Job summary
The developing Hertfordshire Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Team (CJLDT) is looking to recruit a Band 6 Liaison and Diversion Practitioner (Social Worker, Mental Health Nurse, Learning Disability Nurse, or occupational therapist). A new post has become available to cover maternity leave. Other opportunities may arise in the near future.
The successful candidate will receive up to £120 towards their registration fee, which will be paid upon commencement. This payment will be subject to tax and national insurance deductions.
Main duties
The service has its main base at Hatfield Police Station and satellite bases across Hertfordshire in police custody, the Magistrates' Courts, and Crown Court; you will be expected to work across all bases. The service operates from 8 am to 8 pm seven days a week. You may be required to work a rota that includes some 11‑hour shifts, subject to negotiation and the demands of the service.
You will have knowledge and/or experience of working with one or more of the above identified groups of people in the NHS, the Local Authority, CAMHS, or other services such as alcohol and substance misuse services. You must be dynamic, persevering, naturally enquiring and inquisitive, have excellent risk assessment and report‑writing skills, and be able to quickly establish and develop rapport with service users and carers.
Appointment will be subject to successful Police vetting.
About us
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) is an outstanding organisation recognised by the Care Quality Commission as one of only five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’. We aim to be the leading provider of mental health and specialist learning disability services in the country.
Our family of over 3,500 staff provide health and social care for over 400,000 people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. We also deliver a range of nationally commissioned specialist services including Tier 4 services for children and young people, perinatal services, and medium and low secure learning disability services.
Our values are: Welcoming, Kind, Positive, Respectful, Professional. They guide everything we do.
Job responsibilities
The CJLDT offers all‑age triage and assessment in police custody and court to people who may present with a range of vulnerabilities: mental illness, personality disorder, alcohol and substance use, homelessness, acquired brain injury, learning disabilities, autism, or other speech and language communication difficulties.
Following triage and assessment, the practitioner may make recommendations for safe and fair criminal justice processes and outcomes. This requires liaison with allied professionals including the police, probation, solicitors, court judiciary, mental health teams, GP surgeries, local authorities, etc.
Person Specification
Qualifications – Essential
* Registered Nurse for Mental Health or Learning Disability, registered with the NMC with a diploma and/or degree.
* Qualified Social Worker with current registration to practice in the UK.
* Educated to degree level or equivalent level of experience.
* Evidence of post‑qualifying training and commitment to further professional development.
* Qualified Occupational Therapist.
Qualifications – Desirable
* Relevant practice educator teaching qualification or registered nurse mentor.
* Best Interests Assessor.
Experience – Essential
* Previous experience working with adults who may have complex mental health needs and/or other vulnerabilities including alcohol and substance use, acquired brain injury, learning disability, autism, trauma, ADHD, etc.
* Understanding and undertaking assessment and management of risk.
* Experience of the principles of recovery, person‑centred planning, safeguarding.
* Experience of continuous improvement.
Experience – Desirable
* Previous experience working within LDS and/or forensic services.
* Previous experience working with substance misuse services.
* Previous experience working with children who may have a mental disorder such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or who are a looked‑after child.
* Community Experience.
Other information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
Employment details
Contract: Permanent
Band: 6
Salary: £35,392 to £42,618 a year, pro rata 5 % of basic salary HCA, min £1,192 – max £2,011
Working pattern: Full‑time, flexible working
Location: Hatfield or Stevenage Police Station, Comet Way, Hatfield, AL10 9SJ
Application contact
To apply, please visit the Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust website.
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