Associate Practitioner
The closing date is 21 April 2026.
Associate Practitioner opportunity on our PICU ward in Basildon Mental Health Unit. To work independently and accountably as part of a team of clinicians offering 24‑hr mental health access and information in the locality of the Trust. The service will be 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for 365 days a year working shifts in an in‑patient setting.
Responsibilities
* Act as a role model to other colleagues within the team.
* Work collaboratively with key partner organisations, service users, clinicians & other practitioners within the multi‑disciplinary team.
* Deliver high quality, effective operational service to people with mental health needs, in accordance with the principles & objectives of the Trust and its vision.
* Work flexibly and undertake a change in role at short notice.
* Work collaboratively with others within the new organisation to provide an exemplary level of care to service users and their carers.
* Rotate in taking the lead role in the physical health needs of service users and therapeutic activities.
* Provide training in aspects of care to new starters on the unit.
* Be responsible for implementation of all care aspects of individual care planning.
* Attend to the physical and psychological needs of patients under the care of the nursing team.
* Act as an associate worker for service users.
* Take a lead role for the service such as physical health monitoring.
* Ensure accurate and objective information is recorded and signed by the appropriate member of staff.
* Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with individual service users, relatives and carers.
* Contribute towards 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 its section in the clinical area.
* Be involved in planning for patient discharge and transfer from the clinical areas in line with Care Programme Approach, Community Care Act 1990 and discharge policy.
* Observe changes in patients' physical condition or mental state and document and report appropriately.
* Assist patients towards 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.
* Carry out planning and organisation of therapeutic and social activities for patients in the clinical area.
* Participate in managerial supervision.
* Participate in therapeutic and social activities/groups.
* Assist patients who need to use hoists and wheelchairs.
* Take on security and environmental responsibilities as requested.
* Complete audits including weekly physical health observations, VTE assessments, weekly cleaning audits and resuscitation bag checks.
* Participate in the role of the security nurse.
Person Specification
Education / Qualifications
* Foundation Degree in a healthcare‑related subject
* Care Certificate
Experience
* Ability to work with keyworkers to support the development of service users' plans of care, implementing interventions as outlined in service users' care plans.
* Understanding of the nature of mental health conditions and how they can affect day‑to‑day life and 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.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
£28,392 to £31,157 a year plus 5% Fringe High Cost Allowance
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