Specialist Mental Health Practitioner

NHS; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Specialist Mental Health Practitioner to support individuals in the Criminal Justice System in Nottingham. The role includes conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and working collaboratively with service users and partner agencies. Candidates should have a recognised qualification in a core mental health profession and experience in therapeutic interventions. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals' mental health and wellbeing.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative working environment

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience using computer systems in healthcare/social care.
• Understanding of risk assessment and management.
• Experience delivering a range of therapeutic interventions.

Responsibilities

• Undertake client assessments and develop treatment formulations.
• Facilitate treatment interventions and engage with service users.
• Develop working relationships with partner agencies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Risk assessment

Therapeutic interventions

Education

Recognised qualification in core mental health professions

Tools

Computer systems

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an innovative and motivated Specialist Mental Health Practitioner to work in the developing Mental Health Treatment Requirement (MHTR) Service. The MHTR Service aims to improve access to psychological therapies/interventions for individuals in the Criminal Justice System. The MHTR is a Community Treatment Order, providing diversion within the criminal justice system and offering meaningful treatment outside custody and inpatient settings. The service aims to offer individuals the opportunity to engage in individualised psychological therapies, improving health and social outcomes and addressing the underlying causes of offending behaviour.

If you would like a challenge and the opportunity to be an inclusive, creative clinician, this job may be for you.

Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. The cost of the DBS application is £26.40 (standard) or £54.40 (enhanced) and will be deducted from salary over the first 2 months of employment. DBS Update Service is encouraged at an annual fee of £16.

Main duties

This is a new development within Notts Healthcare and a great opportunity to work in a developing service for service users within the criminal justice system, creating the best opportunity for supporting engagement with services and helping to break the cycle of offending. The MHTR service comprises a team of psychologically informed practitioners, led by an accredited psychologist (Clinical Lead). The role involves supporting service users in a collaborative, therapeutic partnership and participating in the development and provision of therapeutic activities/psycho-educational programmes and self-management interventions. The Specialist Mental Health Practitioner will likely work with more complex service users.

In this role, the Mental Health Practitioner will undertake screening, assessment and case formulation relating to service users referred into the service. The role will include signposting to other services/3rd party organisations to ensure good links with the local community. The post holder will be involved in promotion of the service and supporting the delivery of training and awareness of the MHTR.

Location and team

The service operates from Westminster House and Nottingham City Magistrates Court. The team focuses on delivering high-quality assessments and psychological interventions for service users in the criminal justice system.

Responsibilities

• Referral decision making on suitability of new referrals, adhering to service referral protocols; signpost/refer unsuitable service users on to relevant services or back to the referral agent as necessary.
• Undertake service user centred assessments (including risk assessments) and develop shared understanding of needs; create formulations to identify the most appropriate psychological therapy; produce written reports for referrers, courts and other clinicians.
• Facilitate treatment interventions as appropriate; engage with service users, and where appropriate, their family/friends/carers.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with partner agencies (e.g., probation, substance use services, Trust services, 3rd party services) and stay informed about legislation and local policies relevant to Mental Health, Primary Care, and Criminal Justice Services.
• Provide clinical supervision and support to junior staff; plan and deliver specialist and core training and education as needs arise.
• Support service evaluation activities, including data collection and routine outcome measures; assist in periodic evaluations of the service.
• Promote the service and contribute to its ongoing development and training materials.

Person specification

Values and behaviours Essential

• Act in line with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Values: Trust, Honesty, Respect, Compassion, Teamwork
• Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and understanding of associated policies and legislation

Physical requirements Essential

• Ability to undertake mandatory training and manage violence/ aggression to breakaway level, as appropriate
• Must be able to travel to different community locations

Qualifications - Academic/Craft/Professional Essential

• Recognised qualification in one of the core mental health professions (e.g., psychiatric nursing, clinical psychology, social work, occupational therapy) or equivalent experience/competence in the mental health field

Training Essential

• Understanding of risk assessment and management
• Introductory knowledge of therapies such as CBT, CAT, MBT or equivalent

Experience Essential

• Experience using computer systems; substantial post-registration experience in healthcare/social care; experience with caseload management
• Experience working in a team, liaising with colleagues, other agencies and services
• Experience delivering a range of therapeutic interventions from evidence-based models; experience in delivering clinical supervision
• Experience assessing service users with a broad range of mild to moderate mental health issues

Desirable

• Experience of the Criminal Justice System
• Experience in caring settings/roles

Knowledge Essential

• Awareness of vulnerabilities including mental health/learning disabilities
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures; understanding of confidentiality, boundaries, and legal/ethical issues
• Introductory knowledge of psychotherapies (CAT, CBT, MBT)
• Understanding of the interface of Health, Social Care and Criminal Justice Systems

Skills Essential

• Ability to facilitate 1:1 and small group treatment programmes; maintain accurate computer records
• Strong interpersonal skills to motivate and build positive working relationships
• Effective communication with a range of people and use of various formats
• Ability to identify development needs and participate in service development; capable of risk assessment and ensuring compliance with policies
• Ability to work in partnership providing consultation, supervision, specialist training, education and support as appropriate

Desirable

• Decision-making skills; ability to seek support for own wellbeing; practical task execution; creative thinking; autonomous working

Contractual Requirements Essential

• Flexibility to adapt to changing services; able to travel to different sites

Regulatory and sponsorship information

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and requires a DBS submission.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered; further information is available about UK visas and overseas checks.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Westminster House, 598 The Wells Road, Nottingham, NG33AA