Assistant Practitioner

Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable healthcare organization in Lowestoft seeks an enthusiastic Assistant Practitioner to provide mental health support for young people aged 13-17. The role includes working closely with multi-disciplinary teams and delivering therapeutic interventions. Ideal candidates will hold a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care or equivalent, possess empathy and communication skills, and be ready for a challenging but rewarding position.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Ongoing training and development

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Applicants must possess attitudes and values that reflect the excellent standards of care expected.
• Evidences understanding of the effects of mental illness to meet individual patient needs.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing care for young people.
• Deliver therapeutic interventions in both 1:1 and group settings.
• Ensure high-quality communication and support for service users.

Skills

Understanding of Mental Health issues

Communication skills

Empathy

Self-motivated and organised

Education

Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care/mental health or apprenticeship in H&SC/mental health L5

Job description

The 12-bedded Dragonfly Unit is based in Carlton Colville, Lowestoft and is for age 13-17 year old young people requiring admission whilst receiving inpatient mental health treatment.

Flexible working and job shares will be considered.

As part of our ongoing strive for excellence we are developing a 'care team' approach around patient centred care. The Assistant Practitioner will take part in ongoing assessments, they will plan, deliver and evaluate the needs of our service users, in accordance with their Care Plans.

The role also provides the opportunity to provide therapeutic interventions, both 1:1 and within a group setting, to further enhance the care and support offered to our service users.

The successful candidates will need to be enthusiastic, motivated and looking forward to a new challenge.

Requirement to work shifts in the numbers alongside our Clinical Support Workers and Registered Nurses. You will work a combination of days and night shifts including unsociable hours i.e. some weekends and bank holidays.

Main duties of the job

As a unit we pride ourselves on working together to deliver high quality care and to support each other through any challenging times.

You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team providing a high level of care for the young people. Therefore good interpersonal communication and organisational skills are required.

This post does require full PMA fitness (full training will be given) and to be able to work shifts including nights and weekends.

About us

Here at NSFT we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, talented, friendly and supportive team who like nothing better than sharing experiences and learning from each other. In addition to ongoing training and development opportunities, we are committed to providing an environment in which you can thrive.

Why work for us? We have challenges as a Trust, but we have ambitious aspirations, are pushing ahead with exciting transformation work and we need dedicated individuals to support us on our journey. We have strong, established professional networks coupled with an exceptional leadership team who will ensure you are truly cared for and cared about.

Why Norfolk and Suffolk? The people here are warm and welcoming, you'll never be far from the beautiful coastline or Broads National Park. We're an hour and a half away from London and have an international airport in Norwich too. Our villages, towns and cities are packed full of history, independent cafes, shops and theatres. We have excellent shopping, eating out, top ranking schooling and affordable house prices too.

Job responsibilities

• Evidences a sound level of understanding of the effects of mental illness, alongside an empathetic approach to meet the individual needs of the patient.
• Evidences a dynamic, creative and positive approach.
• Exhibits communication skills that shine through, and are essential for this post.
• Is trustworthy, self-motivated and organised with time.
• Applicants must possess attitudes and values that reflect the excellent standards or care we expect within NSFT.

Please find attached our Job Description and Person Specification for more detail on your Key Accountabilities, then if you feel you have what it takes to make a difference, click APPLY!

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care/mental health or apprenticeship in H&SC/mental health L5

Knowledge

• Understanding of Mental Health issues

Experience

• Working with Service Users with mental health needs
• Working knowledge and understanding of CPA process.

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.

£27,485 to £30,162 a yeargross per annum