Specialist Liaison & Diversion Practitioner

Job overview

Would you like a fascinating, fast moving and fulfilling role?

If the answer is yes, then we are seeking to recruit an experienced Mental Health Nurse,  Social Worker, or Occupational Therapist to join our established, successful and dynamic team as we consolidate and develop Liaison and Diversion services in police custody suites, courts and prisons across Kent and Medway.

Work with enthusiastic and passionate colleagues to provide an all age, all vulnerabilities service to clients in the Criminal Justice System. Make a real difference to people’s lives by identifying their support needs and encouraging them to engage with services that can help them.

Collaborate with a range of professionals across health, justice and social care to reduce reoffending and support safer communities.

Main duties of the job

The role of a Specialist Liaison and Diversion Practitioner (SLDP) is both an interesting and challenging one, where you will experience all aspects of the criminal justice system.

We are looking for forward thinking and enthusiastic practitioners, with a keen eye for risk assessment and formulation  to respond to referrals from within the criminal justice system and support individuals with identified health or social vulnerabilities. You will also have the opportunity to provide community support and being involved in outreach initiatives.

• The successful candidate will work in Police Custody Suites, Courts, Prisons and varying community locations across Kent and Medway so some experience of liaison, crisis intervention or forensic services would be an advantage.  You will be working with people who experience mental health needs, learning disabilities, communication difficulties, drug and alcohol misuse and other health and social vulnerabilities.
• Our SLDP's do not hold caseload's and their work is aimed at point-in-time assessment, liaison and diversion. These crucial assessments will be used to inform the most appropriate and robust care pathways.
• In essence, our SLDP's provide the crucial link between a variety of stakeholders and can make a real difference to the outcome of service users' experiences in the criminal justice system

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This role requires close partnership working with both statutory and voluntary sector agencies and a commitment to working with a complex and diverse range of individuals with varying needs.

The post holder must hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car/vehicle to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).

Please see the attached job description for full details on the role's responsibilities and person specification.