Liaison and Diversion Practitioner

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an award-winning team at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust as a crucial member of the Liaison and Diversion team. You will support individuals in police custody or court by providing assessments and linking them to health services. If you're an enthusiastic and qualified health professional eager to make a meaningful impact in the criminal justice system, this role offers a rewarding opportunity within a supportive working environment.

Benefits

Flexible working options

27 days’ annual leave

NHS pension

Career development opportunities

Cycle-to-work scheme

Wellbeing tools

Retail discounts

Generous leave policies

Free parking

Qualifications

• Registered health/social care professional required.
• Experience in criminal justice and offender health desirable.
• Previous clinical work with vulnerable individuals.

Responsibilities

• Attend police custody suites to provide assessments.
• Provide information to support decision-making.
• Build links with referring agencies.

Skills

Enthusiasm

Experience in health/social care

Interest in health and justice

Education

Qualified Mental Health Nurse

Occupational Therapist

Social Worker

Speech & Language Therapist

Health Visitor

Job description

Liaison and Diversion: Is it right for you?

Do you think everyone under arrest is guilty of a crime? Or that all criminals should be locked up for as long as possible?

If so, this is NOT the job for you.

Do you believe that a person’s health needs and past experiences can be linked to their criminal offending? By identifying and reducing health needs, can vulnerable people be supported to make positive changes and reduce the risk of reoffending?

We’re looking for a qualified Mental Health/Learning Disabilities Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, Speech & Language Therapist, or Health Visitor to join our Liaison and Diversion team.

You’re an enthusiastic, experienced, and registered health/social care professional with an interest in health and justice and a passion for supporting people in police custody or court. Previous experience in criminal justice and offender health is desirable but not essential.

Our service has a reputation for excellence and is committed to improving the health of our clients, identifying care pathways, and reducing reoffending. We’re an award-winning team, including the Howard League for Penal Reform ‘Liaison and Diversion Service of the Year’ and ‘Women’ categories, with commendations from Thames Valley Police, Hampshire Constabulary, and Berkshire Healthcare ‘Team of the Year’.

If you want to use your skills to help change lives in the criminal justice system, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Attend police custody suites and magistrates’ courts to provide assessments, advice, and identify care pathways for individuals with potential health vulnerabilities.
2. Provide written and verbal information about individuals to police and court to support decision-making.
3. Build links with referring agencies within the custody suite, court, and probation, acting as a single point of contact for health services.
4. Work autonomously, managing your own time according to delegated workload.

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC. We are committed to providing the best care across Berkshire and fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where staff can thrive.

Our Values:

• Caring for and about you is our top priority.
• Committed to providing high-quality, safe services.
• Working together with you to develop innovative solutions.

Benefits include flexible working options, 27 days’ annual leave (rising with service), NHS pension, career development opportunities, cycle-to-work scheme, wellbeing tools, retail discounts, staff networks, generous leave policies, and free parking.

For further details or informal visits, contact:

Name: Louise Smith
Job title: Team Manager
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]