Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity for a Mental Health Practitioner to work within the Mental Health In Reach Team at HMP Downview, (a female closed prison). This role involves acting as a Care Co-ordinator, undertaking mental health assessments and associates risk assessments. We have an excellent working relationship with the prison and candidates will enjoy working within a supportive team, with regular supervision.
Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust is a Top Employer Award Winner & works in partnership to provide responsive & dependable primary care, mental health, intellectual disability & substance misuse services to the diverse & culturally rich communities we serve.
By joining our Prisons Health Care Team, you will not only look after the healthcare needs of our patients residing in secure environments, but who also have the opportunity to have a real impact on promoting health & well-being. Our healthcare services work to a 7 day week working model, to ensure our patient\'s healthcare is managed & maintained to the highest of standards at all times.
We offer a great range of career pathways to support our nurses through their journey, see the list of endless opportunities under the working for your organisation tab.
Main duties of the job
* Care Co-ordination
* Risk assessments
* Mental Health Assessments
* Attending various CNWL and HMPPS meetings and Forums
* Developing service provision in line with the role
* MDT working
About us
Working within the MHIR team at HMP Downview, you will be working within a supportive team within our mental health hub. You will benefit from having peer support as you go through your induction phase to aid familiarity with how the prison functions. You will have opportunities to be part of local service developments and we promote all team members to become a specialist lead in relevant areas. You will also benefit from our inclusive approach. In addition to mandatory training opportunities, we also consider external training development, there is Mental Health Practitioner peer supervision and monthly Reflective Practice which is in addition to 1:1 supervision.
All of our sites in Surrey offer free use of the onsite leisure facilities and free parking for staff.
Details
Date posted: 10 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £44,485 to £52,521 a year per annum inc HCAS (pro rata if P/T)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 333-D-HJ-1855
Job locations: HMP Downview, High Down Lane, Sutton, SM2 5PD
Job responsibilities
See Job Description and the person specification for a detailed account of the main responsibilities.
Person Specification
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
* Essential: Registered Practitioner (Registered Mental Health Nurse; Social Worker; OT)
* Evidence of professional development since registration
Desirable:
* Post registration qualification that enhances clinical work: CBT, DBT, Dual Diagnosis, etc
* Mentorship or supervisor qualification
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Paid/unpaid relevant to job
* Essential: Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
* Experience of care co-ordinating within CPA framework
* Experience of working in community setting
* Experience of mentoring or supervising students
Desirable:
* Experience of working in a Prison or forensic environment
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES
* Essential: Expert in engaging with people with mental health problems, assessing their needs, designing and delivering appropriate interventions and evaluating the effectiveness of the process.
* Risk assessment and management skills.
* Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
* Excellent IT skills.
* Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently as appropriate
* To use supervision positively and effectively
* Proven ability to work patients to increase their level of self-determination and resilience
* Effective time management
* Knowledge of the needs and rights of patients.
* Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks
* Problem solving, stress management & conflict resolution skills
* Ability to engage in evidence based practice, with an understanding of care quality (clinical governance).
Desirable:
* Knowledge of CPA, Mental Health Act, MAPPA, legislation and policies relevant to prison mental health.
ATTITUDES, APTITUDES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
* Essential: Motivated to maintain the highest standards possible in the service
* Able to accept constructive feedback.
* Able to ask for support where required.
* Compassionate & non-judgmental approach.
* Flexible
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name: Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Address: HMP Downview, High Down Lane, Sutton, SM2 5PD
Employer's website: https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/work
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