Job summary
An opportunity has arisen within the Liaison and Diversion Team for the role of Liaison & Diversion Practitioner based in Workington Police Station, Cumbria.
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
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.
This is an 'all age' service and so you will be required to work with people from the age of 10 years upwards.
Main duties of the job
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.
Important: This post is requires successful candidates to undergo NPPV Level 2 (full) Vetting from Cumbria Constabulary, of which clearance is essential in order to fulfil the role.
About us
LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.
Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you'd like to discuss your application, please ask.
We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.
LSCFT support 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 and flexi-time.
Details
Date posted
12 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum, pro rata (subject to confirmation)
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
351-BAY917-MS
Job locations
Workington Community Hospital
Park Lane
Cumbria
CA14 2RW
Job description
Job responsibilities
For more details on this vacancy please review the attached job description and person specification.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For more details on this vacancy please review the attached job description and person specification.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Degree qualification in relevant subject or demonstrable evidence or equivalent experience relevant to field of practice
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 a wide range of vulnerabilities including the needs of children and young people
* Knowledge of relevant law, as a minimum; Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Children Act, Social Care Act and PACE code C.
Experience
Essential
* Working with people with complex needs for a minimum of 2 years either whilst studying or post qualification
* Initial Assessment of Health and Social Needs
* Timely and accurate documentation on electronic records
* Assessment of Risk of Service Users to self and others
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Degree qualification in relevant subject or demonstrable evidence or equivalent experience relevant to field of practice
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 a wide range of vulnerabilities including the needs of children and young people
* Knowledge of relevant law, as a minimum; Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Children Act, Social Care Act and PACE code C.
Experience
Essential
* Working with people with complex needs for a minimum of 2 years either whilst studying or post qualification
* Initial Assessment of Health and Social Needs
* Timely and accurate documentation on electronic records
* Assessment of Risk of Service Users to self and others
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Workington Community Hospital
Park Lane
Cumbria
CA14 2RW
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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Employer details
Employer name
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Workington Community Hospital
Park Lane
Cumbria
CA14 2RW
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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