Youth Justice Liaison and Diversion Practitioner
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
To improve early identification in the youth justice system of young people (up to age 18) with mental health problems, neuro-developmental issues, conduct disorder, learning difficulties or disabilities or other vulnerabilities.
The primary function of the role is to screen all young people who have been arrested for an extensive range of mental health, emotional and social needs, completing ongoing specialist assessments as required, and identifying and referring on to appropriate interventions to meet assessed need. The screening and assessment will inform the charging decision thus diverting some young people from the criminal justice system or ensuring that their needs are met within it.
Main duties of the job
1. To provide assertive approaches to improve access for young people referred to YJLD and their families for assessment and interventions for mental health problems, neuro-developmental issues, conduct disorder, learning difficulties or disabilities or other vulnerabilities.
2. To provide Early Intervention time-limited packages of mental health care including individual and family psychological based therapies.
3. To improve interagency preventative working with vulnerable young people.
About us
CNWL's Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Service has grown and developed steadily with new and exciting services in police custody and courts. We have formed a partnership with other providers to implement the DOH Operating Model for an all-age and all vulnerabilities model of delivery.
The Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Service is being developed to provide mental health assessments, identify care pathways, and where indicated diversion to individuals within the police custody suites, courts and probation services.
Please note: Candidates will need to submit an application for Metropolitan Police vetting clearance and have it approved before a contract can be agreed.
Job responsibilities
1. To ensure all young people referred to YJLD are offered timely screening and specialist assessment for mental health problems, neuro-developmental issues, conduct disorder, learning difficulties or disabilities or other vulnerabilities.
2. To provide risk assessment and appropriate risk management for young people referred to YJLD with mental health problems, neuro-developmental issues, conduct disorder, learning difficulties or disabilities or other vulnerabilities.
3. To ensure access to appropriate services to support children and young people referred through the YJLD scheme, acting as a care coordinator/lead practitioner.
4. The YJLD practitioner will take a proactive role in ensuring young people engage with services they have been referred to.
5. To liaise with Police, Crown Prosecution Service and other Court stakeholders as appropriate.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
* Qualified Registered Mental Nurse, Mental Health Social Worker or Occupational Therapist with current registration with the relevant professional body.
* Substantial evidence of continuing professional development and post-registration training.
Previous Experience
* Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary/multi-agency team.
* Post-registration experience, which is experience of working in a community or forensic psychiatric setting at Band 6 or equivalent or above.
* Experience of crisis work and risk assessment.
* Experience of working in forensic psychiatry.
* Experience of the assessment of clients with drug/alcohol related problems and clients with a history of transience or homelessness.
* Experience in Liaison and Diversion.
Skills and knowledge
* Effective written and verbal communication skills.
* The ability to make comprehensive psycho-social assessments and good report writing skills.
* Ability to make sound and safe risk assessments.
* Evidence of effective time management and organisational skills.
* Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary/multi-agency team.
* Evidence of effective networking and liaison experience.
* Ability to treat service users with respect and dignity at all times.
* Able to build constructive relationships with warmth and empathy.
* Skills in assessing people with forensic history or need.
* Knowledge of current legislation relating to community mental health provision and forensic psychiatry.
* Knowledge of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1884 and PACE Codes of Practice 2004.
* Ability to promote users' involvement.
* Experience of working with vulnerable children and young persons.
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.
Salary: £51,883 to £58,544 a year per annum inc HCAS (pro rata if P/T)
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