Community Connector / Mental Health Nurse Associate for Primary Care
We are looking for an enthusiastic and compassionate Community Connector to join our newly established CAMHS GP based service. You will be working closely with an Advanced CAMHS Mental Health Practitioner and will be based within local GP surgeries in Reading and Wokingham.
This is an exciting and innovative role supporting children and young people who need early help with their emotional and mental health. You’ll be the bridge between GP practices, CAMHS clinicians, local services, schools, and community-based support. You will connect children, young people, and families to community resources, youth groups, wellbeing activities, and voluntary sector support as well as provide self‑help, signposting and practical support to help families navigate the system.
Working pattern + Service operating hours
As a member of a small team, you will be expected to work within the University Medical Group GP surgery in Reading and the Brookside Practices in Wokingham but will be closely connected to the CAMHS West Getting Help Service for peer support, line management and supervision. The main base is Erlegh House at Reading University, where staff members assigned to this base receive additional High‑Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) payments in their salary. Typical shifts are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (subject to negotiation and flexible working).
Main duties of the job
Work as part of CAMHS to facilitate mental health care in a primary care setting and improve access to mental health services. This includes working with local GPs and establishing links.
Assist in increasing access to a range of psychological interventions for children and young people in Reading / PCN base.
Have a role in educating non‑clinical and clinical staff within teams on what other services are available within the community and how and when service users can access them. This may include verbal or written advice and guidance.
The post‑holder will be expected to support the triage of new referrals to the service, signpost members of the community to appropriate services and, where appropriate, support interventions.
The postholder will support the use of self‑report measures and questionnaires as required as part of CAMHS KPIs.
Assist in the development of working relationships between mental health service providers in the voluntary and statutory sector as part of integrated service provision.
Develop community engagement material, information leaflets and other mental health resources as appropriate, and promote the use of these in the specific practices covered.
Commitment to reducing health inequalities and proactively working to reach people from all communities.
Job responsibilities
The must have’s for this role:
* Experience of working with young people with mental health difficulties
* Passion for providing collaborative and evidence‑based mental health care
* Enthusiasm for multi‑professional and multi‑agency working
* Ability to travel between multiple sites
Employer
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we are committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire and to an inclusive and compassionate environment.
Benefits
* Flexible working options to support work‑life balance
* 27 days’ annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
* 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
Equal Opportunities
We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications / Training
* Level 3 Diploma or equivalent in mental health, or health and social care, or youth work
* Level 2 Diploma or equivalent in mental health, or health and social care, or youth work with 1 year post‑qualifying experience
* University degree level or a equivalent qualification in mental health, including Nurse Associates, Associate Degree in Social Work, and Psychology graduates.
Previous Experience
* Experience of supporting children, young people, families or carers in a person‑centred role, building trusting meaningful relationships
* Experience of supporting children and young people with a wide range of mental health issues and needs
* Experience or knowledge of working within diverse communities and groups of children and young people
* Experience of partnership/collaborative working and of building relationships across a variety of organisations – both statutory and voluntary
* Understanding of the principles and practice of equality and diversity
* Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with a wide range of people including senior level people within organisations
* Excellent administration skills, with experience of using spreadsheets, a bespoke organisational database and all Office applications, as well as social media applications
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
* Able to provide & receive sensitive information
* The ability to assist people with support needs to set goals and make changes that are meaningful to them. Able to support people in a way that inspires trust and confidence, motivating others to reach their potential
* You will have a strong sense of what factors influence health and wellbeing. And an understanding of how adverse circumstances and structural barriers can affect people’s relationships and ability to meet personal goals
* Ability to support people to share their skills with others – either through volunteering, or through developing their own activities
* Ability and experience of managing and staying on top of a large caseload of clients
* Ability to identify risk and assess/manage risk when working with individuals; and can cope positively with diverse behaviour
* Able to work both independently and effectively within a team
* Aware of and sensitive to the potential impact of discrimination & disadvantage on mental health and barriers to accessing services
* Ability to feedback relevant information obtained from community with team effectively
* Able to be flexible and adapt approach according to need
* Ability to adapt to a new role which is continually developing
* Ability to work in collaboration with other people and/or agencies
* Competent in IT and ability to use patient electronic systems and digital packages
Additional Requirements
* Able to work independently and manage complex sets of relationships with various agencies and GP practices
* Respectful approach to service users, families, carers, colleagues and other professionals
* Willing to negotiate and can handle confrontation effectively and professionally
* Regard for others and respect for individual rights of autonomy and confidentiality
* Ability to travel
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and a Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for any previous convictions.
Contract
Permanent – Part‑time (pro rata), £29,812 to £32,715 per annum (incl. HCAS).
Working pattern
Part‑time
Reference number
371‑CFS691‑A
Job locations
Erlegh House, University of Reading, Earley Gate, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6BZ
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