Community Mental Health Practitioner

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Cannock Chase; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Cannock Chase is seeking a compassionate Community Mental Health Practitioner to deliver tailored support to children and young people with Autism. You will conduct assessments and provide intensive intervention, focusing on avoiding hospital admissions. This role requires registration as a Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker, or Occupational Therapist, along with experience in mental health support. Join a multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving the mental health of local communities.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Ongoing training and support

Qualifications

• Registered with the appropriate professional body.
• Experience in supporting children and young people with Autism.

Responsibilities

• Deliver intensive mental health assessments and support to children and young people with Autism.
• Work directly with families to carry out comprehensive assessments.
• Support the development of tailored Wellbeing and Recovery Action Plans.
• Provide consultation and advice to healthcare professionals.
• Play a key role in crisis response and ongoing support.

Skills

Compassion

Dynamic teamwork

Mental health assessment

Crisis intervention

Support for families

Education

Qualified Mental Health Nurse

Social Worker

Occupational Therapist

Job description

Overview

This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to deliver intensive and tailored support to a highly vulnerable group, improving their mental health and emotional wellbeing, and supporting positive family and community engagement.

This is an exciting time to join our new team and engage in the mobilisation.

You will be responsible for 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. Work as part of the MDT and in an integrated way with wider teams and services to meet the needs of the CYP & Families. Offer advice, support and supervision to other healthcare professionals.

Responsibilities

• Deliver extended and intensive mental health assessment and support to CYP with Autism (diagnosed, under assessment, or presenting traits).
• Work directly with CYP and their families to carry out comprehensive assessments, including risk management, and deliver effective treatment interventions.
• Play a key role in crisis response, brief interventions, and ongoing intensive support, with a strong focus on avoiding hospital admissions and ensuring smooth transitions between services.
• Support the development and implementation of Wellbeing and Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), tailored to individual needs and strengths.
• Provide consultation, advice, and signposting to external professionals and carers, particularly in relation to risk and urgency.

Qualifications and Experience

We are seeking a compassionate, dynamic, and experienced Community Mental Health Practitioner who is a qualified Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, or equivalent, registered with the appropriate professional body to join our multidisciplinary team supporting children and young people (CYP) with Autism (diagnosed or under assessment) who are experiencing mental health crises or complex emotional needs.

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.