About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and compassionate Clinical Team Manager to lead our Criminal Justice Liaison & Diversion (L&D) Service across Devon. This is an exciting leadership opportunity to shape and deliver high-quality, person-centred mental health and wellbeing support at critical points within the criminal justice system.Our service operates across four police custody suitesExeter, Barnstaple, Torquay, and Plymouthand the courts in Exeter, Plymouth, Newton Abbot, and Barnstaple, working with some of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities.
We are looking for a confident and compassionate leader who:
Has a relevant professional qualification (e.g. Mental Health Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy)Demonstrates strong clinical leadership and management experienceHas experience working within mental health services, crisis care, or criminal justice settingsIs skilled in managing complex casework and multidisciplinary teamsHas excellent communication, organisational, and partnership-building skillsIs passionate about reducing health inequalities and improving outcomes for vulnerable peopleOpportunity to lead a dynamic, values-driven service making a real impactWork within a supportive and innovative multidisciplinary teamInfluence and shape service development across DevonAccess to ongoing professional development and leadership trainingContribute to improved outcomes for individuals at critical points of need
Main duties of the job About the Role
As Clinical Team Manager, you will provide strategic, operational, and clinical leadership to a diverse and skilled multidisciplinary team, including:
Senior Mental Health Practitioners Support Time and Recovery Workers (STR Workers) Peer Support WorkersYou will ensure the safe, effective, and compassionate delivery of liaison and diversion services, enabling early identification of mental health, learning disability, substance misuse, and social vulnerabilitiessupporting individuals to access appropriate care, treatment, and support pathways.
Key Responsibilities Provide visible, inclusive leadership across multiple sites and disciplines Oversee clinical governance, quality, and performance of the L&D service Support staff development, supervision, and wellbeing Build strong partnerships with police, courts, health services, and third-sector organisations Drive service improvement, innovation, and transformation Ensure compliance with national L&D standards and local priorities Manage operational delivery across a geographically dispersed service
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job description Job responsibilities
Service Overview
The Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Service delivers a comprehensive triage and assessment function for individuals presenting within the criminal justice and health systems who are suspected of having mental health needs, learning disabilities, substance misuse issues, or other associated vulnerabilities.
Through timely screening and specialist assessment, the service ensures individuals are appropriately identified and supported at the earliest opportunity. Following assessment, robust, person-centred care pathways are developed, with individuals being signposted or referred to relevant statutory and third-sector services. Where appropriate, the service facilitates diversion away from the criminal justice system and into health and social care provision, thereby improving outcomes and reducing reoffending.
This role requires a demonstrable commitment to effective partnership working across statutory and voluntary sector organisations, alongside the ability to engage constructively with a complex and diverse population.
Role Overview
The Clinical Team Manager provides operational and clinical leadership to Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Mental Health Practitioners working within police custody environments. These practitioners operate at the interface between criminal justice and healthcare systems, undertaking assessments to identify mental health needs and wider vulnerabilities, informing case disposal, and facilitating access to appropriate care pathways.
The post holder is accountable for ensuring full compliance with quality and safety standards across designated clinical pathways and teams, ensuring all care aligns with Devon Partnership NHS Trust (DPT) strategic priorities: safe, timely, personalised, sustainable, and recovery-focused care. A key responsibility is ensuring robust safeguarding, governance, and risk management processes are in place.
Service Design and Development
The Clinical Team Manager is responsible for the ongoing development, monitoring, and continuous improvement of assigned care pathways.
Lead the development and delivery of quality and improvement plans Ensure clinical effectiveness systems are embedded, sustainable, and supported by audit and evidence-based practice Participate in and, where appropriate, lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of service strategies and clinical policies Support service innovation to ensure responsiveness to the needs of individuals and their carers
Service Delivery and Resource Management
Ensure individual care pathways are actively monitored, enabling safe and timely progression through services Establish and maintain robust governance and assurance systems across clinical teams and pathways Provide expert professional advice in relation to clinical care, incidents, and complaints Ensure services are delivered by practitioners with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and competencies Work in partnership with the Service Manager to ensure care delivery is managed effectively within available resources
Practice Quality and Workforce Development
Lead and coordinate effective multi-disciplinary team (MDT) working in line with practice standards Ensure service safety and effectiveness through robust risk management, governance, and assurance processes Lead audit and quality improvement activity and embed learning into practice Develop and deliver the Local Delivery Unit (LDU) workforce development plan, supporting staff capability, development, and retention Promote clinical practice education, reflective practice, and continuous professional development
Leadership, Governance and Quality Assurance
The Clinical Team Manager will:
Ensure compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards Oversee the management of serious incidents, complaints, and compliments, ensuring learning is identified and embedded Ensure all clinicians adhere to DPT policies, procedures, and professional regulatory requirements Maintain oversight of workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and high-quality care
Line Management Responsibilities
Provide effective line management, leadership, and performance oversight Ensure the provision of high-quality clinical supervision Ensure Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is maintained across the team Coordinate appropriate cross-cover arrangements to ensure service continuity
Additional Responsibilities
The Clinical Team Manager will hold a portfolio of Local Delivery Unit (LDU) responsibilities, including:
Ensuring the quality and triangulation of provider compliance assessment tools Maintaining, monitoring, and escalating risks through effective management of risk registers
Professional Leadership and Culture
As a visible, credible, and compassionate leader, the Clinical Team Manager will role model clinical excellence and professional integrity. They will:
Foster a positive therapeutic environment promoting high standards of care and staff wellbeing Support staff engagement, inclusion, and development Champion a Recovery Model that prioritises social inclusion, collaborative care planning, and psychosocial interventions Apply positive risk management principles and support innovative approaches to service delivery, including new ways of working and effective clinical pathways Working collaboratively with the Local Delivery Unit management team, the post holder will play a key role in strengthening integration across mental health services and improving outcomes for individuals within the criminal justice system.
Due to the nature of this post, all persons are required to have Police vetting clearance prior to formal offer of appointment.
Person Specification
Knowledge and skills Essential
An excellent understanding of the NSF and Mental Health Act/ Mental Health Capacity Act requirements. Understanding of recovery principles in Mental Health Working knowledge of safeguarding processes (adult and child)
Desirable
Understanding of the criminal justice systems Awareness of community structures and social care options and processes
Qualifications Essential
A professional Registered mental health qualification to degree level or equivalent
Desirable
Post Graduate qualification relevant to specialism eg CBT, NMP, DBT, etc. Evidence of commitment to life-long learning and continuing professional development. Leadership or quality improvement qualification Management qualification Training to level 3 in Safeguarding children and young people:
Experience Essential
Extensive experience of managing a busy caseload of clients with a range of mental health problems. Substantial experience of working at a senior clinical level Providing clinical supervision and managing staff. Experience of assessing and managing complex risk / safety for both individuals and teams
Desirable
Resource management. Setting up or working within a new service.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Address 1 – 2 Hospital Road
Whipton
Exeter
Devon
EX1 3PQ
Employer's website https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)