Community Mental Health Practitioner

Job summary

To offer an extended service to ensure an appropriate assessment of mental health need for CYP in mental health crisis and in need of appropriate intensive support ensuring the delivery of safe and effective practice as part of the CYP wellbeing and recovery action plan. The post holder will work directly with children and young people with mental health needs and their families, carrying out assessments (including risk management) and effective treatment and/or interventions, with the aim of helping children and young people participate in normal family and community activities and to facilitate positive outcomes of care in relation to young people's mental health needs. The role will also facilitate hospital admission avoidance and seamless transitions between services where appropriate.

They will also be expected to work flexibly within the Team to support a crisis, brief intervention and intensive support function. Dependent on skill and service need they will need to be available to external professionals and carers to offer advice, signposting and guidance (especially in relation to urgency and risk) associated with children and young people's mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Potholder will provide assessments and interventions for CYP as part of the MDT for those experiencing severe to moderate mental health conditions.

Mental Health, Children's and LD Nurses and those with a social work background are encouraged to apply.

Main duties of the job

The assessment of need and delivery of safe and effective interventions for CYP and families in their communities and in places of safety, working to avoid hospital admission and manage complex risks, in accordance with recognised clinical guidance.

Co-ordinating the care of the CYP on caseload

Working as part of the MDT and in an integrated way with wider teams and services to meet the needs of the CYP & Families

Offering advice, support and supervision to other healthcare professionals

About us

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Job responsibilities

Please note that you are required to hold a valid NMC/ Social Work England/HCPC registration to apply for this role and be able to evidence required skills.

As part of this role, you will be required to travel across wide geographical area and have access to a car, with valid driving licence and business insurance.

For full details of the role, please see attached the job description and person specification. If you do have any further questions regarding the role, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Person specification

Education

Essential

• First Level Professional Nursing/AHP/Social Work/Therapy Qualification in Mental Health, Social Work, Nursing, AHP or equivalent
• Demonstrable knowledge and continuous post qualified experience/professional development
• Conforms to Professional governing body requirement

Desirable

• Recognised appropriate qualification in mentoring/assessing/supporting students
• Qualification in providing Supervision
• Professional specific additional qualification eg. NMP, Sensory Integration, AMHP
• Psychological intervention/Professional Qualification eg. MI, CBT, DBT, CAT, SFT, PBS

Experience

Essential

• Evidence of extensive post registration experience working with those who experience complex mental health needs in a community setting
• Experience of making decisions autonomously whilst working with people and families in the community
• Experience of managing, planning, coordinating and managing care for those with mental health and/or neurodevelopmental needs
• Experience of multi-disciplinary/multi-agency working
• Experience of assessing and managing risks including risk within complex frameworks such as CPA/Safeguarding Children Frameworks
• Experience of effectively managing mental health related issues/referrals/need for advice, face to face or virtually, including telephone at times of high demand and in relation to highly stressful/emotive situations
• Experience and ability to carry out clinical audit

Desirable

• Experience in CAMHS
• Experience of working with people who may have neurodevelopmental needs such as Autism, ADHD or Learning Disability
• Experience of working in a crisis/intensive support model
• Experience of presenting and education other services at local and/or national level

Experience

Essential

• Knowledge of Child Social Care and Mental Health Legislation
• Knowledge of relevant NICE guidance
• Knowledge of relevant professional Code of Conduct
• Understanding the principles of the Care Programme Approach and Community Care Act
• Demonstrate understanding of the Equality and Anti-discriminatory practice
• Knowledge of the Statutory, independant and third sector provision for young people
• Skilled in the assessment and formulation of clinical risk and developing and communicating appropriate risk management plans
• Knowledge and experience of holistic assessment of need and understanding of appropriate intervention and MDT approach
• Ability to complete and interpret clinical outcome measures
• A range of skills and knowledge to deliver evidence based interventions
• Knowledge of Childrens Act, Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act and DOL's
• Range of interpersonal skills and maintaining good working relationships
• Ability to support and supervise the performance and practice of less experienced and support level staff

Desirable

• Experience of working in a long working framework

Experience

Essential

• Ability to work flexibly as part of a rota to meet the extended remit of the service (9am-10pm)
• Ability to work to agreed Quality Standards
• Accurate and timely recording and using electronic records
• Skills in conflict resolution
• Ability to use own initiative to enable contribution to a multi-disciplinary team approach
• Skills and knowledge to determine when and how to mobilise appropriate professionals in the event of a health, social or mental health emergency
• Leadership Skills
• Ability to deliver difficult messages in a sensitive manner
• Exemplary personal standards of conduct and behaviour
• Passion for working with CYP experiencing mental health difficulties