Health & Justice Band 6 Youth Practitioner

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 09 February 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Liaison & Diversion Team for the role of Liaison & Diversion Youth Practitioner based in Staffordshire Health & Justice Service. Are you interested in being part of a service to support children through the Criminal Justice System? Liaison and Diversion (L&D) teams play a crucial role in helping individuals with mental health issues, learning disabilities, substance misuse problems, and/or other vulnerabilities when they encounter the criminal justice system.

Within L&D there is a need for L&D to offer a dedicated pathway for children and young people (CYP). For CYP having specific provision and dedicated resources within the L&D settings of custody, court and outreach is essential for several reasons. CYP have unique developmental needs, higher prevalence of vulnerabilities, to prevent escalation of criminal behaviour, focus on education and skill development, family and social environment involvement, building trust and rapport, trauma informed care and long-term societal impact.

A CYP-specific provision within Liaison and Diversion is essential to respond to the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities of young people in a way that promotes personal growth, reduces recidivism, and supports a more just and rehabilitative criminal justice system.
The post holder will be expected to travel across the Staffordshire footprint

The role will involve assessing; accessing; and implementing a wide and, at times, complex range of care services for Children with complex needs. The post holder will also act in a supervisory role, supporting team members in; assessing, formulating, implementing and agreeing care and support plans with Children and carers. The post holder will also be expected to be available for consultation, support and clinical supervision to team members and other health professionals and other areas of the Trust were identified as appropriate.

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Take responsibility for holistic health assessment (within service specification) in Liaison and Diversion in conjunction with service user and carer (If necessary), helping to promote self-determination, choice and autonomy. To provide a written report for Crown or Magistrates Courts or to attend and give verbal evidence as required. To offer considered recommendations to these bodies. Assess service users individual needs, agree and refer on to appropriate agency.

Complete and contribute, where appropriate to robust risk assessments and risk management plans. Deliver and promote positive risk taking, where appropriate, to improve quality of life and maximise occupational performance/independence. Maintain an effective reporting system by observing and reporting verbally and electronically in health records. Utilise agreed outcome measures to review the effectiveness of process, as part of Liaison and Diversion Service.

To use both Silvercloud and Justice Star tools in supporting service users. To work closely with Youth justice Service and Youth Offending services.

• Professional recognised qualification such as RMN, RGN, Learning Disability Nurse, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, AHP.
• Degree qualification in relevant subject or demonstrable evidence or equivalent experience relevant to field of practice.

• 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. Knowledge of assessing and mitigating risk - including risk of harm to self and others. Knowledge of a wide range of vulnerabilities including the needs of children and young people.
  
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