Mental Health Practitioner6

Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK is looking for a Mental Health Practitioner to join a high-performing team in the Health and Justice Sector. This role involves identifying and supporting vulnerable individuals in contact with the criminal justice system, conducting assessments, and linking them to support services. Our organization emphasizes career development, offering robust support for clinical practice. Applicants must have a recognized professional qualification and relevant experience in mental health. Flexible working hours are required.

Benefits

Exceptional employee wellbeing support

27 – 33 days annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

National Health Service Pension Scheme

Coaching and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Registered Mental Health Nurse or other registered health professional.
• Extensive experience in mental health or learning disabilities.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act and relevant legislation.

Responsibilities

• Identify vulnerable adults and young people in the justice system.
• Provide comprehensive assessments and prepare reports for Courts.
• Link individuals with mental health treatment providers.

Skills

Mental health expertise

Flexibility

Collaborative working

Risk assessment

Education

Relevant core professional qualification

Degree level education or equivalent

Completion of Mentorship Course

Job description

All references should be directed through the Employers HR Department wherever possible to comply with NHS Check Standards. Please ensure that a HR address / email is provided for each referee named.

Job Overview

Exciting Nursing or Social Worker Opportunity within the Health and Justice Sector. This is an exciting opportunity to join a high performing team achieving positive outcomes for service users of all ages who come into contact with the criminal justice system. The service is highly regarded by partner organisations and received national recognition when it was recently awarded the Howard League Liaison and Diversion Team of the Year award. Funded by NHS England, we have three teams based at the Wakefield, Leeds and Bradford Police Stations and teams covering Leeds and Bradford Magistrates and Crown Courts.

The All Age Liaison and Diversion Teams are multi‑agency teams working within the criminal justice system with the aim of:

• Improving access to healthcare and support services
• Reducing inequalities in health care provision
• Improving decision making in the justice system
• Reducing re‑offending

Main Duties of the Job

The role of Mental Health Practitioner is integral to the team and involves identifying vulnerable adults and young people in contact with the criminal justice system, providing comprehensive assessments, preparing and presenting reports for Courts, linking with mental health treatment providers to establish referral and care pathways, and directly supporting individuals to access and engage in a wide range of support and treatment services and third sector.

As a Mental Health Practitioner within the Liaison and Diversion service you will have the opportunity to develop your clinical practice with people of all ages who have a range of mental health, learning disability, substance misuse and social vulnerabilities. In return we will ensure you are supported in your role and can progress through a programme of high‑quality clinical supervision, training and professional development opportunities.

Working for Our Organisation

The Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) is the main provider of Mental Health and Learning Disability services in Leeds. We also provide specialist inpatient services in York and some highly specialised services across the country. As a teaching trust with strong links to local universities, we are a centre of excellence for teaching, research and development.

Benefits

• Exceptional employee wellbeing support
• 27 – 33 days annual leave
• Flexible working and remote working arrangements
• National Health Service Pension Scheme
• Coaching, support and opportunities for career development and training
• Education support alongside a range of exclusive discounts and payment schemes (e.g., for cars, extra leave days)
• Bank department offering a variety of roles in nursing, allied health, healthcare support and administration clerical work; permanent employees are automatically added to the bank.

Important Requirements

Applicants requiring a visa to work in the UK should note that the Trust provides sponsorship for registered healthcare practitioner roles only. This is an essential requirement of the role and the Trust will not offer you a role if you are unable to meet Trust sponsorship and Home Office requirements for a visa.

Working Hours

A flexible approach to working is required as the service operates over seven days. Evening and weekend work will be undertaken on a planned basis.

Police Vetting

Successful candidates will be subject to the police vetting procedure prior to commencement in the role.

Qualifications

• Relevant core professional qualification and registration (e.g., Registered Mental Health Nurse, Learning Disability Nurse or other registered health professional capable of meeting the key responsibilities of the post).
• Degree level education (or equivalent).
• Completion of Mentorship Course / ENB equivalent.
• Meeting NMC or other professional body requirement for maintenance of registration.
• Evidence of actively engaging with service users and carers in service delivery and planning, ensuring this philosophy is embedded in all areas of responsibility.
• Extensive previous experience in mental health or learning disabilities working with difficult-to-engage individuals.
• Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Programme Approach, safeguarding adults and children, and other relevant legislation and government developments.
• Experience utilising theoretical and practical knowledge to engage and assess people with complex mental health needs.
• Experience carrying out complex risk assessment and developing comprehensive packages of care to meet individual needs and manage associated risks.
• Knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system and the role of court liaison and diversion.

Personal Characteristics

• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing situations.
• Demonstrated personal development.
• Collaborative working with a multidisciplinary team and other services.