Due to the retirement of a longstanding staff member, we are looking to add to our small team of experienced part-time mental health specialists.
We are seeking a resourceful, reliable, and reflective mental health worker to join our well-established team based in a unique primary care mental health service.
The post offers the opportunity to be creative and develop your own areas of interest within the scope of the service.
The primary working days are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Please read the job description for a comprehensive overview of the role and the person specification to understand the necessary requirements and skills.
Main duties of the job
The purpose of this role is to help improve the quality of life for people with severe and enduring mental health problems. The Community Mental Health Practitioner (CMHP) will manage a caseload, working closely with Forge Health Group GPs. The post holder will collaborate with service users and their families to consider their needs and aspirations, coordinate care, plan and deliver social and psychological interventions, and regularly review outcomes. They will provide a flexible and responsive service to address a wide range of needs and be proactive, innovative, and creative in delivering care. Collaboration with an extensive network of agencies in the statutory, voluntary, community, and private sectors is essential.
The successful applicant will be comfortable working independently and as part of a team, resilient, motivated, and committed to working with individuals with complex needs and disabilities.
About us
Forge Mental Health Service is a specialist, well-established team within the larger Forge Health Group, a large city-centre GP practice. We offer a friendly, flexible, and supportive workplace.
Forge Health Group cares for around 14,500 patients, with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. It aims to provide high-quality, equitable, and sustainable community-based primary healthcare, especially within one of Sheffield's most deprived wards, addressing social and health inequalities such as low income, poor health, limited education, inadequate housing, and shorter life expectancy. The organization is committed to supporting its local community through a holistic approach to health and wellbeing and collaborates with local community organizations.
Job responsibilities
Forge Mental Health Service
Community Mental Health Practitioner
Job Description
Job Title: Community Mental Health Practitioner
Contract / Hours: Permanent, up to 19 hours per week, primarily Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Annual leave: 5 weeks plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata.
Place of work: Pitsmoor Surgery
Accountable to: Forge Mental Health Service Manager
Main Purpose of the Role
The main purpose is to improve the quality of life for individuals with severe and enduring mental health issues. The CMHP will manage a caseload, working closely with Forge GPs, service users, and their families to assess needs, coordinate care, and deliver interventions, reviewing outcomes regularly. The role requires flexibility, creativity, and collaboration with various agencies.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical
* Conduct biopsychosocial and risk assessments of service users.
* Identify health and social care needs and prioritize treatment goals in collaboration with individuals.
* Establish and maintain supportive relationships with service users and carers.
* Support physical health management and facilitate access to relevant care.
* Engage in regular supervision and respond to urgent situations sensitively.
Individual and Group Support
* Provide or facilitate outreach, engagement, and supportive listening/counselling.
* Educate about conditions and treatments.
* Assist service users in participating in community activities and improving daily living, social skills, and physical health.
* Implement relapse prevention strategies.
* Facilitate group activities for mutual support and health promotion.
* Advocate and promote self-advocacy among service users and carers.
Communication
* Communicate effectively with GPs, practice nurses, and other involved agencies regarding assessments, care plans, and deterioration signs.
* Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and with external agencies.
Community Liaison
* Develop understanding of local communities, resources, and services.
* Provide education and training to staff and volunteers.
Other
* Manage own workload, tasks, and deadlines.
* Report to line manager for supervision and caseload management.
* Complete administrative tasks, including accurate record-keeping.
* Plan ongoing training and professional development.
* Promote equal opportunities and work in an anti-oppressive manner.
* Maintain confidentiality and respect the rights of service users.
* Perform any other duties relevant to the role and service aims.
Person Specification
Experience
* At least 2 years of experience working with individuals with mental health problems.
* Experience in providing group work.
* Experience in holistic and risk assessments.
* Supporting individuals with severe and enduring mental health issues.
Personal Qualities
* Empathetic listening and person-centered support skills.
* Effective verbal and written communication skills.
* Professional liaison and communication with diverse stakeholders.
* Organizational and planning abilities.
* Flexibility and teamwork skills.
* Self-care and well-being management.
* Own transport or access to public transportation.
Qualifications
* Commitment to ongoing professional and personal development.
* Relevant professional qualification (e.g., social work, nursing, occupational therapy).
Knowledge and Skills
* Understanding of the needs of individuals with severe mental health issues and their families.
* Skills in psycho-educational and therapeutic interventions.
* Ability to manage a caseload responsibly.
* Knowledge of equal opportunities principles, especially in mental health contexts.
* IT skills, including word processing, email, and internet use.
* Understanding of primary, secondary, and third-sector mental health services.
* Awareness of different mental health models.
* Experience with clinical data entry systems.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check, in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, to ensure suitability for working with vulnerable groups.
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