Job summary
Please note the PayScale currently in use is Agenda for Change 2023/2024. We will update the 2024/2025 PayScale once confirmed.
Interviews will be held on 19 September 2024.
This is a fantastic opportunityto be involved in the early development and shaping of a major new and innovative approach to mental health provision, working closely with all relevant providers within the individual's local community network.
BOB (Berks, Oxford & Bucks) Integrated Care System has been awarded new NHS funding to transform community mental health services for people with serious mental health problems. A ground-breaking new model is being implemented to benefit those primary care patients who experience serious mental health problems.
As a Specialist Mental Health Practitioner, you will be working within the multi-disciplinary primary care mental health teams within a defined geographical location. You will be part of the system-wide implementation group, be well supported, and will work within a dynamic, people-centred environment, where you will be able to shape and improve provision for patients with complex conditions. You will be enabled to adopt a personalised approach to patient care that maximises independence, choice and control, following our philosophy of enabling people to reach and maintain their optimum level of health and wellbeing.
Main duties of the job
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 networks of GP Practices (PCNs). The role promotes and provides early assessment, treatment and improved access to evidence-based interventions for people with SMI. The role will help people to focus on achievable goals and access local community service will be for people over 18 years old (including carers) with a specific focus on:
1. those with mental health needs that exceed the access criteria for IAPT and do not meet the access criteria for secondary care
2. people with serious or significant mental illness (SMI) who are in recovery and relatively stable in secondary care mental health services who could be cared for within primary care
3. people with SMI who are eligible for an annual health check and medication review and improved access to physical health interventions
4. younger adults with SMI (18-25years) particularly those transitioning between children's and adult services
5. those diagnosed with, or presenting with traits of, personality disorder who will benefit from enhanced support across primary care through the MHICS team
About us
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire.
We value diversity and are proud to be a Stonewall Top 100 Employer.We work hard to create an inclusive environment where you'll be supported by friendly and professional colleagues to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare:
6. Caring for and about you is our top priority
7. Committed to providing good quality, safe services
8. Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
We welcome people who share these values to come and work for us.
Benefits of working for us include:
9. Flexible working options to support work-life balance
10. 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
11. Generous NHS pension scheme
12. Excellent learning and career development opportunities
13. 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
14. Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
15. Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
16. Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
17. Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
18. Free parking across Trust sites
If you share our values and would like to come and work for us, please submit your application as soon as possible as we'll occasionally close roles early that have a high number of applications.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The must haves for this role:
19. Degree in health/social care or equivalent qualification/experience
20. Registered Mental Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Allied Health Professional or Social Worker whereby the person is licensed to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for patients with mental health problems.
21. Experience of working effectively in a multi-disciplinary team and multi-agency environment
22. Experience of working independently in the community mental health setting or similar
23. Ability to work effectively in a team, work on own initiative, work unsupervised and manage own workload.
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.
We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.
Were committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please dont hesitate to call: Irene Mjata on 01189044780 or email on: wholl be delighted to help.
Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications /Training
Essential
24. Current professional registration: Registered Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist or equivalent
25. Evidence of relevant post registration training and development in particular motivational interviewing, brief solution focused interventions, cognitive and behavioural approaches and psychosocial intervention
Desirable
26. Independent and supplementary Prescriber
27. Recognised Post Graduate clinical or leadership qualification relevant to the role
28. Mentor and mentorship training
Continuous Professional Development
Essential
29. Desire to undertake further training and self- improvement to support patient experience
Previous Experience
Essential
30. Minimum 5 years post registration experience in working with people with mental health needs.
31. Community experience in mental health services for adults and older age adults with severe / significant mental illness
32. Experience of providing a range of evidence-based interventions to people with a variety of mental health problems and serious mental illness
33. Considerable experience in the assessment and management of clinical risk.
34. Experience in physical health assessment for people with mental health needs.
35. Experience of effective collaborative working in partnership to deliver holistic health and social care outcomes.
36. Evidence of Interdisciplinary / multi- agency working experience including primary care and community/ voluntary sector.
37. Experience of leadership and development of junior colleagues.
Desirable
38. Proficient in clinical audits and research.
39. Experience of working in primary and secondary mental health services.
40. Proficient in clinical audits and research.
41. Experience of working in primary and secondary mental health services.
42. Experience in the planning and delivery of training and practice developments to staff.
43. Experience in service evaluation and improvements.
44. Experience working in a CAMHS and/or OPMH service
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Essential
45. Advanced understanding of the mental health needs of adults.
46. Specialist knowledge of person-centered care and its application.
47. Able to demonstrate advanced understanding of health inequalities amongst marginalized groups
48. Specialist knowledge of psycho-social interventionsandtheir appropriate use.
49. Working knowledge of appropriate assessment tools.
50. Working knowledge of the policies and guidelines pertinent to the planning and delivery of community MH care to adults with mental health needs.
51. Recoveryfocused practitioner able to apply recovery principles to adults and older people, understanding of 'strengths-based' approaches
52. Clear understanding of psychotropic medication and the monitoring of effects and side effects.
Desirable
53. Knowledge of practical application and use psychological therapies
54. Awareness of the impact of the health economies on service planning and delivery.
55. Specialist knowledge relating to MH needs of young adults aged 18-25 and to the needs of those diagnosed with, or with presenting traits of, personality disorder
Additional Requirements
Essential
56. Recognise peoples' right to privacy and dignity, treating every person with respect
57. Willingness to embrace integrated model and new ways of working.
58. Willingness to be flexible in approach and attitude
59. Ability to work flexibly, outside normal working patterns if needed
60. Ability to foster good interagency working.
61. Ability to represent the team / service / Trust in a professional manner.
62. Ability to travel independently.