Health & Justice Practitioner

NHS; Worcester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Liaison & Diversion Practitioner based in Worcester. You will provide holistic assessments for individuals in the criminal justice system, focusing on mental health and substance misuse. This role requires knowledge of relevant laws, assessment tools, and the ability to collaborate effectively across agencies. A professional qualification in nursing or social work is essential. Join us to make a difference in our community.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Ongoing training and support

Qualifications

• Professional qualifications in nursing, social work, or occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of safeguarding adults and children.
• Experience in the Criminal Justice system.

Responsibilities

• Conduct holistic health assessments within service specifications.
• Provide evidence and recommendations to Crown or Magistrates Courts.
• Complete risk assessments and management plans.

Skills

Knowledge of mental health issues

Knowledge of Criminal Justice System

Knowledge of assessing and mitigating risk

Ability to interpret health screening tools

Understanding of capacity and consent

Education

Professional recognised qualification (RMN, RGN, etc.)

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Liaison & Diversion Team for the role of Liaison & Diversion Practitioner based in Worcester & Kidderminster Police custodies.

Liaison & Diversion (L&D) services identify people who have substance misuse, mental health, learning disability or other vulnerabilities when they first come onto contact with the criminal justice system. We look to identify unmet need and vulnerabilities that often lead to or exacerbate offending behaviour, offer onward referral and signposting as appropriate. We liaise across agencies to support onward planning and intervention to address identified needs and where appropriate support the diversion of individuals away from the criminal justice process into a more appropriate setting.

We work in Police Custody Suites, Courts and Community throughout Worcestershire and offer assessments to individuals within the Criminal Justice system including Voluntary Attendees. We help to inform decision makers with relevant and timely information to support sentencing and disposal outcomes.

We offer brief community based intervention to maximise service user access and engagement with appropriate services.

This is an 'all age' service and so you will be required to work with people from the age of 10 years upwards.

This role is subject to police vetting

The post holder will be expected to travel across the MPFT footprint

Main duties of the job

Take responsibility for holistic health assessment (within service specification) in Liaison and Diversion in conjunction with service user and carer (If necessary), helping to promote self-determination, choice and autonomy.

To provide a written report for Crown or Magistrates Courts or to attend and give verbal evidence as required. To offer considered recommendations to these bodies.

Assess service users individual needs, agree and refer on to appropriate agency.

Complete and contribute, where appropriate to robust risk assessments and risk management plans. Deliver and promote positive risk taking, where appropriate, to improve quality of life and maximise occupational performance/independence.

Maintain an effective reporting system by observing and reporting verbally and electronically in health records.

Utilise agreed outcome measures to review the effectiveness of process, as part of Liaison and Diversion Service.

To use both Silvercloud and Justice Star tools in supporting service users.

To provide feedback to youth justice panels and Youth Offending services.

About us

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.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

• Professional recognised qualification such as RMN, RGN, Learning Disability Nurse, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, AHP.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of mental health issues and/or learning disability. Knowledge of Criminal Justice System, including roles and responsibilities of staff working in it. Knowledge of use and interpretation of health screening tools. Knowledge of assessing and mitigating risk - including risk of harm to self and others. Knowledge of a wide range of vulnerabilities including the needs of children and young people. Knowledge and understanding of capacity and consent. Knowledge of theoretical approaches to working with vulnerable people. Knowledge of appropriate health and social care interventions. Knowledge of relevant law, as a minimum; Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Children Act, Social Care Act and PACE code C. Knowledge of human growth and development. Knowledge of Safeguarding Adults and Children Knowledge of Information Governance, Data Protection and GDPR.

Experience

• Experience of the Immigration System.