Job requirements
Essential
23 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Knowledge
Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Knowledge
Ability to use information technology systems in order to carry out duties
- Knowledge
Ability to make comprehensive psycho-social assessments
- Knowledge
Good report writing skills
- Knowledge
Ability to make sound and safe risk assessments
- Knowledge
Evidence of effective time management and organisational skills
- Knowledge
Ability to work semi-independently with supervision and to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary/multi-agency team
- Knowledge
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
- Knowledge
Ability to build constructive relationships with warmth and empathy, using good communication skills
- Knowledge
Knowledge of current legislation relating to community mental health provision and forensic psychiatry (Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act)
- Knowledge
Familiarity with research, reports and publications relevant to liaison and diversion.
- Knowledge
Knowledge of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1884 and PACE Codes of Practice 2004
- Knowledge
Ability to promote service users' involvement
- Experience
Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary/multi-agency team
- Experience
A minimum of 2 years’ post-registration experience
- Experience
Experience of crisis work and risk assessment/management
- Experience
Application of the Mental Health Act (2007) and the Mental Capacity Act (2005)
- Qualifications
Qualified Registered Mental Health Nurse with current registration or similar professional qualification, including SALT
- Qualifications
Meaningful evidence of continuing professional development and post registration training
- Other Requirements
Sickness (or attendance) record that is acceptable to the Trust; to be checked at interview
- Other Requirements
Declared medically fit by the Occupational Health department to perform the duties of the post
- Other Requirements
Capable of completing scrutiny of Police NPPV2 Vetting procedure for both Met and City forces
- Other Requirements
The post-holder must have the ability to understand and implement the Equal Opportunities Policy at a level appropriate to the job
Desirable
Not listed in the available specification.
Job overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a Band 6 Police Liaison and Diversion Practitioner to join our well‑established and progressive Liaison and Diversion service, based within Metropolitan Police custody suites at Acton and Hammersmith.
Working in a fast‑paced, varied and sometimes unpredictable environment, you will play a vital role at the point of arrest, identifying mental health needs and vulnerabilities, and ensuring people are supported and diverted to the most appropriate health or social care services. Every day is different, offering excellent opportunities to build clinical expertise, confidence in autonomous decision‑making, and experience within the criminal justice system.
We welcome applications from experienced mental health professionals including Mental Health Nurses, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and other allied health professionals (such as Speech and Language Therapists) who bring significant mental health experience and an interest in health and justice.
If you are motivated, adaptable and want to make a real difference at critical moments in people’s lives, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
As a Police Liaison and Diversion Practitioner, you will provide proactive screening, assessment and brief intervention to individuals in police custody, identifying mental health needs, neurodiversity, learning disability, substance misuse and wider vulnerabilities.
You will:
Carry out same‑day mental state and risk assessments within police custody
Gather collateral information from health records, partner agencies and professionals
Advise custody staff and work closely with police and partner organisations
Divert individuals into appropriate health, social care or third‑sector services where indicated
Complete high‑quality clinical documentation, data collection and reports for courts to support informed decision‑making
You will primarily work with adults aged 18+ but may assess children and young people when required. Practitioners work autonomously, often under pressure, within a non‑healthcare setting, and must demonstrate excellent communication, clinical judgement and risk management skills.
This post does not involve carrying a caseload, acting as a care coordinator, or participating in CPA.
Detailed job description and main 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.
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.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Police Custody L&D Practitioner with West London NHS Trust in Southall, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Social worker, Mental health nurse, Mental health practitioner, Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist, Allied health professionals role. The advertised salary is £45,953 - £54,254 per annum inclusive of HCAS (Inner). The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 22 Oct 2026.
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