Assistant Practitioner

The Assistant Practitioner role is a key role within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Team (CAMHS) and supports the work of registered professionals within the CAMHS service. The team utilises a Multi-disciplinary approach in supporting the mental health of children, young people and their families and sits alongside Psychology, Family Therapy, Creative therapies, Mental Health Nurses and Social Work. We pride ourselves in holding strong values of compassion and kindness in the work that we do, and together provide a supportive and learning environment for staff. Main duties of the job Responsibility for actively participating as a key member of the clinical team for providing quality services for an identified client group under the supervision of a registered professional. Having undertaken a Foundation Degree level qualification will maintain, develop and evidence clinical knowledge, skills and competencies at all opportunities and through the competency framework. Demonstrate an attitude which respects and values service users and their carers. Be accountable and work autonomously within clearly defined boundaries of the Assistant Practitioner competencies and carry out specific delegated tasks. This may include extended roles delegated by a registered professional. Expected to deliver care and services within the strategic objectives of the organisation and promote the principles of Recovery. These principles will recognise the need to promote safe practice; value the beliefs and aims of service users and carers; work in partnership and offer meaningful choice; and value social inclusion. About us Here at NSFT we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, talented, friendly and supportive team who like nothing better than sharing experiences and learning from each other. In addition to ongoing training and development opportunities, we are committed to providing an environment in which you can thrive. Why work for us? We have challenges as a Trust, but we have ambitious aspirations, are pushing ahead with exciting transformation work and we need dedicated individuals to support us on our journey. We have strong, established professional networks coupled with an exceptional leadership team who will ensure you are truly cared for and cared about. Why Norfolk and Suffolk? The people here are warm and welcoming, you'll never be far from the beautiful coastline or Broads National Park. We’re an hour and a half away from London and have an international airport in Norwich too. Our villages, towns and cities are packed full of history, independent cafes, shops and theatres. We have excellent shopping, eating out, top ranking schooling and affordable house prices too. Job responsibilities DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Extended roles Undertake appropriate extended roles which have traditionally been undertaken by registered professionals. These roles can be undertaken under the direction of a registered professional following approved training and assessment of competence. Undertake and maintain a competence portfolio, (Competency Framework). Management of Service User care Take part in ongoing assessments of service users with the Multi-disciplinary team. Assess, plan, deliver and evaluate service users needs in conjunction with a registered professional. Deliver care within the sphere of the Care Programme Approach, including the importance of working with carers. Able to work independently on own initiative to meet the needs of services users. Deliver person centred care. Liaise with external organisations as required promoting partnership working to ensure holistic care. Have an understanding of Social Care requirements and legislation including referrals, carers assessments and self-directed support such as individualised budgets, providing input and assistance as required. Attend and contribute to MDT/CPA review. Hold and manage an identified caseload where appropriate. Take part in and contribute to ongoing review of risk assessments, recognising and responding to any changes. Ensure service users needs are accurately reflected in health record documentation. Assist service users and carers to access information. Be able to provide therapeutic interventions including 1:1 Sessions and facilitation of group activities. Demonstrate an understanding of pharmacology including the ability to discuss benefits of medication, issues of compliance and recognising side effects. Carry out basic physical health checks as required e.g. basic observations, phlebotomy, MEWS and respond accordingly to any concerns. Ensure that service users physical health needs are met and demonstrate an ability to identify any common ongoing physical health needs. Team working and communication Able to work within multi‑disciplinary team. Recognise the importance of service user and carer involvement in delivery of care. Able to develop relationships and networks with internal and external agencies and services. Demonstrate the ability to communicate complex, sensitive information to a wide variety of professionals in a variety of methods. Provide updates and reports as required related to service users needs and care both written and verbal. Work within Trust Policy in all matters related to communication of clinical risk, including the need for information sharing. Clearly understand the issues surrounding confidentiality. Personal accountability and responsibility Act consistently with legislation, policies, procedures and other quality approaches and promotes the values of quality approaches to others. Practice within the professional boundaries and code of practice for Assistant Practitioners. Recognise own level of competency and act and seek support when limitations of knowledge or competency are identified. Maintain practice through further study, research, clinical practice and personal development. Work unsupervised and organise own workload and work in a manner which maintains and promotes quality. Keep accurate records in accordance with Trust Policies. Support day to day running of services including co‑ordination of staff and daily tasks and training and mentoring of junior staff. Provide leadership for junior staff including supervision; appraisal; and line management. Maintain quality in own work and encourage others to do so. Equality and Diversity Act in ways that support equality and value diversity. Support, promote and value equality and diversity. Develop a culture that promotes equality and values diversity. Participate in Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment. Please find attached our Job Description and Person Specification for more detail on your Key Accountabilities, then if you feel you have what it takes to make a difference in your local communities, click APPLY Person Specification Qualifications Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care/mental health or apprenticeship in H&SC/mental health L5 Experience Working with Service Users with mental health needs Working within Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Working knowledge and understanding of CPA process. Skills Ability to communicate widely in a clear manner Ability to problem solve Confident manner. Approachable, tactful and diplomatic Ability to self‑manage time and meet agreed deadlines Satisfactory verbal and written English language skills Knowledge Understanding of Mental Health issues CPA other Able to travel independently 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. Silverwood Child and Family Centre Northgate Hospital £27,485 to £30,162 a year gross per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Reference number 246-GYW7638177 Job locations Silverwood Child and Family Centre Northgate Hospital #J-18808-Ljbffr