Police Liaison Practitioner

JOB SUMMARY This job description is an outline of the main duties of the post. The postholder will be required to undertake other duties commensurate with the grade as directed. The content of this post will be reviewed in consultation with the postholder when necessary and in line with the service developments. To work as a senior member of the police liaison team providing comprehensive mental health assessments for those in crisis, identify care pathways and offer support and advice to local police who come into contact with those who have mental health issues.

The successful applicant will work in the police station and maintain close links with mental health services, social care and other voluntary agencies. This involves a commitment to close partnership working with both statutory and voluntary sector agencies and a commitment to working with a complex and diverse range of individuals with varying needs. KEY RESULT AREAS: To attend with or without the police, varying community settings and provide mental health assessments, advice and identify robust care pathways for individuals where a potential mental health or learning disability need has been identified. To provide the police with written information pertaining to the individual in a timely fashion.

To work closely and build links with all officers, acting as a single point of contact for mental health. Facilitate mental health act assessments at the police station or in the community if clinically indicated. To be proficient in all aspects of care and risk management associated with the role of lead professional, whilst referring to appropriate community teams. To provide specialist advice and service to the police where indicated.

To provide mental health information that is proportionate in order to provide the best outcome for the person, where a potential mental health need has been identified. To have the interpersonal skills necessary to develop a therapeutic alliance with emotionally and psychologically disturbed clients and their carers enabling the client to accept responsibility for their personal wellbeing appropriate to their level of cognitive functioning. To work collaboratively with clients, carers and multiple other agencies to provide effective care to optimise and maintain clients mental state and overall functioning. To have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding or current issues and research relevant to the legislative framework and systems in which mental health care is delivered e.g.

CPA, MHA (1983), S136. To take personal responsibility and supervise junior staff, ensuring the maintenance of written and electronic client and Trust records including inputting data related to own work activity and to be accountable for your own professional practice. To participate in the development of and practice within the policies and procedures of the Trust and adhere to NHS and NMC guidelines or appropriate governing body specific to professional role. To have an understanding or and participate in the clinical audit process within health and social care.

To be responsible for providing training to the Police, Police liaison practitioners and wider IHBTT colleagues re own discipline. To promote and disseminate evidence based practice relevant to the Liaison and Diversion and the criminal justice system to individuals and target groups within the health and social care community, through the development and delivery or appropriate training. To participate in the Trusts appraisal system taking responsibility for own continues professional development, keeping abreast of current research and evidence base and participating in training and development opportunities. For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.