Community Mental Health Practitioner

Job Summary

Temporary secondment (12 months) covering maternity leave for a Care Home Liaison Team Member. Work across Kirklees, based from Beckside Court in Batley, Monday to Friday 9 am‑5 pm with flexible working options. Requires a driver’s licence and vehicle for travel.

Responsibilities

• Independent caseload management while contributing to a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Assess mental health of residents and review care plans.
• Provide ongoing education and advice to care staff to improve resident well‑being and risk management.
• Respond to duty calls, support colleagues and prioritise workload during high demand.
• Collaborate with residents, families and care home staff; monitor changes to psychiatric treatment regimes and promote non‑pharmacological interventions.
• Document care delivery to a high standard in line with professional, local and national guidance.
• Recognise situations detrimental to residents’ health and initiate appropriate actions.
• Support student education and contribute to preceptorship and training of newly qualified staff where appropriate.
• Maintain professional registration and demonstrate commitment to statutory codes of practice and ongoing professional development.
• Manage enquiries and direct referrals in accordance with the Core CMHT operational policy, and participate in the team duty rota.
• Safeguard residents by ensuring the safe custody, transportation and administration of medicines where suitable.

Requirements

Essential Skills & Knowledge

• Working knowledge of recent government legislation (Mental Health Act, Health & Safety, Care Programme Approach, Care Act, Safeguarding).
• Ability to work incorporating principles of Clinical Governance.
• Experience working collaboratively with people and their carers.
• Cultural diversity awareness and ability to incorporate this into care planning.
• Knowledge of IT systems and evidence of their use.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of audit processes and carer services/assessment.

Desirable Skills & Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of audit processes.
• In‑depth knowledge of carers services, issues and assessment.

Personal Attributes

• Team player within a multi‑disciplinary working environment.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative following policies and procedures.
• Current driving licence and access to a vehicle during the working day.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including extended hours.
• Reliable, enthusiastic, motivated, resourceful with a professional attitude.

Experience

Essential

• Demonstrated skills in assessing and managing people experiencing mental health problems.
• Demonstrated skills in assessing and managing risk in a variety of settings.
• Proven ability to assess needs and strengths of people and their carers.
• Ability to deliver therapeutic techniques in one‑to‑one and/or group interventions.
• Experience working within an integrated multi‑disciplinary environment, attending team meetings, case conferences and professional meetings.

Desirable

• Experience supporting colleagues and supervising students or trainees.
• Experience working holistically with adults emphasising co‑existing mental and physical health needs.

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker, or Occupational Therapist.

Desirable

• Experience mentoring/supporting learners or demonstration of effective mentoring skills.
• Expected to work towards Practice Educator.

Training

Essential

• Assessment and care planning skills; risk assessment and risk management.

Desirable

• Relevant post‑basic qualification and training.

Other Information

• Disclosure and Barring Service check required.
• Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Equal Opportunity

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

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