Opportunity within Liaison and Diversion Team (L&D) for L&D Practitioner (Blackpool)

This Liaison & Diversion Practitioner role will identify and respond to requests to screen and assess people with vulnerabilities in contact with the justice system and could be based in the community, police custody or courts.

Responsibilities:

• Referrals will be identified and received where there have been concerns that an individual has mental health issues, a learning disability, substance misuse, social care, safeguarding or other vulnerabilities, that will trigger a referral to the Liaison & Diversion service.
• The Liaison & Diversion is not a mental health service; the team operates an All Age (from age of criminal responsibility – 10yrs), all Vulnerability model based on the National Liaison & Diversion operating model produced by NHS England.
• This post requires successful vetting from the Police. Candidates are required to undergo Level 2 (full) Vetting from Lancashire Constabulary; clearance is essential in order to fulfil the role.
• A visit to Blackpool custody is strongly recommended for applicants who are shortlisted for interview, prior to your interview date. Please contact Deborah.hutchins@lscft.nhs.uk to arrange this.
• The role will assess for a number of vulnerabilities, using validated tools, ensuring risk is assessed and relevant information shared to ensure appropriate services are accessed and manage the safety of clients and others.
• Assessment will include an opinion on the service user’s capacity for effective participation in criminal justice procedures, cultural and gender needs, age and development related needs, including transition to adulthood and older person needs, social circumstances (including, relationships, leisure requirements, daily living, educational and occupational needs, employment/vocational needs, housing, finance).
• Information will be shared appropriately verbally and in a written report within Criminal Justice settings to inform decision-making and facilitate diversion within and out of the criminal justice pathway.