Mental Health Practitioner in LADSNHS

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Somerset's Liaison and Diversion Service (LADS) as a Band 6 Criminal Justice Mental Health Practitioner.

Liaison and Diversion provides a service to individuals appearing at Somerset's criminal courts, including Taunton, Yeovil and North Somerset Magistrates' Courts and Taunton Crown Court, as well as individuals detained in police custody at Bridgwater Police Centre.

The team is part of NHS England's national Liaison and Diversion Programme and, in partnership with Avon and Wiltshire Partnership NHS Trust, supports the wider Avon and Somerset police area.

The team's primary role is to complete mental health and vulnerability assessments within criminal justice settings, identify unmet needs and facilitate access to appropriate health, social care and community services. By sharing relevant information with criminal justice agencies, the team helps ensure informed decision-making and improved outcomes for vulnerable individuals.

The service operates seven days a week between 8.00am and 8.00pm. Staff predominantly work long day shifts, although part-time hours will be considered. Free onsite parking is available at Bridgwater Police Centre.

Candidates shortlisted for interview will be required to undertake a shadowing visit within the custody environment prior to interview.

For further information, please contact [email protected]. We also offer regular LADS information sessions via Microsoft Teams for prospective applicants.

Main duties of the job

• Undertake mental health and vulnerability assessments for individuals within police custody and court settings.
• Identify unmet mental health, health and social care needs and facilitate access to appropriate services and support.
• Produce high-quality screening reports and communicate relevant information to criminal justice agencies to support informed decision-making.
• Provide advice, guidance and education to police officers, court staff and partner agencies regarding mental health and vulnerability.
• Liaise effectively with community mental health teams, social care, housing, substance misuse, learning disability and voluntary sector services.
• Undertake risk assessments and contribute to safeguarding processes for children and vulnerable adults.
• Work collaboratively with criminal justice agencies and health and social care partners to develop effective care pathways.
• Support and supervise Band 3 colleagues as required and contribute to the education and development of staff and students.
• Contribute to service development, audit, quality improvement initiatives and data collection requirements.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records and activity data in line with professional and organisational standards.

Job description

As a Criminal Justice Mental Health Practitioner within the Liaison and Diversion Service, you will work across police custody and court environments providing timely, holistic assessments of mental health needs and other vulnerabilities for people who come into contact with the criminal justice system.

You will undertake comprehensive psychosocial assessments, identify risks and unmet needs, and develop appropriate care pathways to ensure individuals are linked with relevant health, social care and community services. The role requires the ability to work autonomously, make sound clinical decisions and complete rapid assessments in fast-paced environments.

A key aspect of the role is working closely with criminal justice agencies, including police officers, custody staff, courts, probation services and legal representatives. You will act as a specialist resource, providing advice and guidance on mental health, learning disability and other vulnerabilities that may impact an individual's involvement in the criminal justice system.

You will prepare written screening and health and social circumstances reports and may be required to present information or professional opinions to courts when appropriate. You will also support the development and review of referral pathways, helping to ensure that vulnerable individuals can access the right support at the right time.

Working closely with health, social care and voluntary sector partners, you will promote recovery, social inclusion and person-centred care. You will undertake risk assessment and risk management planning, support safeguarding processes and ensure relevant information is shared appropriately to promote safe and effective care.

The role offers opportunities to contribute to service development, staff training, clinical audit and quality improvement initiatives. You will receive regular supervision and have access to specialist learning opportunities through both the Liaison and Diversion Service and the wider Forensic Service.

This is a rewarding opportunity for a skilled and compassionate practitioner who is passionate about reducing health inequalities, improving outcomes for vulnerable people and making a meaningful difference within the criminal justice system.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.