Liaison and Diversion Practitioner

EAST LONDON NHS FOUNDATION TRUST; Luton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a Band 6 Liaison and Diversion Practitioner in Luton. The role involves conducting assessments for individuals involved in the criminal justice system, managing vulnerabilities, and working collaboratively with partner agencies. Candidates should have a professional registration and experience with vulnerable populations. The position may require shifts and weekend work.

Qualifications

• Professional registration as a social worker, mental health nurse or learning disability nurse is required.
• Experience with individuals having autism, dyslexia, and learning disabilities is preferred.
• Ability to work autonomously and establish rapport quickly.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of individuals in different settings including police custody and courts.
• Identify and manage risks including mental illness and substance use.
• Collaborate with partner agencies and public sector organizations.

Skills

Autonomy in work

Ability to establish rapport quickly

Working with individuals with autism and learning disabilities

Experience with vulnerable populations

Education

Professional registration as a social worker, mental health nurse or learning disability nurse

Job description

Overview

The Bedfordshire and Luton Liaison and Diversion Service (L&DS) is recruiting Band 6 Liaison and Diversion Practitioners (Social Worker, Mental Health Nurse or Learning Disability Nurse) to provide quality screening and assessment for individuals engaged with the criminal justice system.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of individuals in police custody, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Court, voluntary settings and occasionally other sites such as women’s centre, TOKKO Centre, service user homes, etc.
• Identify and manage vulnerability risks including mental illness, personality disorder, alcohol and substance use, homelessness, acquired brain injury, learning disabilities, autism, speech and language difficulties.
• Prioritise and support women and veterans, high‑risk service users, and those involved with child sexual exploitation and indecent image offences.
• Engage with children and young people outside Youth Offending Service operating hours.
• Work across satellite bases in Luton and Kempston police custody and Luton Courts.
• Prepare high‑quality reports and maintain accurate records.
• Collaborate with partner agencies, police, courts and other public sector organisations.
• Operate within a rota that may include 12‑hour shifts, one weekend a month, and 8 am‑8 pm seven days a week service hours.

Qualifications

• Recruitment band 6.
• Professional registration as a social worker, mental health nurse or learning disability nurse.
• Capability to establish rapport quickly and work autonomously.
• Experience working with people who have autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, intellectual disabilities, children and young people.
• Preferred but not essential: understanding of the criminal justice system.

Working Pattern

Service hours: 8 am – 8 pm, seven days a week. Rota may include 12‑hour shifts and one weekend a month subject to service needs.

Diversity and Equality

We are an equal opportunity provider committed to diversity, inclusion and equality for staff and service users.