The closing date is 24 April 2026
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Liaison & Diversion Practitioner with a criminal justice interest to support the Sussex Health & Justice liaison and diversion Service. The post holder will provide high‑quality assessments of individuals attending Police Custody and support referral to community services. The role covers custody across Sussex, supporting people of all ages, including under 18s with various vulnerabilities, and specialises in children and young people entering the criminal justice system.
Main Responsibilities
* Take responsibility for specialist assessment within the service specification, promoting self‑determination, choice and autonomy.
* Provide written reports for Crown or Magistrates Courts, attend and give verbal evidence, and make recommendations.
* Participate in setting quality standards, auditing, monitoring and reviewing practice in line with current clinical guidance and policy.
* Assess patient care needs, agree and refer to appropriate agencies.
* Complete robust risk assessments and risk‑management plans, promoting positive risk‑taking to improve quality of life.
* Maintain an effective system of verbal and written reporting on patient conditions.
* Utilise agreed outcome measures to review effectiveness, as part of the Health and Justice Service.
* Contribute to service development ensuring clinical governance processes are implemented at team level.
* Assist in achieving service aims and objectives set by the Team Leader and identify factors inhibiting success.
Qualifications & Training
* Registered Mental Health Nurse / Learning Disability Nurse / General Nurse on the NMC Register.
* Registered Social Worker.
* Post‑registration experience with formal courses and training at diploma/degree level.
* Compliance with NMC requirements.
* Evidence of accredited postgraduate education.
* Registered Mentor.
Experience
* Extensive post‑registration experience working with clients experiencing mental health difficulties, including engagement with complex needs.
* Experience working in a community setting with autonomous decision‑making.
* Experience in assessing, planning, coordinating and managing people with mental health problems in a community setting.
* Experience integrating care delivery across multidisciplinary or multi‑agency teams.
* Experience conducting clinical audit.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
* Knowledge of Mental Health NICE Guidelines.
* Knowledge of NMC Code of Conduct.
* Understanding of Care Programme Approach and Community Care Act principles.
* Demonstrated understanding of Equality and Anti‑discriminatory practice.
* Strong interpersonal skills (communication, listening, collaboration) and ability to maintain good relationships with users, carers, providers and agencies.
* Capability to manage staff/support workers, incorporating leadership skills including positivity, innovation, performance management, delegation, caseload planning and clinical supervision.
Personal Attributes
* Exemplary personal standards of conduct and behaviour.
* Passion for working with adults experiencing mental health difficulties and other vulnerabilities.
* Ability to meet travel requirements of the community role with suitable vehicle insurance where applicable.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.
Address
Brighton Custody Suite (Expected to work across other custody suites in Sussex when required)
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
#J-18808-Ljbffr