Associate Practitioner
Closing date: 28 June 2026.
Associate Practitioner opportunity on our PICU ward in Basildon Mental Health Unit. You must have completed Associate Practitioner or Nursing Associate training; otherwise, your application will be rejected.
To work independently and accountably as part of a team of clinicians offering 24‑hour mental health access and information in the locality of the Trust. The service operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for 365 days a year working shifts in an in‑patient setting.
Responsibilities
* To act as a role model to other colleagues within the team.
* Work collaboratively with key partner organisations, service users, clinicians, and other practitioners within the multidisciplinary team.
* To deliver high‑quality, effective operational service to people with mental health needs, in accordance with the principles and objectives of the Trust and its vision. The post holder must work flexibly and undertake role changes at short notice.
* To work collaboratively with others within the new organisation to provide an exemplary level of care to service users and their carers.
* To rotate in taking the lead role in the physical health needs of service users and therapeutic activities.
* To provide training in aspects of care to new starters on the unit.
* To be responsible along with other members of the team for the implementation of all care aspects of individual care planning.
* Attending to the physical and psychological needs of the patients under the care of the nursing team.
* Act as an associate worker for service users.
* To take on a lead role for the service such as physical health monitoring.
* Ensure that accurate and objective information is recorded and signed by the appropriate member of staff.
* Establish therapeutic relationships with individual service users, relatives and carers; contribute toward the formulation of care.
* Ensure effective and confidential communication at all times, maintaining strict confidentiality with regard to any information concerning patients and colleagues.
* Demonstrate an awareness of the needs of carers of patients with mental health problems.
* Be aware of the Mental Health Act 1983 and of clients detained under section of the Mental Health Act 1983 in the clinical area.
* Be involved in the planning for the patients discharge and transfer from the clinical areas in line with Care Programme Approach, Community Care Act 1990 and discharge policy.
* Observe any changes in a patient's physical condition or mental state and document and report in an appropriate manner.
* Assist patients toward self‑care and independence.
* Understand the need for personal responsibility in relation to using the correct techniques for moving and handling patients.
* Act in a relaxed manner, thereby contributing to the creation and maintenance of a calm and relaxed atmosphere/environment.
* Establish positive professional and appropriate relationships with patients adopting a non‑judgemental approach. Always be prepared to listen and treat each patient with respect and courtesy; valuing them as individuals.
* Carry out planning and organisation of the therapeutic and social activities for patients in the clinical area.
* To participate in managerial supervision.
* Participate in therapeutic and social activities/groups.
* As appropriate and necessary assist patients who have the need to use hoists and wheelchairs.
* As requested take on security and environmental responsibilities.
* Completion of audits including but not limited to weekly physical health observations, VTE assessments, weekly cleaning audits, resuscitation bag checks.
* To participate in the role of the security nurse.
Education / Qualifications
* Foundation Degree in a Healthcare related subject
* Care Certificate
Experience
* The ability to work with keyworkers to support in the development of service user's plans of care. Implementing interventions as outlined in service user's care plans.
* Understanding of the nature of mental health conditions and how they can affect people's day‑to‑day life and impact upon recovery.
* Working knowledge of the Paris/Mobius Clinical Information System.
* Knowledge of working with external agencies involved in the care of people with mental health problems.
Transformation
* Take the lead with regards to a number of roles including physical health.
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.
Employer name
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
£28,392 to £31,157 per annum plus High Cost Allowance
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