Liaison and Diversion Practitioner - Police Custody
Band 6
Main area NMC, SWE, HCPC or OT with significant Post-registration experience in mental health. Grade Band 6. Contract Fixed term: 12 months (1x FTC/Secondment for 12 months).
Hours
* Full time
* Part time
* Flexible working
37.5 hours per week (4 shifts across 7 days a week (8am-6pm shifts) - 5th shift in certain weeks).
Job ref 246-GYW7832353-B
Site: Martlesham Police Investigation Centre Town Martlesham
Salary £39,959 - £48,117 gross per annum.
Closing 28/06/2026 23:59
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust provides child and adult mental health services, learning disability, wellbeing, older peoples and eating disorder services across Norfolk and Suffolk.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and want to reflect the diversity of our local communities within our teams. We welcome applications from all talented individuals with the relevant qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience.
Job overview
We are looking for registered health or social care professionals to work in a team in a fast‑paced criminal justice environment. You will need to be a registered NMC, SWE, HCPC or OT with significant Post‑registration experience in mental health.
For this post, you will work in police custody and complete triage assessments with people whilst they are detained there (from the age of ten). You will work closely with the police, your assessment and information gathering will support that person across the offender pathway. Depending on a person’s criminal justice journey this may include Courts and Probation and the wider health and social care systems in the community.
In this role your criminal justice knowledge will greatly expand, so we welcome applicants who have not worked in this area as we can provide training and your knowledge will develop as you work across the team.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for 1x Secondment/Fixed Term position for a year at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre. Your primary role will be to complete holistic triage assessments for people who have been arrested and brought to police custody. You will possess excellent interpersonal skills that will enable you to engage, challenge, motivate, influence and inspire at all levels. As part of a small team you will work various shift patterns comprising mostly 9‑hour shifts, to enable the service to cover extended hours, seven days per week, 365 days a year.
The working criminal justice locations include Police Investigation Centres (PICs), Courts and other supporting criminal justice/health environments in line with service need. The service covers both Norfolk and Suffolk and may require some cross‑county working. It is essential that you can travel independently. Travel to other PICs may be necessary from time to time. You may also be required to complete remote telephone assessments depending on service needs at other PICs located further away.
Working for our organisation
Benefits included with this role are:
* Comprehensive in‑house & external training programmes
* Starting annual leave of 27 days per annum increasing to 33 days per annum based on length of service (plus paid bank holidays)
* NHS discounts and many more
NSFT is committed to lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD) for its entire staff.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
* Complete triage and screening of service users within custody to assess their needs and create plans with them for support post custody by making onward referrals and signposting. This will include speaking to detainees in consultation rooms or when required via the cell hatch. This is in consultation with police to plan the safest way forward.
* Co‑production with service users in creating their next steps plan/safety plan including referrals to a wide range of agencies such as Turning Point, Wellbeing, Secondary Mental Health services, Crisis and Home Treatment Teams, Survivors in Transition, CRUSE, Domestic Abuse support services. This may include referrals for Mental Health Act assessments in consultation with colleagues, managers and care teams of those detained. It is essential that you are skilled in mental health assessments.
* Work collaboratively with police colleagues, promoting partnership working across the criminal justice system.
* Able to work independently on own initiative to meet the needs of service users.
* Ensure service users’ needs are accurately reflected in health record documentation.
* Assist service users and carers to access information and support.
Person specification
Qualifications
Requires registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), Scottish Nursing Society (SWE), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or Occupational Therapists. Significant post‑registration experience in mental health is required.
Experience
* Familiar with undertaking clinical assessments including risk assessments.
* Experience of working with challenging clients particularly those with personality disorders services.
* Experience of completing mental health assessments in a mental health setting.
* Experience of working with clients with severe learning disabilities or those in a secure environment.
* Previous experience of working in the community.
Knowledge
* Understanding of the policies and legislation that underpin the development of Liaison and Diversion.
* Working knowledge of the application of the Mental Health Act 1983.
Other
* Ability to travel independently.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Apart from its legal duties in relation to equality and diversity, the Trust recognises and actively promotes the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief. As a part of the Disability Confident Employer Guaranteed Interview Scheme we interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job vacancy (outlined in the Person Specification).
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post may be 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).
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
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