About this role
Job summary
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.
About us
LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.
Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you'd like to discuss your application, please ask.
We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.
LSCFT support flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi-time.
The wellbeing of our people is at the heart of everything we do. We offer a wide range of resources, tools and support to help you thrive both in and out of work.
Explore our full wellbeing offer here: Keeping our workforce well
Job description Job responsibilities
For more details on this vacancy please review the attached job description and person specification.
Person Specification
Education/ Qualifications Essential
oDegree qualification in relevant subject or demonstrable evidence or equivalent experience relevant to field of practice.
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.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Address Liaison and Diversion Service-Blackpool Police Station
Gerry Richardson Way
Blackpool
FY4 4US
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)