Health & Justice Liaison and Diversion Practitioner
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Job Overview
The post holder will work under the remit of the Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Services, providing proactive assessment, liaison, and diversion services in Police Custody Suites and Magistrates’ Courts in the area. The service will cover all ages and vulnerabilities, including youths in police custody. The post holder will be part of an established liaison and diversion service, working in partnership with health, social services, and the criminal justice system to ensure individuals with mental health issues or vulnerabilities are appropriately assessed and diverted into suitable healthcare services. Building strong relationships within Criminal Justice Services and with Health and Social Services is essential. The role involves working collaboratively with local community Mental Health Services and other agencies to deliver high-quality services.
Main Duties
1. Act as an autonomous practitioner in court detention cells, assessing individuals’ mental state and risk, and implementing care pathways accordingly.
2. Conduct comprehensive mental state assessments, risk assessments, and background histories for individuals with diverse needs, including serious mental illnesses, personality disorders, and substance misuse issues.
3. Prepare accurate reports following assessments, adhering to quality standards.
4. Make clinical judgments in custody situations, adapting to changing circumstances.
Working for Our Organisation
The CNWL Liaison and Diversion teams are part of a respected service working across health, social services, and the criminal justice system in central and North West London. The service is funded through the NHS England Liaison and Diversion programme, which identifies clients with mental health, learning disabilities, substance misuse, or other vulnerabilities at first contact with the criminal justice system.
Detailed Job Description and Responsibilities
* Undertake court assessments for vulnerable clients, including same-day assessments in custody suites, ensuring proper information sharing with legal and health teams.
* Accept referrals from various sources, including court staff, probation, solicitors, and inpatient services, for clients with dual diagnoses or mental health concerns.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential: Registered Mental Nurse, Mental Health Social Worker, or Occupational Therapist with current registration; evidence of ongoing professional development.
Desirable: Post-registration qualification in forensic mental health.
Experience
Essential: Experience in multidisciplinary teams, community or forensic psychiatric settings at Band 6 or above, crisis work, and risk assessment.
Desirable: Forensic psychiatry experience, assessment of clients with substance issues, and liaison and diversion experience.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential: Effective communication, assessment, report writing, risk assessment, time management, independent working, networking, and cultural sensitivity.
Desirable: Skills in forensic assessments, knowledge of relevant legislation, and promoting user involvement.
Additional Details
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Healthcare Provider
Industries: Hospitals and Health Care
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