Job overview
An opportunity has arisen within Liaison and Diversion Team (L&D) for the role of an 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.
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.
Important: 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.
Main duties of the job
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For more details on this vacancy please review the attached job description and person specification.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of mental health issues and/or learning disability.
- Knowledge of Criminal Justice System, including roles and responsibilities of staff working in it.
- Knowledge of assessing and mitigating risk – including risk of harm to self and others.
- Knowledge of relevant law, as a minimum; Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Children Act, Social Care Act and PACE code C.
Experience
Essential
- Working with people with complex needs for a minimum of 2 years either whilst studying or post qualification.
- Assessment of Risk of Service Users to self and others.
Education/ Qualifications
Essential
- • Degree qualification in relevant subject or demonstrable evidence or equivalent experience relevant to field of practice.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Liaison and Diversion Practitioner with Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust in Preston, North West, England. It is listed as a Band 5 Nurse practitioner role. The advertised salary is £31,049 - £37,796 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 29 Jul 2026.
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