Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced mental health practitioner to support the work of the Bradford District Co-Occurring Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug service (COMHAD) in developing a new service to improve outcomes for people who have co-occurring needs.
Expected results are defined but the post holder decides how they are best achieved and is guided by principles and broad occupational policies or regulations. Guidance may be provided by peers or external reference points.
The post holder will work flexibly across mental health and substance use services to provide assessment, consultation, joint work and training. We welcome applications from those with relevant health or social care qualifications who are able to
demonstrate significant knowledge, skills and experience in working with people with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues.
Closing Date: 20th April 2026 (Midnight)
Shortlisting Date: 21st April 2026
Intarview Date: 27th April 2026
Main duties of the job
Line Management Responsibility (Junior Staff)
3. Main duties:
Clinical (Nursing/AHP Strategy)
• Responsible for the delivery of community mental health care to a caseload of clients in accordance with the objectives of the Care Trust and within team operational policies.
• Ensure implementation of all Trust Policies and Procedures as required.
• Clinical Care/Service Delivery.
• To receive and accept referrals for the service and initiate, lead and co-ordinate their assessment, making referrals to other professionals as required.
• To manage a personal caseload of clients.
• To work as a Community Mental Health Practitioner responsible for assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation of care for a designated client group.
• Undertake accurate, timely and skilled assessments and ongoing reassessment of client’s condition, taking into consideration all social, physical and environmental factors.
• Comprehensively and accurately record and evaluate the implications of the information gained in order to plan the appropriate care for the client.
• Carry out accurate and in-depth assessment of risk in collaboration with other members of the multi disciplinary team.
• Make a competent and reliable evaluation of the levels of risk presented by and to the clients.
• Make safe and constructive decisions based on assessed risks.
• Record and communicate risk information to others so as to promote the safety of the client and others.
• Detect early signs of deteriorating mental health including potential self-harm and suicide risk, worsening physical conditions and potential threats to others.
• Take blood - If required undertake training given by the Trust phlebotomy department.
• To supervise and administer and monitor compliance of medication and maintain stocks in line with Trust policy and NMC guidelines.
• To work co-operatively and actively with clients and carers encouraging participation in care planning and delivery.
• Ensure agreed standards of care are achieved.
• Application of the Mental Health Act (1983) - Maintain knowledge of and act in accordance with Directorate policies and procedures.
• To ensure equality of opportunity and fair access for all client and carers of service
• Support and promote equality and diversity.
• To communicate effectively with all key care providers: Clients, carers other team members, social services, housing, voluntary agencies, user/carer groups, general practitioners, police and statutory bodies and care homes. To participate in case conferences in order to discuss complex care issues with other professionals and agencies, in the planning, implementation and management of care. In some individuals their lack of insight can provide a barrier to acceptance of care. This requires developed interpersonal communication skills.
• Ensure care delivery is in accordance with relevant professional guidance and current legislation.
• To deal with crises and complex issues as they arise and to ensure that risks are managed accordingly, and to ensure that relatives and all persons involved in the case are kept informed of risks to their safety.
• To report incidents and near misses in accordance with the Trust procedures and take positive action to prevent or minimise the likelihood of their recurrence.
Working for our organisation
Everything we do is underpinned by our core values: -
We Care - We act with respect and empathy, and always value difference
We Listen - We understand people’s views and respond to their individual needs
We Deliver - We develop and provide excellent services and support our partners
We will consider a variety of flexible working arrangements to enable staff to balance their work and home lives and support staff by offering a fantastic range of benefits including :
Increase mileage rates for > 3500
A wide range of health and wellbeing support packages
A range of internal and external development and learning opportunities
Plus many more.
We are also proud to pledge our support to the Armed Forces and hold a Bronze Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
BDCFT is dedicated to environmental and social sustainability by delivering on the commitments within our Green Plan. All staff are actively encouraged and supported to participate in training and to identify and implement sustainable quality improvement across all service areas and activities.
Please note that the Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received. It is in the candidate’s best interest to apply as soon as possible.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please read the attached Job description and person specification for further details about this role.
Right to Work in the UK
Prior to your appointment you will be asked to provide confirmation of your right to work and reside in the UK. During your continued employment with the Trust, you have a personal responsibility to notify your manager as soon as possible should there be any changes to your right to work status.
Regrettably, if the role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Trust’s eligibility criteria, the Trust are unable to extend your employment beyond the expiration of your current visa. The Trust is not responsible or liable for ensuring that your employment continues after this period.
As a condition of continuous employment, it essential you maintain the legal right to work in the United Kingdom throughout the duration of your employment with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust (BDCFT).
Any change in your right-to-work status, including but not limited to visa expiration, revocation, or denial of renewal, may impact your eligibility for employment with the Trust. It is your responsibility to promptly inform your Line Manager of any changes in your right-to-work status immediately and to provide necessary documentation for verification purposes. Failure to obtain or renew your visa in a timely manner is a breach of employment conditions and will result in termination of your employment. We appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to fulfilling this requirement promptly.
Person specification
Attitude/Approach
Essential criteria
1. Commitment to ethos of unit and MDT working.
2. Willingness to undergo professional development.
3. Willingness to participate in Appraisal.
4. Willingness to participate in Appraisal.
5. Trustworthy, honest, reliable, adaptable, conscientious, tolerant, enthusiastic, motivated, adaptable/flexible approach.
6. Warm, friendly, approachable manner
Desirable criteria
7. Ability to work across organisations.
Qualifications
Essential criteria
8. Professional qualification in mental health nursing, social work, occupational therapy.
9. Degree level education or equivalent experience.
10. Registration with NMC or Health & Care Professions Council.
Experience
Essential criteria
11. Worked as keyworker with mental health client group.
12. Post basic experience in Mental Health.
13. Experience of working with people with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions.
Desirable criteria
14. Experience in relevant area of mental health.
15. Experience of working with VSC services.
16. Experience of being clinical adviser to junior staff or students
Please note that the Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received. It is in the candidates best interest to apply as soon as possible.
In view of Home Office Immigration Regulations all applicants must state their current immigration status, including expiry dates.
Bradford District Care Trust is an award-winning Trust that provides a range of innovative services that have been recognised as best practice nationally. As a provider of care for people of all ages who have mental and/or community health needs we are dedicated to providing a high-quality service, close to where people live and as much as possible tailored to an individual’s needs.
The Trust’s purpose is to create connected communities and help people to feel as healthy as they can be at every point in their lives and our vision is to connect people to the best quality care, when and where they need it and be a national role model as an employer and provide our staff with the best place to work.
Bradford has been awarded the coveted status of UK City of Culture 2025. The year is set to deliver more than 1000 new performances and events including 365 artist commissions, a series of major arts festivals as well as exciting national and international collaborations. Its themes will be rooted in the unique heritage and character of Bradford and will reveal the magic of the district that is held in its people, its ambition, and above all, its potential.
We would welcome applicants with lived experience of providing unpaid care and/or support to a family member or friend with a disability, health condition, frailty, mental health problem, addiction or other health and care needs.
We welcome people from all backgrounds and in particular Bradford District Care Trust is keen to reflect the population we serve, we are currently underrepresented in terms of black and minority ethnic staff. Applications are encouraged from these groups, but it must be stressed that selection will be solely on merit and in accordance with the Trust recruitment policy.
BDCFT is dedicated to environmental and social sustainability by delivering on the commitments within our Green Plan. All staff are actively encouraged and supported to participate in training and to identify and implement sustainable quality improvement across all service areas and activities.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.