Job summary The established mental health liaison team at Salisbury Hospital is made up of a team manager, senior practitioner, band 6 nurses, and our consultant psychiatrist. As an ageless mental health liaison team (18), we support the hospital and their patients across the lifespan giving practitioners the chance to broaden their knowledge in all areas of mental health including acute, later life and organic and specialized pathways such as perinatal, eating disorder, and somatoform and medically unexplained symptoms. We see patients at all points of their journey- first point of contact needing primary care input to the most complex and challenging presentations. This post is open to newly qualified social workers. In line with AWP trust policy all newly qualified social workers (NQSW) will be recruited initially at Band 5 level, regardless of advertised role banding. All NQSW's are expected to successfully complete their ASYE within 2 years of employment, unless there are exceptional circumstances in which case it may be extended for a further 2 years. If you have been appointed to an advertised Band 6 role this will be an automatic progression, following confirmation of your successful ASYE completion. If you have been appointed to a Band 5 post you will then be eligible to apply for a subsequent Band 6 vacancy upon successful ASYE completion. Main duties of the job Our liaison team tends to receive referrals from A&E as well as the wards (roughly 50% split) which can provide the 'best of both worlds' - a proportion of patients we see for 'one off' assessments and another proportion who we can see as an inpatient for longer and benefit from the rapport building and continuity that this can give. We are a very supportive team who enjoy the complexity this job can offer and see new challenges as obstacles to overcome creatively. Risk is a large part of our role, but we take this on with shared enthusiasm and support. We also act as advocates for our patients and general colleagues as needed. Come to a job where you will keep learning and no two days are quite the same Conducting Full Psychosocial assessments for patients referred to the service. Liaise with medical and nursing staff and families and carers. Refer on to other services as necessary. Educational support for general hospital staff. Mentoring students. Skills required include: Assessment of risk. Clinical Formulation skills. Discharge planning skills and knowledge. Co ordinating and organising ability. Good communication skills. About us We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust) a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care. We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset. Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care. At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger. Date posted 19 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 342-WTS062-0325 Job locations Salisbury District Hospital Odstock Road Salisbury SP2 8BJ Job description Job responsibilities 1. Liaison and Consultation Be responsible for the full assessment of care needs of patients presenting with a range of undifferentiated mental health and psychological problems. As a result of this assessment, you will be responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care, without direct supervision. Provide a comprehensive consultation-liaison service to clinical teams, assisting them to formulate appropriate plans of care and make decisions in cases where patients may be exhibiting complex needs and/or challenging behaviours. Initiate and participate in the teaching and educational programmes of all grades of nursing and non-nursing staff. You will also provide teaching and develop learning opportunities for pre and post-registration nursing students. When appropriate, maintain a small caseload of patients, providing a broad range of treatments and clinical interventions, as appropriate to the individuals needs. Be responsible for participating in specific clinical projects and undertake all the necessary work to complete these, including facilitating meetings, liaising and/or negotiating with other staff. Participate fully in appropriate quality assurance initiatives, with the emphasis on developing patient/service user-focused services. Promote a positive attitude and encourage a supportive culture in relation to mental health and psychiatric illness across the general hospital. 2. Clinical Practice Utilise a range of clinical skills appropriate to the individual patient's needs and the clinical setting in which they are being cared for. Undertake specialist psychosocial assessments with patients presenting following an episode of self-harm. Prompt referral on to secondary mental health services, social services and voluntary groups, as appropriate. Flexible, needs-based follow-up of individuals who require assessment following an earlier attendance after an episode of self-harm. Concise, effective liaison and feedback to clinical staff within the general hospital regarding advice on appropriate management strategies for individuals referred. Utilise a range of follow-up options and sources of help and support for patients, as appropriate. Effective liaison and communication with patients, relatives, carers, primary health care and secondary mental health services. Role model clinical excellence and high standards of nursing practice to other staff. Demonstrate and apply a sound understanding of the legal and ethical issues in caring for people with mental health problems. In particular, demonstrate a sound understanding of the application of the Mental Health Act and the Mental Capacity Act and their use within a non-mental health setting. 3. Management Following negotiation, take responsibility for agreed clinical and managerial projects associated with the provision of the Mental Health Liaison Service. In the absence of the clinical team leader, take responsibility for the overall management of the service, to the agreed local and professional standards. Ensure the promotion of the health and safety, well-being and interests of patients, staff and visitors that come into contact with the service and its environs. At all times practice within the boundaries of the NMC The Code: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives. Supervise, monitor and appraise the performance of registered and unregistered staff within sphere of responsibility. The post-holder will be designated to regularly take charge of the clinical service in the absence of the person who has continuing responsibility. You may also be required to undertake a range of management duties in the absence of, or at the request of, the designated team leader. 