Job overview
Previous applicants need not apply
Please note: A police vetting check is required for this post. This is completed by Cambridgeshire Constabulary and is a thorough background and security screening which checks on Criminal record and History, Financial Status, Personal Associations, Digital footprint and Residency.
An exciting opportunity has become available for a qualified Band 6 Mental Health Nurse to join Cambridgeshire Liaison and Diversion Service, who support people with vulnerabilities, of all ages who find themselves in the criminal justice system.
Practitioners are based in courts and police custody units across the county. Their role is to screen and assess service users of all ages and where appropriate divert them out of the criminal justice system where there are no public protection issues.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will be working in police custodies and the Magistrates courts across the county, and will either be based in Cambridge or Peterborough. This may also include visiting rural areas to ensure that there is an equitable service for all service users to access.
The role will include working in host environments, working at times autonomously from the main team but with the support from police, court and probation staff.
Please note for this role you will be required to travel independently around the county meeting strict time deadlines. You will need to hold a full UK driving licence* and have use of a vehicle. You cannot use public transport for this role as this is not a reliable form of transport and will not allow you to meet service needs. Please confirm in your application that you meet the specified criteria.
*DVLA have a number of reciprocal arrangements with overseas countries, for further information please visit the DVLA website
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of responsibilities.
- The successful candidate will be working predominantly within Police custodies and courts across the county offering vulnerability screens to individuals who become involved in the criminal pathway.
- They will also help with support and advise partners that the team work closely with in the management of risk while in custody.
- The aim is to assess and then signpost to appropriate services and divert out of the criminal justice system where there are no public protection issues.
- The role also includes teaching and awareness sessions to all key partners and to ensure that there is robust partnership working at all times.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Other
Essential
- Routine and regular use of computer
- Post holder must be able to travel across all Trust and criminal justice sites across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire therefore must be independently mobile
- Be able to work flexibly and within the rota of a service which delivers an 8-8 service seven days a week.
- Demonstrable commitment to continuing professional development
Experience
Essential
- Experience of multidisciplinary working
- Experience of working in mental health settings as well as working with service users will a range of vulnerabilities such as drug and alcohol, homelessness and physical health issues
- Experience of partnership working across various statutory and non statutory teams and agencies
- Experience of conducting clinical assessments including risk assessments
- Experience of supervising junior staff
Desirable
- Understanding of mental health challenges
- Experience of working within the criminal justice systems such as custody and courts
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Demonstrable commitment and enthusiasm for working with an all age service
- Able to assess people with complex vulnerabilities
- Able to record information clearly and accurately
- Clear communication skills both written and verbal
- Able to work autonomously and have the confidence to make clinical decisions
- Able to manage conflict and change
- Able to manage pressure of working in an intensive environment
- Able to undertake/seek out supervision as required
- Able to liaise with and establish close links with range of people and professionals
- Computer / IT skills
- Evidence of Continuing professional development
- An awareness of the criminal justice systems and the National programme for Liaison and diversion
- Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act (1983 / 2007) • Knowledge of relevant professional Standards • Working knowledge of Mental Capacity Act (2005) and Children Act (1989)
- Knowledge of the role and purpose of clinical supervision
- Working knowledge and understanding of safeguarding
Desirable
- A working Knowledge of Nationally approved assessment and screening tools for all age groups with mental health and other vulnerabilities such as homelessness, physical health, drug and alcohol misuse
- A good working knowledge of youth and criminal justice systems
Education /Qualifications
Essential
- RMN Diploma or degree qualification
- NMC Professional Registration
- Post registration training relevant to the service area
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Completion of mentorship course or professional equivalent
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Liaison and Diversion Practitioner with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust in 53 Thorpe Road/Parkside. It is listed as a Band 6 role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 07 Sep 2026.
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