Team Manager – Liaison and Diversion Service(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Automotive Jobs, Health and Care
Uk
May 13, 2026
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

Lead a Specialist Mental Health Service Within the Criminal Justice System

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced and compassionate Team Manager to lead its Liaison and Diversion Service (LADS) across Somerset.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity for a motivated mental health professional who is passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable individuals who come into contact with the criminal justice system.

The Liaison and Diversion Service works closely with police, courts, probation services, NHS teams, and voluntary sector organisations to identify individuals with:

  • Mental health needs
    Learning disabilities
    Substance misuse concerns
    Neurodevelopmental conditions
    Social vulnerabilities

The service ensures people receive timely assessment, support, and referral into appropriate health and social care pathways, while helping reduce unnecessary involvement within the criminal justice system where appropriate.

About the Role

As Team Manager, you will provide operational leadership and day-to-day management for a multidisciplinary team delivering services within custody suites and courts across Somerset.

The role involves overseeing clinical quality, safeguarding, workforce management, performance monitoring, and partnership working within fast-paced criminal justice settings.

You will work closely with senior leaders and external agencies to ensure the service delivers safe, effective, person-centred care while meeting national Liaison and Diversion programme standards.

The service operates seven days a week between 8:00am and 8:00pm.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Service Management

  • Lead and manage the daily operational delivery of the Liaison and Diversion Service.
    Supervise, support, and develop multidisciplinary staff including nurses and allied health professionals.
    Oversee recruitment, appraisal, rota planning, and workforce development.
    Promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.

Clinical & Operational Oversight

  • Ensure timely completion of assessments, reports, referrals, and safeguarding processes.
    Monitor service quality, performance indicators, risk management, and governance standards.
    Support staff managing complex or high-risk cases within criminal justice environments.
    Maintain compliance with national Liaison and Diversion programme requirements.

Partnership Working

Develop strong working relationships with:

  • Police services
    Courts and probation teams
    NHS services
    Social care agencies
    Voluntary sector organisations
    Facilitate effective information-sharing processes where appropriate and consented.
    Quality Improvement & Governance
    Participate in clinical audit, service development, and quality improvement initiatives.
    Support incident review processes and learning from complaints or untoward events.
    Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice throughout the service.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Qualifications

Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN), Occupational Therapist (OT), DipSW, or equivalent mental health qualification.
Commitment to continuing professional development (CPD).

Desirable Qualifications

  • Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) qualification.
    Post-registration training in leadership or management.

Essential Experience

  • Post-qualification experience at Band 6 level or equivalent within mental health services.
    Experience managing staff performance and supporting professional development.
    Experience working within community or inpatient mental health services.
    Strong leadership and communication skills.

Desirable Experience

  • Experience investigating complaints and incidents.
    Experience deputising for a Team Manager or senior clinical lead.
    Experience within forensic, liaison, or criminal justice services.

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to travel independently across Somerset.
    Eligibility to obtain Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) clearance.
    Applicants must meet the minimum UK residency requirement of three years for vetting purposes.

About the Liaison and Diversion Service

The Liaison and Diversion Service provides holistic assessments for individuals entering the criminal justice system, helping identify unmet health and social care needs at the earliest possible stage.

The service plays a key role in:

  • Supporting vulnerable individuals
    Reducing health inequalities
    Improving access to care
    Enhancing communication between healthcare and criminal justice agencies
    Promoting safer and more informed decision-making

Why Join Somerset NHS Foundation Trust?

Working with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust offers a supportive and rewarding career environment with benefits including:

  • Flexible working opportunities
    NHS Pension Scheme
    Generous annual leave entitlement
    Blue Light Card discounts
    Ongoing leadership and professional development
    Inclusive workplace culture
    Career progression opportunities within specialist services

Why Somerset?

Somerset combines excellent career opportunities with an exceptional quality of life, offering:

  • Beautiful countryside and coastlines
    Affordable housing
    Excellent transport connections
    Access to Bristol, Bath, Exeter, and London
    Family-friendly communities and schools
    Outdoor and cultural activities throughout the region

Sponsorship & Eligibility

Applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome, subject to UK immigration requirements.

Applicants must:

Hold relevant UK professional registration

Useful UK Government & NHS Resources

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating a workplace where diversity is valued and everyone feels respected, supported, and included.

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