4. Audit and evaluation Participate in appropriate audit projects, including data collection, as a means of contributing to the ongoing evaluation and audit of the Mental Health Liaison Service. 5. Education Actively participate in the identification of own learning and education needs and demonstrate achievement against personal development plans (PDPs). Participate in the mentoring and education of a range of students placed with the team. Act as a mentor and preceptor, when appropriate. Participate in the planning, development and delivery of multi-professional education programmes and training sessions for a range of clinical and managerial staff. Provide clinical supervision to colleagues and students, as required. 6. Clinical governance Promote and encourage user and carer feedback regarding the service. Participate in and undertake appraisal and clinical supervision. Job description Job responsibilities 1. Liaison and Consultation Be responsible for the full assessment of care needs of patients presenting with a range of undifferentiated mental health and psychological problems. As a result of this assessment, you will be responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care, without direct supervision. Provide a comprehensive consultation-liaison service to clinical teams, assisting them to formulate appropriate plans of care and make decisions in cases where patients may be exhibiting complex needs and/or challenging behaviours. Initiate and participate in the teaching and educational programmes of all grades of nursing and non-nursing staff. You will also provide teaching and develop learning opportunities for pre and post-registration nursing students. When appropriate, maintain a small caseload of patients, providing a broad range of treatments and clinical interventions, as appropriate to the individuals needs. Be responsible for participating in specific clinical projects and undertake all the necessary work to complete these, including facilitating meetings, liaising and/or negotiating with other staff. Participate fully in appropriate quality assurance initiatives, with the emphasis on developing patient/service user-focused services. Promote a positive attitude and encourage a supportive culture in relation to mental health and psychiatric illness across the general hospital. 2. Clinical Practice Utilise a range of clinical skills appropriate to the individual patient's needs and the clinical setting in which they are being cared for. Undertake specialist psychosocial assessments with patients presenting following an episode of self-harm. Prompt referral on to secondary mental health services, social services and voluntary groups, as appropriate. Flexible, needs-based follow-up of individuals who require assessment following an earlier attendance after an episode of self-harm. Concise, effective liaison and feedback to clinical staff within the general hospital regarding advice on appropriate management strategies for individuals referred. Utilise a range of follow-up options and sources of help and support for patients, as appropriate. Effective liaison and communication with patients, relatives, carers, primary health care and secondary mental health services. Role model clinical excellence and high standards of nursing practice to other staff. Demonstrate and apply a sound understanding of the legal and ethical issues in caring for people with mental health problems. In particular, demonstrate a sound understanding of the application of the Mental Health Act and the Mental Capacity Act and their use within a non-mental health setting. 3. Management Following negotiation, take responsibility for agreed clinical and managerial projects associated with the provision of the Mental Health Liaison Service. In the absence of the clinical team leader, take responsibility for the overall management of the service, to the agreed local and professional standards. Ensure the promotion of the health and safety, well-being and interests of patients, staff and visitors that come into contact with the service and its environs. At all times practice within the boundaries of the NMC The Code: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives. Supervise, monitor and appraise the performance of registered and unregistered staff within sphere of responsibility. The post-holder will be designated to regularly take charge of the clinical service in the absence of the person who has continuing responsibility. You may also be required to undertake a range of management duties in the absence of, or at the request of, the designated team leader. 4. Audit and evaluation Participate in appropriate audit projects, including data collection, as a means of contributing to the ongoing evaluation and audit of the Mental Health Liaison Service. 5. Education Actively participate in the identification of own learning and education needs and demonstrate achievement against personal development plans (PDPs). Participate in the mentoring and education of a range of students placed with the team. Act as a mentor and preceptor, when appropriate. Participate in the planning, development and delivery of multi-professional education programmes and training sessions for a range of clinical and managerial staff. Provide clinical supervision to colleagues and students, as required. 6. Clinical governance Promote and encourage user and carer feedback regarding the service. Participate in and undertake appraisal and clinical supervision. Person Specification Experience Essential Experience of assessing, planning and evaluating mental health nursing interventions. Experience of delivering psychiatric interventions to individuals who are acutely unwell Evidence of professional updating and development in the nursing care of patients in an acute or community setting. Qualifications Essential Registered Nurse (mental health)(preferred) or Social Worker or Occupational Therapist. Must have current professional registration Person Specification Experience Essential Experience of assessing, planning and evaluating mental health nursing interventions. Experience of delivering psychiatric interventions to individuals who are acutely unwell Evidence of professional updating and development in the nursing care of patients in an acute or community setting. Qualifications Essential Registered Nurse (mental health)(preferred) or Social Worker or Occupational Therapist. Must have current professional registration Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust Address Salisbury District Hospital Odstock Road Salisbury SP2 8BJ Employer's website http://www.awp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)