Liaison and Diversion Mental Health Practitioner

NELFT North East London Foundation Trust; Ilford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in mental health services is seeking a Liaison and Diversion Mental Health Practitioner in Ilford. This full-time role involves high-quality mental health liaison, assessment, and management, serving as a bridge between police, courts, and mental health services. The ideal candidate will possess relevant qualifications and significant experience in mental health, ensuring effective collaboration across multiple agencies.

Benefits

High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Significant experience working with people with mental health problems.
• Experience undertaking autonomous assessments.
• Experience assessing risk and developing risk management plans.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality mental health liaison, assessment, and management.
• Screen and manage individuals identified as having mental health problems.
• Develop and maintain relationships within Criminal Justice Services.

Skills

High standards in written and verbal communication

Emotional resilience

Physical resilience

Education

Professional qualification relevant to mental health practice

RMN/Degree/Diploma in Nursing or Social Work

Job description

Liaison and Diversion Mental Health Practitioner

Closing date: 11 November 2025

Provide high‑quality mental health liaison, assessment, and management for individuals referred from Police Custody Suites and Courts, acting as a bridge between police, courts, and mental health services. The post holder will facilitate liaison and interface between police staff and receiving hospitals, primarily involving Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983.

Main duties

Screening of individuals identified as having mental health problems, ongoing assessment (including awareness of physical health, drug and alcohol use, learning difficulties, speech, language and communication issues), immediate case management and timely sensitive sharing of information between police, court and mental health services.

• Enhance and develop relationships within Criminal Justice Services and build strong links between Health, Social Services and the Criminal Justice System. Work collaboratively with Mental Health Services and other statutory/non‑statutory agencies to ensure a high‑quality service.
• Develop innovative approaches to working with mental health services locally and across London, e.g. linking with YOTs and CAMHS services, participating in service reviews and recording data that demonstrates and supports the benefits of liaison and diversion.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Professional qualification relevant to mental health practice
• RMN/Degree/Diploma in Nursing, CQSW/Degree/Diploma in Social Work, or Registered Occupational Therapist

Experience

• Significant experience working with people with mental health problems
• Experience undertaking autonomous assessments
• Experience assessing risk and developing risk management plans
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including presentation of cases
• Ability to work under pressure and on own initiative
• Capability to negotiate and form collaborative partnerships with other agencies
• Experience in acute adult, multi‑disciplinary community mental health services
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the clinical area
• Experience coordinating care, including health and social care assessment, risk assessment and care planning

Knowledge

• Mental Health Act 1983; Mental Capacity Act, Care Act and related guidance
• Models and principles of care used in crisis intervention
• Working knowledge of the Criminal Justice System and Liaison and Diversion services
• Awareness of NHS priorities
• Understanding of Personalisation agendas, recovery models and evidence‑based practice
• Specialist clinical knowledge and experience in mental health and recovery

Skills

• High standards in written and verbal communication; ability to compile and present written and oral reports
• Emotional resilience; ability to manage a highly pressured workload and challenging emotionally demanding interactions
• Physical resilience; ability to use personal safety techniques to deal with challenging clients or incidents

Additional Information

• The post will be subject to a probationary period.
• High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (£4,714 – £5,941 per annum pro rata for part‑time).
• Location: Barkingside Court / Snaresbrook Court / Romford and Bark Police Custody suites.
• Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per annum (plus HCAS), pro‑rata for part‑time.
• Contract: Permanent.
• Working pattern: Full‑time, Job share, Flexible working.
• Reference number: 395-AR076-25.