Police Custody L&D Practitioner

Job summary
Are you an experienced and motivated mental health practitioner with a passion for improving outcomes for people in contact with the Criminal Justice System?

We are seeking a 0.5 WTE Band 7 Police Liaison and Diversion Practitioner to join our established team, working across Metropolitan Police custody suites in Acton and Hammersmith.

As part of West London NHS Trust's Liaison and Diversion Service, you will identify, assess and support people with mental health needs, learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental conditions and other vulnerabilities. Through early intervention, you will help ensure individuals are directed to appropriate health, social care and community services, improving outcomes and reducing inequalities.

The Police Liaison Team works within the wider Liaison and Diversion Service, alongside Court Diversion services at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Ealing Magistrates' Court and Isleworth Crown Court, and the Tri-Borough Youth Justice Service, providing a seven-day service across West London.

We welcome applications from experienced Mental Health Nurses, Learning Disability Nurses, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists with relevant mental health experience.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop specialist skills within an innovative multidisciplinary service while making a meaningful difference to vulnerable people at a key stage of their journey through the Criminal Justice System.

Main duties of the job
Our Liaison and Diversion Service supports vulnerable people who come into contact with the Criminal Justice System by providing screening and assessment within Police custody settings. You will identify mental health needs, learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental conditions and other vulnerabilities, ensuring individuals are connected to appropriate health and social care services at the earliest opportunity.

Working mainly with adults aged 18 and over, you will undertake timely assessments, provide advice, signposting and referrals, and facilitate diversion into appropriate services. You may occasionally assess children and young people when required. The service aims to improve health outcomes, reduce reoffending and prevent future crises.

You will work in a fast-paced environment, undertaking mental health and risk assessments, making sound clinical decisions and working closely with Police, health, social care and voluntary sector partners. Strong communication, assessment and risk management skills are essential.

We are looking for experienced practitioners with knowledge of mental health assessment, crisis pathways and safeguarding. Experience in acute, community, forensic or crisis services is desirable. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference within a supportive multidisciplinary team.

About us
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.

Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.

The Trust is rated as 'Good' overallby the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.

The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.

Job responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached

The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.

Qualifications

• Qualified Registered Mental Health Nurse with current registration or similar professional qualification, including SALT
• Meaningful evidence of continuing professional development and post registration training

Experience

• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary/multi-agency team
• A minimum of 2 years' post-registration experience
• Experience of crisis work and risk assessment/management
• Application of the Mental Health Act (2007) and the Mental Capacity Act (2005)

Knowledge

• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to use information technology systems in order to carry out duties
• Ability to make comprehensive psycho-social assessments
• Good report writing skills
• Ability to make sound and safe risk assessments
• Evidence of effective time management and organisational skills
• Ability to work semi-independently with supervision and to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary/multi-agency team
• Ability to treat service users with respect and dignity at all times, adopting a culturally sensitive approach that considers the needs of the whole person
• Ability to build constructive relationships with warmth and empathy, using good communication skills
• Knowledge of current legislation relating to community mental health provision and forensic psychiatry (Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act)
• Familiarity with research, reports and publications relevant to liaison and diversion.
• Knowledge of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1884 and PACE Codes of Practice 2004
• Ability to promote service users' involvement

Other Requirements

• Sickness (or attendance) record that is acceptable to the Trust; to be checked at interview
• Declared medically fit by the Occupational Health department to perform the duties of the post
• Capable of completing scrutiny of Police NPPV2 Vetting procedure for both Met and City forces
• The post-holder must have the ability to understand and implement the Equal Opportunities Policy at a level appropriate to the job

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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).