Lead Practitioner for Behavioural and Conduct Therapy

Joining NELFT NHS Foundation Trust means becoming part of a nurturing and inclusive workplace. We are rated Good by CQC, and we are committed to advancing towards an Outstanding rating. NELFT operates across various regions, providing community and mental health services to both adults and children.

Our Trust prides itself on its award-winning initiatives in equality and diversity, as well as health and wellbeing programs for staff. We prioritize your professional growth, recognizing that when our employees feel valued and supported, they deliver exceptional care to our patients. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and have consistently ranked in the Working Families Top 10 Employers for three years, alongside achieving a Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation. Through our staff networks and extensive training opportunities, we strive to foster a compassionate and equitable culture at NELFT.

Position Overview

Senior Professional Lead for CAMHS Looked After Children - Band 7

This role presents an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant team dedicated to addressing the significant needs of our looked after children population. You will play a crucial role in enhancing their experiences and equipping them with the necessary tools for a healthy transition into adulthood.

The successful candidate will ensure adherence to best clinical practices within the triage and pathway functions of the community CAMHS service, collaborating closely with other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary team, aligned with the I-Thrive framework.

The ideal candidate will be a registered professional (nurse, social worker, or allied health professional) with substantial experience working with children in care. Responsibilities will include conducting assessments and brief interventions for looked after children within the CAMHS triage capacity and collaborating with the multidisciplinary team and various agency partners.

You will be responsible for delivering the LAC care pathway and prioritizing assessments for looked after children in conjunction with the LAC team.

The post holder will also supervise final-year students during their placements within the service.

Main Responsibilities

• Prioritize daily workload and ensure that referrals for children in care are managed effectively, collaborating with the LAC nursing team and pediatricians to ensure optimal communication and coordination.
• Provide support, clinical advice, and guidance to the team regarding the treatment of children in care.
• Conduct assessments of children in care and their support networks to identify and address their mental health and wellbeing needs through both remote and in-person consultations.
• Offer brief interventions and guidance to children and their support networks as appropriate.

Working with NELFT

Onboarding Process
NELFT places great importance on welcoming and integrating new employees into the Trust. All new hires will commence on the first Monday of each month and will undergo a comprehensive induction lasting up to two weeks, including mandatory training, systems training, and equipment allocation. New starters will also have opportunities to meet with executive team members and senior managers, as well as participate in various engagement and wellbeing sessions.

Probationary Period
This position is subject to a probationary period, with internal applicants exempt unless currently undergoing a probationary period or employed as bank staff.

High Cost Area Supplement – London
This role includes a High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary, with a minimum payment of £4,313 and a maximum payment of £5,436 per annum.

Detailed Job Description and Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of an effective team alongside the LAC team and foster productive relationships throughout the Trust and with local authority social care teams.
• Promote integrated health and social care collaboration internally and externally to manage the needs of children in care within the designated area.
• Encourage the sharing of clinical knowledge across children’s services and local authority teams.
• Participate in staff appraisals and supervisions as necessary.
• Act as a deputy for pathway leads when required.
• Supervise students on placements, ensuring they receive appropriate support and experience in health services related to children in care.
• Attend LAC/CAMHS meetings bi-weekly to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
• Lead initiatives to raise awareness of developments in LAC mental health among staff.

Clinical Skills

• Act as an autonomous, registered practitioner accountable for both supervised and unsupervised actions, adhering to professional codes of conduct and Trust guidelines.
• Enhance professional knowledge through accredited courses, workshops, and in-house training.
• Ensure the highest standard of care for children in care and their families.
• Initiate referrals to specialist services and monitor progress, seeking additional support from medical teams as necessary.
• Provide children in care and their support networks with information and education to empower them in making informed choices.
• Maintain evidence-based practice supported by research and national guidelines.
• Offer clinical and professional support to junior team members regarding treatment and management of children in care.
• Demonstrate legal literacy and knowledge in supporting children and young people in decision-making processes.
• Maintain expert clinical assessment practices and knowledge of treatment for children referred to CAMHS.
• Promote community-based care practices to reduce hospital admissions for children and young people.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals and partner agencies to ensure effective communication and coordination.
• Participate in child protection and clinical supervision in accordance with Trust policy.
• Promote understanding of risks and harm to vulnerable children as they transition into adulthood.
• Foster a trauma-informed culture, understanding the lived experiences of looked after children and its impact on service engagement.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• Registered social worker
• Mental Health Nurse

Desirable Criteria

• Approved mental health practitioner

Experience

Essential Criteria

• Extensive experience working with children and young people with mental health needs
• Experience working with children in care
• Experience in user engagement and co-production

Knowledge

Essential Criteria

• Awareness of NHS Long Term Plan and priorities
• Understanding of mental health concerns affecting children in care
• Knowledge of policies governing the treatment of children in care
• Awareness of safeguarding protocols
• Understanding of IG and Data Protection Act

Skills

Essential Criteria

• Basic IT skills
• Advanced clinical skills in community settings
• Advanced assessment and treatment skills for children with complex needs

Other

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrate Trust Values
• Able to travel efficiently within the area
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills

Benefits

At NELFT, we believe in supporting our employees holistically to deliver the best care to our patients. Here’s a glimpse of what we offer:

• A longstanding commitment to equality and diversity with supportive networks for minority staff.
• Flexible working opportunities to support work-life balance, recognized as a 'Top 10 Family Friendly Employer'.
• Proactive health and wellbeing support, including access to an employee assistance program and psychological support.
• Detailed information about our wellbeing and benefits can be found through our internal resources.

As a flexible working-friendly organization, we encourage discussions about accommodating flexible working arrangements that suit both our patients and our staff.