Job summary You will be working as part of the wider health and social care team and have both virtual and direct contact with patients, service users or clients in providing high quality and compassionate care. Our Band 4 Practitioners work at a level above that of healthcare support workers and have a more in-depth understanding about factors that influence health and ill-health. This role will predominantly work within the Central Dementia Assessment Service and be responsible for triaging referrals for the Dementia Assessment Service Single Point of Access. As an Older Persons Band 4 Practitioner you will have a basic understanding of: the principles and philosophy of health and social care. Main duties of the job The successful candidate will create and develop strong partnerships and relationships with key stakeholders, especially community mental health team(s) and primary care staff including GPs, nurses, and management. The successful candidate will enable clients to envisage, establish and maintain a meaningful life in the community of their choice, providing(where appropriate) or referring/signposting individuals for interventions as per the pathway that will promote positive changes to improve physical health.The post holder will engage in all relevant meetings. As part of the triage process they will ensure GP's have provided correct information on referrals; gathering further clinical information where indicated. They will review results of physical health checks, ensuring they are within identified parameters. The CDAS triage practitioner will ensure service users are fully informed of potential implications ahead of memory assessments, and gather information to formulate a risk screen. They will take part in any audits to support development and effectiveness of the triage role and ensure people that matter are fully informed and part of the assessment where appropriate. Our CDAS Practitioners will create and develop strong relationships with patients, carers, and the public along with key stakeholders especially community mental health team(s) and primary care staff including GPs, nurses, and management. About us At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer: Flexible working options to help you balance work and life NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work. We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds. Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London. The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future. Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy. Date posted 12 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 4 Salary £26,530 to £29,114 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Home or remote working Reference number 184-OL-BL-1831 Job locations Bracken House Crewkerne Road Chard Somerset TA20 1YA Harrison House Taunton Somerset TA1 2PX Job description Job responsibilities You will be working as part of the wider health and social care team and have virtual and direct contact with patients, service users or clients in providing high quality and compassionate care. Our Band 4 Practitioners work at a level above that of healthcare support workers and have a more in-depth understanding about factors that influence health and ill-health. This role will predominantly work within the Central Dementia Assessment Service and be responsible for triaging referrals for the Dementia Assessment Service Single Point of Access. See attached job description for full information. Job description Job responsibilities You will be working as part of the wider health and social care team and have virtual and direct contact with patients, service users or clients in providing high quality and compassionate care. Our Band 4 Practitioners work at a level above that of healthcare support workers and have a more in-depth understanding about factors that influence health and ill-health. This role will predominantly work within the Central Dementia Assessment Service and be responsible for triaging referrals for the Dementia Assessment Service Single Point of Access. See attached job description for full information. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Level 2 English and Maths - (equivalent to GCSE grade C or above). Demonstrates meeting the standards of the Care Certificate. An accredited level 5 vocational qualification such as a Foundation Degree or other Level 5 Diploma in Healthcare for example assistant practitioner/nurse associate or significant experience and willing to work towards this. Experience Essential Substantial proven experience in health care. Relevant knowledge of physiology, psychology, organisation and function of the human body. Understanding of: research and development in the health and social care sector to inform and improve quality of care. provision and promotion of holistic person-centred care and support; duty of care. safeguarding of individuals. Importance of current evidence-based practice within scope of the role. Desirable Supervision of others. Additional Criteria Essential Evidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skills Excellent interpersonal skills. Mentoring/coaching skills. Excellent written skills. Excellent IT skills. Car driver with access to own transport. Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients Ability to work flexibly. Team player. Ability to work alone. Honest and reliable. Caring and compassionate. Conscientious. Committed to continuous improvement. Committed to treating individuals with dignity, respecting beliefs, culture, values, and preferences. Demonstrate courage to challenge areas of concern and work to best practice. Demonstrate discretion Approachable, supportive, and flexible. Motivated. Willingness to travel across the Trust Person Specification Qualifications Essential Level 2 English and Maths - (equivalent to GCSE grade C or above). Demonstrates meeting the standards of the Care Certificate. An accredited level 5 vocational qualification such as a Foundation Degree or other Level 5 Diploma in Healthcare for example assistant practitioner/nurse associate or significant experience and willing to work towards this. Experience Essential Substantial proven experience in health care. Relevant knowledge of physiology, psychology, organisation and function of the human body. Understanding of: research and development in the health and social care sector to inform and improve quality of care. provision and promotion of holistic person-centred care and support; duty of care. safeguarding of individuals. Importance of current evidence-based practice within scope of the role. Desirable Supervision of others. Additional Criteria Essential Evidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skills Excellent interpersonal skills. Mentoring/coaching skills. Excellent written skills. Excellent IT skills. Car driver with access to own transport. Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients Ability to work flexibly. Team player. Ability to work alone. Honest and reliable. Caring and compassionate. Conscientious. Committed to continuous improvement. Committed to treating individuals with dignity, respecting beliefs, culture, values, and preferences. Demonstrate courage to challenge areas of concern and work to best practice. Demonstrate discretion Approachable, supportive, and flexible. Motivated. Willingness to travel across the Trust 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. Employer details Employer name Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Address Bracken House Crewkerne Road Chard Somerset TA20 1YA Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)