Band 6 Specialist Practitioner and Group Facilitator - BNSSG Sequoia

NHS; Bristol; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist mental health service in Bristol seeks a Band 6 Specialist Practitioner and Group Facilitator to deliver evidence-based group interventions. You will facilitate DBT and MBT informed groups, support psychoeducation courses, and conduct assessments within a collaborative team setting. Relevant health qualifications and experience in adult mental health services are essential. Join a diverse organisation committed to positive mental health outcomes and staff wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Substantial post-registration experience in front-line adult mental health services.
• Experience delivering group work, assessing risk and developing risk management strategies.
• Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate DBT and MBT informed groups tailored to service user needs.
• Assess referrals and plan reviews with service users.
• Provide clinical leadership and mentoring within the team.

Skills

Verbal communication

Active listening

Written communication

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Diploma level or degree in a relevant health or social care profession

Tools

Electronic record keeping systems

Job description

Job Overview

Sequoia is an NHS‑commissioned specialist service co‑delivered by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) and Rethink Mental Illness. The service supports adults with mild‑to‑moderate complex emotional needs (CEN) and personality difficulties across the BNSSG area using evidence‑based group interventions such as DBT‑informed groups, MBT‑informed groups, psychoeducation courses and peer support programmes.

As a Band 6 Specialist Practitioner and Group Facilitator you will deliver DBTi or MBTi groups, collaborate with NHS teams and community partners, and promote wellness, safety and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate DBT and MBT informed groups, adapting content to meet service user needs.
• Support delivery of psychoeducation and peer support courses.
• Assess referrals, determine service suitability, and plan reviews and next steps with service users.
• Support safe discharge back to GP care following programme completion.
• Contribute to crisis planning, safeguarding and protective interventions.
• Provide clinical leadership, mentoring and supervision within the team for our Rethink colleagues.
• Work as part of the duty team dealing with ad hoc situations that arise.
• Maintain accurate records and meet reporting requirements.
• Participate in service development, supervision and training.

Qualifications & Experience

• Essential qualifications: Diploma level or degree in a relevant health or social care profession (e.g. RMN, OT, Social Worker); current registration with the NMC or HCPC; commitment to CPD.
• Desirable qualifications: Relevant post‑registration qualifications such as DBT, MBT, Brief Interventions.
• Essential experience and knowledge: Substantial post‑registration experience in front‑line adult mental health services, experience delivering group work, assessing risk and developing risk management strategies.
• Desirable experience and knowledge: Experience from a wide range of settings and co‑production and service user participation.
• Essential skills and abilities: Highly developed verbal, active listening and written communication skills; competent use of Microsoft Office and electronic record keeping systems; experience delivering mental health interventions online.
• Other essential requirements: Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems and ability to cope with behaviour which may be challenging at times.

About us

AWP is a diverse organisation with over 5,000 staff providing inpatient and community‑based mental health care across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire and parts of Dorset. We promote a person‑centred approach, enable wellbeing, and recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.

EEO Statement

AWP actively encourages applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, perspectives and knowledge because diversity makes us stronger.

Contact Details

Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust

Callington Road Hospital

Marmalade Lane

Bristol BS4 5BJ