Liaison and Diversion Practitioner

NHS; Crawley; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Liaison and Diversion Practitioner to assess adults, children and young people in Police Custody settings across Sussex. The role requires advanced assessment and risk management skills and involves collaboration with police, courts and health services to ensure timely access to appropriate care.

Travel across the community settings is required. Applicants should have post‑registration experience in mental health, learning disabilities,

Qualifications

• Registered Mental Health Nurse / Learning Disability Nurse / General Nurse on NMC Register.
• Registered Social Worker.
• Post-registration experience with evidence of formal courses and training at diploma/degree level.
• BSc degree in nursing or equivalent level.
• Qualification in providing supervision.

Responsibilities

• Refer to the Job Description and Person Specification attached for a detailed overview of responsibilities and criteria for this role.

Skills

NMC Registered Nurse

Social Worker

Post-registration experience

Nursing degree

Supervision qualification

Education

BSc in Nursing or equivalent

Job description

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Liaison and Diversion Practitioner

The closing date is 27 September 2026

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Practitioner to join the Sussex Health & Justice Liaison & Diversion Service. Working within Police Custody settings across Sussex, you will assess adults, children, and young people who may be experiencing mental health difficulties, learning disabilities, substance misuse, or other social vulnerabilities. Your interventions will help ensure individuals are identified early, connected with the right services, and supported to achieve better outcomes. This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You'll work closely with police, courts, healthcare professionals, and community partners, using your clinical expertise to influence decision-making and ensure people receive the right care at the right time. We're looking for an experienced, compassionate practitioner with excellent assessment and risk management skills, a collaborative approach, and a passion for improving lives. Please note you will be required to meet the travel requirements of the community role.

Main duties of the job

• Deliver high-quality assessments for adults, children and young people in Police Custody settings across Sussex.
• Identify mental health, learning disability, substance misuse, physical health and social vulnerabilities at the earliest opportunity.
• Develop and implement person-centred care and support plans to meet complex needs.
• Make timely referrals to appropriate health, social care and community services.
• Work closely with police, courts and criminal justice partners to support informed decision-making.
• Provide accurate information regarding an individual's health needs and vulnerabilities to relevant agencies.
• Use a trauma-informed approach to minimise distress and avoid individuals having to repeatedly share their experiences.
• Manage complex cases autonomously, using advanced assessment and risk management skills.
• Provide consultation, advice and clinical supervision to colleagues and partner professionals where appropriate.
• Promote positive outcomes by helping vulnerable individuals access the right support at the right time.

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.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Job responsibilities

** Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification attached for a detailed overview of the responsibilities and criteria for this role. **

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Registered Mental Health Nurse / Learning Disability Nurse/General Nurse on NMC Register.
• Registered Social Worker.
• Post-registration experience, evidence of formal courses and training at diploma/degree level.
• BSc degree in nursing or equivalent level
• Qualification in providing supervision

Experience

• Evidence of extensive post registration experience with working with Clients experiencing mental health related difficulties
• Experience of working with Clients who have difficulty in engaging with services and have complex mental health needs
• Experience of working in community setting and making decisions autonomously
• Lived experience of the criminal justice system, care system or vulnerabilities

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust