Job summary 37.5 hours per week We are seeking to recruit a B6 Senior Mental Health Practitioner working with the Acute Care Pathway within Livewell Southwest. You will have the opportunity to join established teams that work across three services, with the aim of ensuring that individuals experiencing a mental health crisis receive timely assessments of their needs. You will be involved in the A2ED, First Response Service, and Liaison Psychiatry teams. The A2ED service provides professional assessments to individuals who urgently require face-to-face contact with a Mental Health worker, helping to prevent unnecessary visits to the Derriford Emergency Department. The goal of A2ED is to reduce waiting times, which ultimately benefits patients, their families, and emergency services. The First Response Service is a 24/7 crisis and assessment service that offers age-appropriate advice, support, and guidance for those experiencing mental health challenges in Plymouth. While most interactions occur via telephone, there may be occasions when face-to-face crisis assessments are necessary. Liaison Psychiatry operates as an urgent and emergency mental health service within Derriford Hospital. This specialised service provides mental health care in conjunction with physical health treatment, supporting hospital clinicians in assessing and managing mental health concerns for patients receiving care at the hospital. Main duties of the job Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity. All Livewell staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7-day service. Job Share(s) Considered You will serve as shift lead on a rota basis, coordinating service delivery, prioritising workload, and providing clinical advice to junior staff. You will also consult with other services, participate in a multi-agency forum and risk management, and contribute to training and supervision. Additionally, you will chair Risk Management and Professionals meetings as needed and will have access to support from an experienced multi-disciplinary team. You will help develop training programs for staff and the local induction program, including student mentoring. You will lead investigations for complaints, complex cases, and internal reviews, with management support as required. Refer to the attached job descriptions for more information. Please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility About us Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise providing integrated health & social care services for people across Plymouth, South Hams & West Devon, as well as some specialist services for people living in parts of Devon & Cornwall. With teams in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, health & wellbeing hubs. As an organisation with a strong social conscience, we always value being kind, respectful, inclusive, ambitious, responsible and collaborative. Transforming services to make them sustainable, ensuring that we value, support & empower each other. We are committed to involving the people we care for, families & carers in everything that we do, working towards co-production where we can. Helping us to deliver the right care for people, in the right place & at the right time. By putting people at the centre of what we do, we ensure to support people to lead, healthy independent lives & be the very best at helping people to live well. Valuing our employees making an investment in their development a priority. We offer: Protected CPD time for registered staff Various development pathways and ongoing regular training packages for all staff Leadership & mentoring programmes Access & funding for training including Care Certificate, Assistant Practitioners Course & Scholarship Into Nurse Training A Robust Preceptorship A bespoke induction programme Existing members of the NHS Pension Scheme can continue their membership when they join the organisation. Date posted 22 October 2024 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year pa, pro-rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number B9832-2024-NM-8800-3 Job locations Crownhill Court Tailyour Road Plymouth South West PL6 5DH Job description Job responsibilities Context of Role Senior Mental Health Practitioners are responsible for conducting brief clinical risk assessments and mental health evaluations, formulating care and safety plans, making informed decisions, and developing short-term contingency strategies for individuals experiencing mental health crises. Operating within community settings, as well as Livewell and hospital sites, Senior Mental Health Practitioners conduct face-to-face assessments and collaborate closely with other mental health services and agencies, including Police, Ambulatory services, and local authorities. Through a variety of brief, solution-focused interventions, Senior Mental Health Practitioners empower patients, their families, and caregivers in the decision-making process, directing them to a spectrum of health and social care resources for additional support. The role may require functioning in primary care environments, community settings, and other health and Livewell service locations as needed. This could involve working from the Joint Response Unit vehicle in collaboration with Police colleagues and our Approved Mental Health Professionals Team. Practitioners will likely encounter clients in significant distress due to a variety of mental health presentations. Collaboration with representatives from various agencies (e.g., Police, Paramedics) is an integral part of the role, especially during out of normal office hours shifts, to provide acute assessment and assistance for individuals experiencing mental health crises in both hospital settings and in the community. Key attributes for this role include substantive experience working in mental health acute work, professionalism, assertiveness, experienced in patient advocacy, and a sound understanding of how physical health conditions influence mental well-being. Given the nature of the work, regular travel between different sites is essential. Collaboration with key partner services and organisations, service users, caregivers, clinicians, and other practitioners within a multidisciplinary team is crucial to service delivery. As part of the Livewell service, flexibility is expected, enabling practitioners to work across different sites and support services based on operational demands or staffing shortages. Practice supervision and line management will be provided, and practitioners are expected to take responsibility for their continuing professional development. Job description Job responsibilities Context of Role Senior Mental Health Practitioners are responsible for conducting brief clinical risk assessments and mental health evaluations, formulating care and safety plans, making informed decisions, and developing short-term contingency strategies for individuals experiencing mental health crises. Operating within community settings, as well as Livewell and hospital sites, Senior Mental Health Practitioners conduct face-to-face assessments and collaborate closely with other mental health services and agencies, including Police, Ambulatory services, and local authorities. Through a variety of brief, solution-focused interventions, Senior Mental Health Practitioners empower patients, their families, and caregivers in the decision-making process, directing them to a spectrum of health and social care resources for additional support. The role may require functioning in primary care environments, community settings, and other health and Livewell service locations as needed. This could involve working from the Joint Response Unit vehicle in collaboration with Police colleagues and our Approved Mental Health Professionals Team. Practitioners will likely encounter clients in significant distress due to a variety of mental health presentations. Collaboration with representatives from various agencies (e.g., Police, Paramedics) is an integral part of the role, especially during out of normal office hours shifts, to provide acute assessment and assistance for individuals experiencing mental health crises in both hospital settings and in the community. Key attributes for this role include substantive experience working in mental health acute work, professionalism, assertiveness, experienced in patient advocacy, and a sound understanding of how physical health conditions influence mental well-being. Given the nature of the work, regular travel between different sites is essential. Collaboration with key partner services and organisations, service users, caregivers, clinicians, and other practitioners within a multidisciplinary team is crucial to service delivery. As part of the Livewell service, flexibility is expected, enabling practitioners to work across different sites and support services based on operational demands or staffing shortages. Practice supervision and line management will be provided, and practitioners are expected to take responsibility for their continuing professional development. Person Specification Specific Skills Essential Assessing, formulating and working with people presenting in heightened state of distress Communicating (oral and written) complex/highly technical and clinically sensitive information to clients, their families, carers and other professional colleagues both within and outside the organisation Clinical risk assessment and contingency planning Able to meet the service needs for mobility across the geographical area covered Able to demonstrate commitment to high quality care and service provision. Understanding about how a persons physical health can affect their mental state. Specialist knowledge of mental disorders and their impact on physical health. Understanding of National guidelines and initiatives related to provision of mental health services in an acute general hospital. Understanding of services and their role in the provision of mental health care in the community. General understanding of Continuing Healthcare and the assessment process for this. Sound working knowledge of Mental Health Act (1983), Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (2005). Protection of Vulnerable Adults Policies and Procedures. Desirable Brief psychological interventions/strategies for managing crisis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy skills. Problem solving skills. Solution focussed therapy skills. Physical healthcare skills. Motivational interviewing skills. DBT skills. Cognitive assessment skills. Experience Essential Mental health care/treatment relevant to service Working with people presenting in mental health crisis Multi-agency working/working across service interfaces Working within a multicultural framework. Suitable Candidates will show a clear willingness to develop skills in the areas of both functional mental health problems and older peoples/complex care mental health needs. Desirable Teaching, training and/or supervision of clinical staff Previous experience of working in a community mental health setting. Evidence of developing and contributing to service development. Experience of change in health care. Knowledge Essential Evidenced based clinical interventions relevant to the service Relevant specialist clinical courses/training Models of care and treatment relevant to working with people in mental health crisis Evidence of continuing professional development Sound knowledge of relevant legislative frameworks (i.e. Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act) Desirable SystmOne Eclipse Experience of working in both acute mental health and in complex care and dementia care Additional Requirements Essential Works flexibly Committed to team working. Motivated, reliable and visionary Embrace opportunity to work with local community, 3rd sector and other partners. Positive approach to older people Recognise peoples right to privacy and dignity, treating every person with respect Willingness to embrace integrated model and new ways of working. Willingness to be flexible in approach and attitude. Ability to manage change in a positive manner. Recognise peoples right to privacy and dignity, treating every person with respect. Time management. Ability to manage environmental stress. Ability to work in a changing team. Articulate with a high level of communication skills. Ability to deal with high levels of emotional stress. Ability to sustain high levels of concentration. Motivated and committed to developing new ideas and improving patient care. Ability to function as an autonomous practitioner Desirable Brief psychological interventions/strategies for managing crisis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy skills. Problem solving skills. Solution focussed therapy skills. Physical healthcare skills. Motivational interviewing skills. DBT skills. Cognitive assessment skills. Qualifications Essential Degree in Healthcare in relevant area supplemented by a post-graduate qualification or specialist training with relevant experience. Professional Qualification (e.g. RMN, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist) Professional Registration (e.g. NMC, HCPC, Social Work England) Evidence of continuing professional development Mentorship qualification or equivalent experience. Desirable Clinical supervision qualification. Medical / non-medical prescribing Teaching (clinical practice) qualification/certificate or equivalent experience Leadership qualifications. Person Specification Specific Skills Essential Assessing, formulating and working with people presenting in heightened state of distress Communicating (oral and written) complex/highly technical and clinically sensitive information to clients, their families, carers and other professional colleagues both within and outside the organisation Clinical risk assessment and contingency planning Able to meet the service needs for mobility across the geographical area covered Able to demonstrate commitment to high quality care and service provision. Understanding about how a persons physical health can affect their mental state. Specialist knowledge of mental disorders and their impact on physical health. Understanding of National guidelines and initiatives related to provision of mental health services in an acute general hospital. Understanding of services and their role in the provision of mental health care in the community. General understanding of Continuing Healthcare and the assessment process for this. Sound working knowledge of Mental Health Act (1983), Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (2005). Protection of Vulnerable Adults Policies and Procedures. Desirable Brief psychological interventions/strategies for managing crisis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy skills. Problem solving skills. Solution focussed therapy skills. Physical healthcare skills. Motivational interviewing skills. DBT skills. Cognitive assessment skills. Experience Essential Mental health care/treatment relevant to service Working with people presenting in mental health crisis Multi-agency working/working across service interfaces Working within a multicultural framework. Suitable Candidates will show a clear willingness to develop skills in the areas of both functional mental health problems and older peoples/complex care mental health needs. Desirable Teaching, training and/or supervision of clinical staff Previous experience of working in a community mental health setting. Evidence of developing and contributing to service development. Experience of change in health care. Knowledge Essential Evidenced based clinical interventions relevant to the service Relevant specialist clinical courses/training Models of care and treatment relevant to working with people in mental health crisis Evidence of continuing professional development Sound knowledge of relevant legislative frameworks (i.e. Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act) Desirable SystmOne Eclipse Experience of working in both acute mental health and in complex care and dementia care Additional Requirements Essential Works flexibly Committed to team working. Motivated, reliable and visionary Embrace opportunity to work with local community, 3rd sector and other partners. Positive approach to older people Recognise peoples right to privacy and dignity, treating every person with respect Willingness to embrace integrated model and new ways of working. Willingness to be flexible in approach and attitude. Ability to manage change in a positive manner. Recognise peoples right to privacy and dignity, treating every person with respect. Time management. Ability to manage environmental stress. Ability to work in a changing team. Articulate with a high level of communication skills. Ability to deal with high levels of emotional stress. Ability to sustain high levels of concentration. Motivated and committed to developing new ideas and improving patient care. Ability to function as an autonomous practitioner Desirable Brief psychological interventions/strategies for managing crisis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy skills. Problem solving skills. Solution focussed therapy skills. Physical healthcare skills. Motivational interviewing skills. DBT skills. Cognitive assessment skills. Qualifications Essential Degree in Healthcare in relevant area supplemented by a post-graduate qualification or specialist training with relevant experience. Professional Qualification (e.g. RMN, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist) Professional Registration (e.g. NMC, HCPC, Social Work England) Evidence of continuing professional development Mentorship qualification or equivalent experience. Desirable Clinical supervision qualification. Medical / non-medical prescribing Teaching (clinical practice) qualification/certificate or equivalent experience Leadership qualifications. 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 Livewell Southwest Address Crownhill Court Tailyour Road Plymouth South West PL6 5DH Employer's website https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)