Job overview

Are you an experienced and motivated mental health practitioner with a passion for improving outcomes for people in contact with the Criminal Justice System?

We are seeking a 0.5 WTE Band 7 Police Liaison and Diversion Practitioner to join our established team, working across Metropolitan Police custody suites in Acton and Hammersmith.

As part of West London NHS Trust's Liaison and Diversion Service, you will identify, assess and support people with mental health needs, learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental conditions and other vulnerabilities. Through early intervention, you will help ensure individuals are directed to appropriate health, social care and community services, improving outcomes and reducing inequalities.

The Police Liaison Team works within the wider Liaison and Diversion Service, alongside Court Diversion services at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Ealing Magistrates' Court and Isleworth Crown Court, and the Tri-Borough Youth Justice Service, providing a seven-day service across West London.

We welcome applications from experienced Mental Health Nurses, Learning Disability Nurses, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists with relevant mental health experience.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop specialist skills within an innovative multidisciplinary service while making a meaningful difference to vulnerable people at a key stage of their journey through the Criminal Justice System.

Main duties of the job

Our Liaison and Diversion Service supports vulnerable people who come into contact with the Criminal Justice System by providing screening and assessment within Police custody settings. You will identify mental health needs, learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental conditions and other vulnerabilities, ensuring individuals are connected to appropriate health and social care services at the earliest opportunity.

Working mainly with adults aged 18 and over, you will undertake timely assessments, provide advice, signposting and referrals, and facilitate diversion into appropriate services. You may occasionally assess children and young people when required. The service aims to improve health outcomes, reduce reoffending and prevent future crises.

You will work in a fast-paced environment, undertaking mental health and risk assessments, making sound clinical decisions and working closely with Police, health, social care and voluntary sector partners. Strong communication, assessment and risk management skills are essential.

We are looking for experienced practitioners with knowledge of mental health assessment, crisis pathways and safeguarding. Experience in acute, community, forensic or crisis services is desirable. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference within a supportive multidisciplinary team.

Working for our organisation

West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.

Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and   Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m. 

The Trust is rated as ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as ‘Outstanding’.

The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.