Mental Health Practitioner

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider is seeking a Mental Health Practitioner to work within the Mental Health In Reach Team at HMP Downview. The role involves care coordination, mental health assessments, and collaboration within a supportive team. Ideal candidates should be registered practitioners with experience in multidisciplinary teams and mental health settings. The position offers £44,485 to £52,521 annually with opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Supportive team environment

Access to leisure facilities

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Evidence of professional development since registration.
• Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience of care co-ordinating within CPA framework.

Responsibilities

• Act as a Care Co-ordinator.
• Undertake mental health assessments.
• Develop service provision in line with the role.

Skills

Expert in engaging with people with mental health problems

Risk assessment and management skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work effectively as part of a team

Effective time management

Education

Registered Practitioner (Registered Mental Health Nurse; Social Worker; OT)

Post registration qualification that enhances clinical work

Job description

Go back Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Mental Health Practitioner

The closing date is 24 September 2025

This is an exciting opportunity for a Mental Health Practitioner to work within the Mental Health In Reach Team at HMP Downview, (a female closed prison). This role involves acting as a Care Co-ordinator, undertaking mental health assessments and associates risk assessments. We have an excellent working relationship with the prison and candidates will enjoy working within a supportive team, with regular supervision.

Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust is a Top Employer Award Winner & works in partnership to provide responsive & dependable primary care, mental health, intellectual disability & substance misuse services to the diverse & culturally rich communities we serve.

By joining our Prisons Health Care Team, you will not only look after the healthcare needs of our patients residing in secure environments, but who also have the opportunity to have a real impact on promoting health & well-being. Our healthcare services work to a 7 day week working model, to ensure our patient's healthcare is managed & maintained to the highest of standards at all times.

We offer a great range of career pathways to support our nurses through their journey, see the list of endless opportunities under the working for your organisation tab.

Main duties of the job

Care Co-ordination

Mental Health Assessments

Attending various CNWL and HMPPS meetings and Forums

Developing service provision in line with the role

About us

Working within the MHIR team at HMP Downview, you will be working within a supportive team within our mental health hub. You will benefit from having peer support as you go through your induction phase to aid familiarity with how the prison functions. You will have opportunities to be part of local service developments and we promote all team members to become a specialist lead in relevant areas. You will also benefit from our inclusive approach. In addition to mandatory training opportunities, we also consider external training development, there is Mental Health Practitioner peer supervision and monthly Reflective Practice which is in addition to 1:1 supervision.

All of our sites in Surrey offer free use of the onsite leisure facilities and free parking for staff.

Job responsibilities

See Job Description and the person specification for a detailed account of the main responsibilities.

Person Specification

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Registered Practitioner (Registered Mental Health Nurse; Social Worker; OT)
• Evidence of professional development since registration
• Post registration qualification that enhances clinical work: CBT, DBT, Dual Diagnosis, etc

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE Paid/unpaid relevant to job

• Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of care co-ordinating within CPA framework
• Experience of working in community setting
• Experience of mentoring or supervising students
• Experience of working in a Prison or forensic environment

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

• Expert in engaging with people with mental health problems, assessing their needs, designing and delivering appropriate interventions and evaluating the effectiveness of the process.
• Risk assessment and management skills.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently as appropriate
• To use supervision positively and effectively
• Proven ability to work patients to increase their level of self-determination and resilience
• Effective time management
• Knowledge of the needs and rights of patients.
• Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks
• Problem solving, stress management & conflict resolution skills
• Ability to engage in evidence based practice, with an understanding of care quality (clinical governance).
• Knowledge of CPA, Mental Health Act, MAPPA, legislation and policies relevant to prison mental health.

ATTITUDES, APTITUDES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Motivated to maintain the highest standards possible in the service
• Able to accept constructive feedback.
• Able to ask for support where required.
• Compassionate & non-judgmental approach.
• Flexible

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.

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

£44,485 to £52,521 a yearper annum inc HCAS (pro rata if P/T)