental disorders, including in-patient and community services.
• Perform same-day court assessments for vulnerable clients, ensuring timely information sharing with legal and health professionals.
• Assist in referrals for psychiatric reports and ensure reports are forwarded appropriately, with consent, to relevant health providers.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

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

Desirable: Post-registration qualification in forensic mental health.

Experience

Essential: 12+ months post-registration experience in community or forensic psychiatric settings, crisis work, and risk assessment within a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable: Forensic psychiatry experience, working with clients with substance issues or homelessness, and liaison/diversion experience.

Skills & Knowledge

Essential: Effective communication, comprehensive assessment, risk evaluation, time management, independent working, networking, respectful and culturally sensitive approach.

Desirable: Knowledge of forensic legislation, EVIDENCE of promoting user involvement, and experience working with vulnerable children and youth.

Additional Details

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior level

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Function: Healthcare Provider

Industries: Hospitals and Healthcare