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Senior Forensic Mental Health Practitioner in AP Service
Application Deadline: 5 September 2025
Department: Operations
Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract
Location: Approved Premises Mental Health Service
Reporting To: Danielle Green
Compensation: GBP 39,383 / year
Description
Service: Criminal Justice Approved Premises (AP) Mental Health Service
Location: North London
Reports to: Service Manager
Salary: GBP 39,383 (GA Incl)
Job Purpose
The Senior Forensic Mental Health Practitioner (FMHP) will manage a caseload across two Approved Premises (APs) in Camden and Tulse Hill. They will provide psychologically informed assessments and interventions, including:
* Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
* Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
* Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
* Mindfulness
* Psychoeducation
The aim is to equip service users with practical tools to manage their mental health better. The role involves collaborating with AP staff, probation practitioners, and partners to deliver holistic support, including:
* Facilitating case consultations to build staff confidence and skills
* Contributing to team meetings for decision-making and planning
* Leading workshops on mental health awareness, trauma-informed practice, and healthcare engagement
Key Responsibilities
Job-Specific Tasks and Responsibilities
* Contribute to service development and promotion through relevant forums
* Create and deliver information sessions for professionals
* Partner with stakeholders
* Facilitate group learning via presentations and activities
* Assess mental health and social care needs, providing tailored holistic support
* Follow safeguarding and risk management protocols
* Empower individuals to lead their support plans
* Provide low-intensity psychoeducational interventions using techniques like Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and Compassion Focused Therapy
* Support individuals with complex needs and dual diagnoses
* Contribute to preventing and managing harmful and violent behaviour
* Help build self-esteem and motivation
* Assist access to appropriate services and facilities
* Support service users during transitions between services
* Assess and manage risks dynamically, sharing information appropriately
* Report outcomes to referrers and team meetings
* Maintain accurate records and data entry
* Ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery
* Maintain communication with the team via phone, email, and text
* Develop effective inter-agency relationships
* Understand and promote the values of Together
* Advise agencies on service user needs and identify service gaps
* Monitor and evaluate service effectiveness, producing statistical reports
This description may evolve over time in consultation with the post holder.
Practicalities
* Working Hours: 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday (37.5 hours/week)
* Travel: May be required to travel; expenses reimbursed
* Role Conditions:
o Ministry of Justice vetting: Enhanced Level 1 clearance
o Enhanced DBS clearance
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
* Skills in mental health assessment and intervention (CBT, ACT, DBT, psychoeducation)
* Knowledge of safeguarding and risk assessment in forensic settings
* Strong communication and collaboration skills
* Competence in record keeping and data management
* Ability to deliver workshops and consultations
* At least 2-3 years' experience in mental health or forensic settings supporting complex needs
* Experience working within multi-agency environments
* Proven ability to deliver psychological interventions at low intensity
* Relevant degree (psychology, mental health nursing, social work, etc.)
* Professional registration (e.g., HCPC, NMC, BACP) preferred
* Mandatory Enhanced DBS clearance
Job Benefits
Details about working benefits are available in the linked PDF.
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