Job Overview and Opportunity for International Candidates
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust is excited to announce a permanent full-time position for a Liaison and Diversion Practitioner within our Criminal Justice Team at the Bracton Centre. This role offers a unique opportunity for qualified healthcare professionals seeking to relocate to the United Kingdom, as we are pleased to confirm that certificate of sponsorship is available for the right candidate. This represents an exceptional chance to build a career within the UK’s renowned National Health Service while making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals within the criminal justice system.
About Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust has been providing Liaison and Diversion services since 2012 and has recently secured a new five-year contract to continue delivering these essential services in partnership with the South London Partnership. Our trust offers a wide range of NHS healthcare services across community and secure environment settings, employing over 4,300 staff members working in hospitals, clinics, prisons, secure hospitals, children’s centres, schools, and people’s homes across more than 125 sites in Southern England.
Position Details
The successful candidate will join our established L&D team providing assessment services to Bromley and Bexley Police stations and Magistrates courts. The service operates Monday to Friday from 08.00-22.00 hrs with weekend coverage from 13.00-21.00 hrs. The role requires working shift patterns including early shifts (07:00-15:00) and late shifts (14:00-22:00) Monday to Friday, with weekend service operating hours from 13.00-21:00 hrs.
Salary and Benefits Package
This Band 6 position offers a competitive salary range of £44,485 to £52,521 per annum inclusive, following the Agenda for Change pay scheme. The position is permanent and full-time, providing job security and excellent opportunities for career progression within the NHS framework. The trust operates on our core values: We’re Kind, We’re Fair, We Listen, We Care.
Certificate of Sponsorship Information
We are delighted to confirm that Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust provides certificate of sponsorship for international candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK. Applications from job seekers requiring sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The post holder will work as part of a team supporting service users across the criminal justice pathway who have encountered or experienced mental health difficulties and other recognised vulnerabilities. The purpose of this role is to provide assessment and implementation of evidence-based interventions for service users experiencing common, acute mental health and longer-term recovery needs who have come into contact with the Criminal Justice System.
Key Clinical Responsibilities
To provide specialist knowledge on forensic mental health within the criminal justice system, namely police stations and courts within Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, offering expert advice and consultation to colleagues in the criminal justice system and mental health services. The practitioner will maintain clinical direction and leadership, coordinating clinical staff to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality mental health care for people with vulnerabilities in crisis within police custody.
Assessment and Intervention
The role involves holding responsibility for assessment of care needs and the development, implementation, and evaluation of therapeutic care. This includes providing court reports as requested, following individuals through to successful signposting, and optimizing service users’ ability to remain in the community in line with the principles of recovery and social inclusion.
Clinical Governance and Data Collection
The practitioner will support clinical governance initiatives, identify recognised vulnerabilities, and support recovery pathways. This includes collecting and implementing data from assessments made in police stations within the trust, which will assist in developing service review/research providing evidence to inform future service provision.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must have current UK professional registration and a relevant Professional Qualification (RMN/OT/Social worker/Psychologist). Essential requirements include previous experience at NHS band 5 (or equivalent) level, specialist experience working with vulnerable groups, and demonstrated experience of working autonomously. The ability to facilitate assessments and formulate outcomes is crucial for success in this role.
Desirable Qualifications
While not essential, experience in multi-agency working is highly desirable. The trust values diverse experience and encourages applications from candidates with varied backgrounds in healthcare and criminal justice settings.
Management Responsibilities
The role includes assisting the Team Leader in ensuring the team performs effectively and efficiently in providing high-quality provision to all boroughs. The practitioner will be required to make clinical judgements on situations as they arise and respond using appropriate contingencies, ensuring the safety of clients and the community at large.
Professional Development
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust is committed to the continuous professional development of all staff. The successful candidate will participate fully in CPD and supervision, supporting staff, mentoring students, and promoting learning. Regular mentorship and supervision to students on placement will be expected.
Legal and Statutory Requirements
The practitioner must work within codes of practice and professional guidelines, maintaining accountability for own professional practice. Ensuring observance of all relevant legal and statutory requirements is essential, including maintaining knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, and other relevant legislation.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via the NHS Jobs website before the closing date of 01 October 2025. The reference number for this position is 277-7442109-FOR. Please ensure your application demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Contact Information
For questions about this position, please contact Adam Sohawon, Operational Manager, at [email protected] or 07767587300. We encourage potential applicants to reach out with any questions regarding the role, certificate of sponsorship process, or relocation assistance.
Relocation Support
While specific relocation packages may vary, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust recognizes the challenges faced by international candidates and aims to provide support throughout the transition process. This includes assistance with understanding the UK healthcare system, finding accommodation, and integrating into the local community.
Why Choose Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust?
Working for Oxleas means joining an organization that values diversity, promotes inclusion, and supports professional growth. Our trust holds multiple accreditations including Disability Confident Employer, Age Positive, Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, and many others, demonstrating our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace.
Life in the UK
Relocating to the UK offers numerous benefits including access to world-class healthcare through the NHS, excellent education opportunities, rich cultural experiences, and the chance to live and work in a diverse, multicultural society. The trust’s location provides easy access to London while offering more affordable living options in surrounding areas.
Professional Registration Requirements
All applicants must have current UK professional registration. International candidates should begin the registration process with their relevant professional body as early as possible. Further information about overseas health professional registration can be found on the NHS Careers website.
Equal Opportunities Employer
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We particularly encourage applications from black and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the trust at this level.
How to Prepare Your Application
When applying, ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. Include specific examples of your experience working with vulnerable groups and your ability to work autonomously. International candidates should highlight any experience working in diverse cultural environments.
Next Steps After Application
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview, which may be conducted virtually for international applicants. The trust understands the complexities of international recruitment and will work flexibly to accommodate different time zones and circumstances.
Join Our Team
This position represents an exceptional opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals while advancing your career in the UK healthcare system. We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming the successful candidate to our dedicated team at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust.
