Job summary This new role of Specialist Mental Health Practitioner for Primary Care is fundamental to the development and leadership of innovative new teams and integrated mental health services based within Primary Care under the 'Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme' (ARRS). The role promotes and provides early assessment, treatment and improved access to evidence-based interventions supporting people contacting primary care for help with their mental health needs. Please note: 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 The Specialist Mental Health Practitioner role will help people over 18 years old, who are accessing support through primary care, to define achievable goals and access local community resources. Areas of focus will include: Those with mental health needs that do not meet the access criteria for IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies provided through Vita Health) and do not meet the access criteria for secondary care. People with serious or significant mental illness (SMI) who are supported within recovery services and relatively stable in secondary care mental health services, who could be cared for within primary care. Those diagnosed with, or presenting with traits of, personality disorder who will benefit from being signposted to services who can best meet their needs Older adults with complex presenting issues First contact with primary care 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 28 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 342-NS007-0125 Job locations Coast Resource Centre Diamond Batch Weston-super-Mare BS24 7FY Job description Job responsibilities Facilitate mental health and strengths-based support conversations in Primary Care and support the Primary Care Team in accessing appropriate level of services Promote understanding and confidence in the delivery of mental health care and collaboration with all agencies involved in the care of service users Where required, train and supervise junior staff in line with own role Promote the importance of working with strengths and aspirations of the person referred. Provide succinct formulations and recommendations (inclusive of risk management advice) to support patient safety planning. Job description Job responsibilities Facilitate mental health and strengths-based support conversations in Primary Care and support the Primary Care Team in accessing appropriate level of services Promote understanding and confidence in the delivery of mental health care and collaboration with all agencies involved in the care of service users Where required, train and supervise junior staff in line with own role Promote the importance of working with strengths and aspirations of the person referred. Provide succinct formulations and recommendations (inclusive of risk management advice) to support patient safety planning. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker or Occupational Therapist Post qualifying experience working in the community Desirable additional training (ie CBT, DBT or other) Person Specification Qualifications Essential Registered Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker or Occupational Therapist Post qualifying experience working in the community Desirable additional training (ie CBT, DBT or other) 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. 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. 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 Coast Resource Centre Diamond Batch Weston-super-Mare BS24 7FY Employer's website http://www.awp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)