Liaison and Diversion Practitioner

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Liaison and Diversion Team for the role of Liaison & Diversion Practitioner. This key position within the established Liaison and Diversion Service for Police Custody Suites and Magistrates Courts is offered as a permanent post.

Role Overview

You will work in partnership with police supporting individuals aged 10 and upwards who are arrested and brought into custody, or who are voluntary attendees. Your role is part of a wider MDT, including community engagement workers, peer support workers, and specialist practitioners.

As well as working within a small supportive team, you will have access to CPD and training to complement your role, along with support in career development and progression across the organisation.

Support and Flexibility

We offer reasonable adjustments and support with the application and interview process, and support flexible working patterns. We encourage anyone to contact team managers to discuss individual circumstances.

Requirements

• The role is predominantly based in police custody suites.
• Successful candidates must undergo NPPV Level 2 (full) Police Vetting and have been resident in the UK for at least three years.
• Enhanced DBS clearance is also required.

Vacancy Locations

We have vacancies across the following custody suites – please indicate your preference of locality on your application form in additional information:

• Blackpool and Preston
• Lancaster, Barrow and Kendal
• Workington & Carlisle

Role Responsibilities

This role involves identifying and responding to requests to screen and assess people with vulnerabilities in contact with the justice system. The role may be based in the community, police custody, or courts, for individuals aged 10 and above.

Referrals are received when there are concerns about mental health issues, learning disabilities, substance misuse, social care, safeguarding, or other vulnerabilities, triggering a referral to the Liaison & Diversion service.

The role includes assessing vulnerabilities using validated tools, ensuring risk is assessed, sharing relevant information to access appropriate services, and managing client and public safety.

Assessments will include opinions on the service user's capacity for effective participation in criminal justice procedures, cultural and gender needs, age and development-related needs, and social circumstances such as relationships, leisure, daily living, education, employment, housing, and finances.

Information will be shared verbally and in written reports within Criminal Justice settings to inform decision-making and facilitate diversion from and within the criminal justice pathway.

About Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

The Trust provides a range of services including secondary mental health care, inpatient child and adolescent mental health services, perinatal mental health, and forensic services including secure care. It also offers physical health and well-being services in the community in partnership with local organizations.

Workplace Flexibility

We encourage flexible working, believing it benefits NHS employees' health and wellbeing. Options such as term-time, part-time, compressed hours, flexi-time, and career breaks are considered. Applicants are encouraged to specify their preferences on the application and discuss options at interview.

Contact Details

For more information, visit our website via Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS FT. For informal inquiries or visits, contact:

• Name: Juliette Hargreaves
• Job Title: Service Manager
• Email: Juliette.Hargreaves@lscft.nhs.uk
• Telephone: 01772 406725