Overview
We are seeking a Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) to join our Older Persons Community Mental Health Team. This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of clinical care, delivering high-quality, person-centred services to frailty patients in the community.
Advanced clinical practice is delivered by experienced, registered health and care professionals. It involves high autonomy and complex decision-making, supported by a master's level qualification or equivalent. This encompasses four pillars: clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research, with demonstrated core capabilities and clinical competence. Practitioners manage care in partnership with individuals, families, and carers, analysing complex problems across settings to deliver innovative solutions that improve outcomes. They operate with autonomy in contexts of complexity, uncertainty, and risk, holding accountability for their decisions (Health Education England, 2017).
Course details and pathway information are provided by the apprenticeship and higher education providers listed in the job description. This role is ideal for candidates with a master’s level qualification in advanced clinical practice, non-medical prescribing certification, and a passion for improving outcomes for older adults.
If you're ready to influence change and shape the future of community mental health services, we'd love to hear from you.
Main duties
As an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) with our Older Persons Community Mental Health Team (OPCMHT) in Taunton and West Somerset, your role is pivotal in delivering high-quality, person-centred care to frailty patients in the community, underpinned by the four pillars of advanced clinical practice: clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research.
Possess the expertise to plan, coordinate, and prescribe treatment, and will lead the development of integrated community nursing pathways aligned with best practice and evidence, working closely with stakeholders and care providers.
You will be a core member of the multidisciplinary team, and you will:
* Assess, diagnose, and manage complex mental health presentations
* Prescribe treatments and coordinate care plans
* Lead the development of integrated patient pathways aligned with best practice
* Provide expert clinical leadership, education, and mentorship to colleagues
* Engage in research, audit, and service improvement initiatives
You'll be expected to work independently, making complex decisions in uncertain situations, while collaborating with GPs, community services, and stakeholders to ensure holistic care delivery.
About us and benefits
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we offer a range of benefits to support professional and personal life, including:
* Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
* NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
* Generous annual leave allowance
* A focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additional perks include access to the Blue Light Card with exclusive discounts and NHS-specific perks. We are committed to fostering a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce.
Why Somerset? The region offers countryside, natural beauty, coastlines, and proximity to cities such as Bristol, Bath, Exeter, and London. It is a place to build both your career and your future.
Details
Date posted: 06 October 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: 7
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Location: Harrison House, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 2PX
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
* Clinical Care & Decision-Making: assess, diagnose, and manage complex mental health presentations
* Prescribe treatments and coordinate care plans
* Request and interpret diagnostic tests (e.g., x-rays, bloods, scans)
* Refer patients to specialist services as needed
* Provide expert advice and second opinions to colleagues
Leadership & Service Development: lead the development of integrated patient pathways, act as a clinical role model, support service redesign and foster continuous improvement
* Lead the development of integrated patient pathways aligned with evidence-based practice
* Act as a clinical role model and mentor within the multidisciplinary team
* Support service redesign and innovation across boundaries
* Promote a culture of continuous improvement and organisational learning
Education & Research: deliver education and training, engage in research and quality improvement, disseminate best practice findings, and support the development of advanced practice roles across the Trust
* Deliver education and training to staff across the neighbourhood
* Engage in research, audit, and quality improvement initiatives
* Disseminate best practice findings and contribute to evidence-based care
* Support the development of advanced practice roles across the Trust
Collaboration & Communication: work closely with GPs, community services, and stakeholders; communicate complex clinical information clearly; foster strong professional relationships
* Work closely with GPs, community services, and stakeholders
* Communicate complex clinical information clearly and sensitively
* Foster strong professional relationships across teams and disciplines
Eligibility and qualifications
Essential qualifications and requirements:
* Master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Practice or currently working towards it
* Non-medical prescribing qualification
* Proven experience in managing older CMHT patients
* Strong clinical reasoning, leadership, and communication skills
* Commitment to Trust values: Kindness, Respect, and Teamwork
Educational providers and training details are listed in the original job description and may be provided by the Trust or associated providers.
Person specification and experience
Essential experience includes leadership and management experience with older persons CMHT patients, educational support to others, change management in a leadership role, and involvement in research and audits. Familiarity with the NHS framework and local and national healthcare issues is desirable. Additional desirable items include experience developing advanced practice guidelines and care pathways.
Other information
Disclosures: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check. UK registration with the relevant professional body is required. For more details, please refer to the NHS Careers site.
Employer details
Employer: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Harrison House, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 2PX
Website: somersetft.nhs.uk
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