Post: Liaison and Diversion Practitioner

Location The Bay (Barrow, Kendal and Lancaster)

Band: 5

Salary: �28,407 - �34,581

Hours / Pattern of work: 37.5 hrs.

Type of contract: Permanent

Description

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

This postholder will be expected to work across all three sites however the primary base will be in Barrow in Furness Police Station.

The service operates seven days per week 8-8 when fully operational and staff work on a shift basis.

Essential Criteria: A minimum of NVQ Level 3 in relevant subject OR Diploma in Health and Social Care AND/OR Experience of working with people with complex needs for a minimum of 2 years

Desirable: Professional recognised qualification such as RMN, Learning Disability Nurse, Social Worker, and Occupational Therapist. Psychology Degree CBT Diploma, Substance Misuse Diploma

Please refer to the Job description and person specification for full details regarding the requirements of the post and essential and desirable criteria.

Liaison and Diversion (L& D) services identify people who have substance misuse, mental health, learning disability or other vulnerabilities when they first come into contact with the criminal justice system as suspects, defendants or offenders.

The service can then support people through the early stages of criminal system pathway, refer them for appropriate health or social care or enable them to be diverted away from the criminal justice system into a more appropriate setting, if required.

Main duties of the job

This is an 'all age' service and so you will be required to work with people from the age of 10 years upwards.

The main things that L& D services do for the people we see are identification, screening, assessment and referral to other services.

We work in Police Custody Suites and Courts throughout Lancashire & Cumbria and offer assessments to individuals within the Criminal Justice system including Voluntary Attendees

We look to identify unmet need and vulnerabilities that often lead to or exacerbate offending behaviour, offer onward referral and signposting as appropriate

We liaise across agencies to support onward planning and intervention to address needs

We offer some brief community based intervention to maximise service user access and engagement with those appropriate services

We help to inform decision makers with relevant and timely information to support sentencing and disposal outcomes.

The Bradley Report (2009) is a useful reference point to learn more and you are encouraged to read this.

Important: This post is requires successful candidates to undergo NPPV Level 2 (full) Vetting from Cumbria Constabulary and Lancashire Constabulary, of which clearance is essential in order to fulfil the role.

This post may close early due to high numbers of applications so you are advised to apply promptly.

About us

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of services including secondary mental health care across this area. Specialist provision comprises inpatient child and adolescent mental health services, perinatal mental health and forensic services including low and medium secure care.

The Trust also provides a range of physical health and well-being services in the community alongside a range of partners in the Lancashire, Cumbria and Sefton area.

Lancashire & South Cumbria Foundation Trust encourages flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours, flexi-time and career breaks. We encourage applicants to state clearly on their application forms this request and discuss these options at interview.

For more information please visit our website via Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS FT

The Trust is committed to equality and diversity in employment.

The Trust is committed to improving the working lives of its staff and flexible working options may be available.

We are a no smoking organisation.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the Job description and person specification for full details regarding the requirements of the post and essential and desirable criteria.

Person Specification

Education

Essential

• Degree qualification in relevant subject or demonstrable evidence or equivalent experience relevant to field of practice

Desirable

• Professional recognised qualification such as RMN, Learning Disability Nurse, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist.
• Psychology Degree

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of mental health issues and/or learning disability
• Knowledge of Criminal Justice System, including roles and responsibilities of staff working in it
• Knowledge of use and interpretation of health screening tools

Experience

Essential

• Working with people with complex needs for a minimum of 2 years either whilst studying or post qualification
• Lone working
• Initial Assessment of Health and Social Needs

Employer details

Employer name

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Liaison & Diversion The Bay

Lancaster

LA1 1YB

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

351-SPS1038-CLK-A