Job summary
The Community Mental Health Practitioner in an Early Intervention Psychosis (EIP) Team is a key clinical role responsible for providing high-quality, patient-centred care to individuals aged 14-65 who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), the practitioner will play an essential role in the assessment, treatment, and support of patients during the critical early stages of psychosis, with a focus on recovery-oriented care.
We are seeking either a mental health nurse or social worker with previous experience of working in community mental health settings and who is confident and competent in effectively managing a caseload of patients.
Main duties of the job
1. Assessment & Care Planning
2. Intervention & Support
3. Case Management (Care Coordination)
4. Collaboration with MDT
5. Family & Carer Support
6. Crisis Management & Risk Reduction
7. Education & Training
About us
EPUT are looking for motivated staff who shares our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including;
8. Season Ticket Loans
9. NHS discounts for staff
10. Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
11. Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
12. The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
13. Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
14. Day One Flexible Employer
The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment
Join our Staff bank
What is Staff Bank?
Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able offer safe and effective care at all times.
All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank however this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish.
If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank.
Job description
Job responsibilities
15. Assessment & Care Planning : Conduct assessments (predominantly using the Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental States (CAARMS) tool) of individuals presenting with symptoms of psychosis, including mental state examinations, risk assessments, and formulation of recovery-focused care plans.
16. Intervention & Support : Deliver evidence-based (NICE) interventions, including psychoeducation, monitoring treatment efficacy and adverse side effects, and crisis management, reducing the risk of relapse, and enhancing functional outcomes. If registered mental health nurse - administer long-acting anti-psychotic depot injections in office and community settings.
17. Case Management : Take on a caseload of patients in the role of Care Coordinator underpinned by the Care Program Approach (or any alternative framework introduced in the future). Providing ongoing support and consistent monitoring throughout the patients treatment pathway, ensuring continuity of care and advocating for the needs of the individual. Completing and maintaining up to date person-centred, recovery-focused care plans in collaboration with the patient, family, and MDT.
18. Collaboration with MDT : Work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, employment specialists, and support workers to deliver integrated care, attend MDT meetings, and lead on care reviews and discharge planning.
19. Family & Carer Support : Provide education, emotional support, and practical advice to families and carers to help them understand psychosis and the recovery process, empowering them to be actively involved in the care of the patient. Engage family and carers to access specialist family interventions and carers support from the team.
20. Crisis Management & Risk Reduction : Continually assess risk, monitor for early warning signs of relapse or crisis situations, and provide timely interventions to minimize risk, including facilitating access to urgent care when necessary. Completing and maintaining up to date person-centred safety (risk) plans. Identify any possible safeguarding concerns and be responsible for the completion of safeguarding enquires/processes.
21. Education & Training : Contribute to the training and development of junior staff, students, and peers, sharing knowledge on psychosis, recovery principles, and best practice.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
22. Registered mental health nurse or Social Worker
Desirable
23. Additional relevant qualifications
Experience
Essential
24. Minimum 2 years post-registration clinical experience (in any area)
Desirable
25. Care coordinator (community) mental health experience
26. Meaningful experience working in an EIP service
Knowledge
Essential
27. Evidence of robust continuing professional/personal development
Desirable
28. Experience and competence completing social care related reports/processes
Knowledge
Essential
29. Understanding and appreciation of the EIP model, ethos, and philosophy
30. Evident desire to work with EIP patient cohort