Band 6 Integrated Non-Custodial Services Practitioner(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Job Summary

You will be responsible for delivering expert mental health assessments and advice within Police Custody and Court settings. This role ensures clear identification of individuals’ mental health needs and appropriate care pathways, delivering timely and high-quality written reports that support informed decision-making by police and judicial authorities.

Your work will involve strong collaboration with multi-agency partners, acting as the key health contact within Custody and Court services. You will also advise courts directly where necessary, contributing specialist knowledge of mental health law and best practice pathways.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Assessment and Decision Support

• Conduct mental health evaluations for individuals identified with possible mental health needs in police custody or court.
• Provide clear, evidence-based advice to custody staff and court personnel.
• Prepare and submit written reports to inform justice processes, within required timeframes.
• Report Preparation and Information Sharing
• Compile detailed reports of health and social circumstances when indicated.
• Ensure information is balanced, accurate, and useful for legal and clinical decision-making.
• Maintain timely communication with all relevant agencies.

Court Engagement and Legal Advice

• Attend court hearings and provide expert opinion on appropriate care pathways and disposals.
• Recommend whether the criminal justice process should continue or whether diversion to health services is more suitable.
• Refer to the relevant legal frameworks, including the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007) and other statutory guidance.
•  Mental Health Act – Official UK Government Guidance

Care Pathways and Diversion

• Identify suitable care options and make direct referrals to appropriate medical or social services.
• Where diversion is in the individual’s best interest, support facilitation of assessments under the Mental Health Act in partnership with assessment teams.
• Ensure continuity of care and appropriate risk information is shared along the pathway.

Youth Custody and Specialist Support

• Work with Youth Detention Services when custody is indicated.
• Provide specialist input and advice for youth custody services and police custody suites when required.

Policy and Compliance

• Adhere to all organisational policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Maintain professional practice in line with national and local guidance.
•  Police Custody and Mental Health – College of Policing Guidance

Communication and Professional Skills

• Communicate clearly and empathetically with diverse individuals and teams.
• Build strong working relationships with police, courts, health, and social care partners.
• Work independently with strong organisational and time-management skills.

Person Specification Highlights

• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the Mental Health Act and related criminal justice protocols.
• Experience in clinical assessment in forensic or custodial settings is desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage complex workloads.
•  Sentencing Council – Mental Health Sentencing Guidelines
• National Police Chiefs’ Council – Mental Health Framework
•  Department of Health & Social Care – Mental Health Policy