About this role
Job summary
Opportunity has arisen within Liaison and Diversion Team (L&D) for the role of an L&D Practitioner (Preston). Permanent position.
Essential Criteria: A minimum of NVQ Level 3 in relevant subject OR Diploma in Health and Social Care AND/OR Experience of working with people with complex needs for a minimum of 2 years. Professional recognised qualification will be considered, Substance Misuse Diploma, RMN, Learning Disability Nurse.
L&D is not a mental health team it offers a triage to identify people who have vulnerabilities such as, learning disability, substance misuse, homelessness, debt, or non-acute mental health issues when they first come into contact with the criminal justice system as an alleged offender.
This is an 'all age' service and so you will be required to work with people from the age of 10 years upwards. You will be required to assess children and adults.
Main duties of the job
The main issues that L&D are asked to complete by the police whilst in custody for the people we see are identification, screening, assessment and referral to other services.
We work in Police Custody Suites and Courts and offer assessments to individuals within the Criminal Justice system including Voluntary Attendees We look to identify unmet need and vulnerabilities that often lead to or exacerbate offending behaviour We liaise across agencies to support onward planning and intervention to address needs We offer brief community-based intervention to maximise service user access & engagement with those appropriate services through our community engagement team We help to inform decision makers with relevant and timely information to support sentencing and disposal outcomes.
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.
A Planned Visit to Preston Police Station Custody Suite is highly recommended following submission of application and prior to interview.
For further information about the post or plan your visit please contact
Deborah Hutchins Manager - [email protected]
Linda Baker Deputy Manager - [email protected]
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
Qualifications Essential
Degree 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 use and interpretation of health screening tools
Experience Essential
Working with people with complex needs for a minimum of 2 years either whilst studying or post qualification Lone working Initial Assessment of Health and Social Needs
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.
Employer details Employer name Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Address Preston Police Station
Preston
PR1 2RJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)