Liaison and Diversion Practitioner

Liaison and Diversion Practitioner Closing date: 29 July 2026. An opportunity has arisen within the Liaison and Diversion Team (L&D) for the role of an L&D Practitioner in Blackpool. This role will identify and respond to requests to screen and assess people with vulnerabilities who are in contact with the justice system. The practitioner may be based in the community, police custody or courts. Referrals are identified and received where concerns exist about mental health issues, learning disability, substance misuse, social care, safeguarding or other vulnerabilities that trigger referrals to the Liaison & Diversion service. The Liaison & Diversion team is not a mental health service; it operates an All‑Age (from 10 years of criminal responsibility) and all Vulnerability model based on the National Liaison & Diversion operating model produced by NHS England. This post requires successful police vetting. Candidates must undergo Level 2 (full) Vetting from Lancashire Constabulary; clearance is essential to fulfil the role. A visit to Blackpool custody is strongly recommended for shortlisted applicants prior to the interview date. Contact Deborah.hutchins@lscft.nhs.uk to arrange this. Main duties of the job The role will assess for a number of vulnerabilities using validated tools, ensuring risks are assessed and relevant information shared to enable appropriate services and 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 developmental needs (including transition to adulthood and older person needs), social circumstances (relationships, leisure requirements, daily living, educational and occupational needs, employment/vocational needs), housing and 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. The Trust actively challenges discrimination and welcomes applications from all, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage applications from under‑represented groups and welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area. LSCFT supports flexible working and offers a wide range of resources, tools and support to help staff thrive both in and out of work. Job responsibilities For more details on this vacancy please review the attached job description and person specification. Person Specification Education / Qualifications * Degree qualification in a relevant subject or equivalent experience. Knowledge * Knowledge of mental health issues and/or learning disability. * Knowledge of the 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, including the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Children Act, Social Care Act and PACE Code C. Experience * Working with people with complex needs for a minimum of 2 years, either whilst studying or post qualification. * Experience in assessing the 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 requires a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Address Liaison and Diversion Service – Blackpool Police Station J-18808-Ljbffr