Specialist Mental Health Practitioner for Primary

Please note the PayScale currently in use is Agenda for Change 2023/2024. We will update the 2024/2025 PayScale once confirmed.
Interviews will be held on 19 September 2024.
This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in the early development and shaping of a major new and innovative approach to mental health provision, working closely with all relevant providers within the individual’s local community network.
BOB (Berks, Oxford & Bucks) Integrated Care System has been awarded new NHS funding to transform community mental health services for people with serious mental health problems. A ground-breaking new model is being implemented to benefit those primary care patients who experience serious mental health problems.
As a Specialist Mental Health Practitioner, you will be working within the multi-disciplinary primary care mental health teams within a defined geographical location. You will be part of the system-wide implementation group, be well supported, and will work within a dynamic, people-centred environment, where you will be able to shape and improve provision for patients with complex conditions. You will be enabled to adopt a personalised approach to patient care that maximises independence, choice and control, following our philosophy of enabling people to reach and maintain their optimum level of health and wellbeing.
This new role of Specialist Mental Health Practitioner for Primary Care is fundamental to the development and leadership of innovative new teams and integrated mental health services based within networks of GP Practices (PCNs). The role promotes and provides early assessment, treatment and improved access to evidence-based interventions for people with SMI. The role will help people to focus on achievable goals and access local community resources. The service will be for people over 18 years old (including carers) with a specific focus on:
those with mental health needs that exceed the access criteria for IAPT and do not meet the access criteria for secondary care
people with serious or significant mental illness (SMI) who are in recovery and relatively stable in secondary care mental health services who could be cared for within primary care
people with SMI who are eligible for an annual health check and medication review and improved access to physical health interventions
younger adults with SMI (18-25years) particularly those transitioning between children’s and adult services
those diagnosed with, or presenting with traits of, personality disorder who will benefit from enhanced support across primary care through the MHICS team
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we’re committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire.
We value diversity and are proud to be a Stonewall Top 100 Employer. We work hard to create an inclusive environment where you’ll be supported by friendly and professional colleagues to flourish.
**Our values at Berkshire Healthcare**:
Caring for and about you is our top priority
Committed to providing good quality, safe services
Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
We welcome people who share these values to come and work for us.
**Benefits of working for us include**:
Flexible working options to support work-life balance
27 days’ annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
Generous NHS pension scheme
Excellent learning and career development opportunities
‘Cycle to Work’ and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
Free parking across Trust sites
**The “must haves” for this role**:
Degree in health/social care or equivalent qualification/experience
Registered Mental Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Allied Health Professional or Social Worker whereby the person is licensed to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for patients with mental health problems.
Experience of working effectively in a multi-disciplinary team and multi-agency environment
Experience of working independently in the community mental health setting or similar
Ability to work effectively in a team, work on own initiative, work unsupervised and manage own workload.
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.
We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.