Community Mental Health Practitioner

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust.

Community Mental Health Practitioner

Closing date: 22 April 2026

This temporary/secondment role covers maternity leave for 12 months. It is based at Beckside Court in Batley, working Monday to Friday 9am‑5pm with flexible working options. A car licence and vehicle are required for travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage an independent caseload and work autonomously while contributing to a multidisciplinary team.
• Undertake assessments of residents’ mental health and review care plans.
• Provide ongoing education and advice to care staff to improve residents’ well‑being and manage risk.
• Respond to duty calls, support colleagues, and model clinical decision‑making under high demand.
• Collaborate with residents, families and care‑home staff to monitor 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 education of newly qualified staff where appropriate.
• Maintain professional registration and demonstrate commitment to statutory codes of practice and continuing professional development.

Key Result Areas

• Provide comprehensive assessment of clients and carers, planning, implementing and evaluating skilled interventions.
• Maintain knowledge of current issues and research relevant to mental health legislation such as CPA and MHA (1983).
• Contribute to service development within the clinical governance structure and policies and procedures of the Trust.

Professional Tasks

• Assess needs and identify problems, devise, implement and review care plans with clients and carers.
• Ensure competence in all aspects of care and risk management within the care programme approach framework.
• Collaborate with clients, carers and other agencies to optimise mental health and overall functioning.
• Manage enquiries, direct referrals and participate in the duty rota.
• Maintain safe custody, transportation and administration of medicines where appropriate.
• Supervise junior staff and maintain accurate trust records.
• Participate in clinical audit processes and evidence‑based practice.

Education and Training

• Provide peer supervision and support to team members.
• Engage in trust appraisal system and personal development opportunities.
• Maintain awareness of evidence‑based practice relevant to the specialist area.
• Support the education of individuals and target groups.

Person Specification

Special Knowledge & Skills

• Working knowledge of recent government legislation (Mental Health Act, Health & Safety, Care Programme Approach, Care Act & Safeguarding).
• Experience with clinical governance principles.
• Ability to involve people and carers in assessment and care planning.
• Awareness of cultural diversity and ability to integrate it into care planning.
• Proficiency in IT systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of audit processes.
• Understanding of carer services, issues and assessment.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Initiative and adherence to policies and procedures.
• Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including extended hours.
• Reliable, enthusiastic, motivated, resourceful and professional.

Physical Attributes

• Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post with a satisfactory sickness record over the previous two years.

Experience

• Demonstrated skills in assessing and managing mental health problems.
• Demonstrated skills in assessing and managing risk in various settings.
• Experience assessing needs and strengths of people and carers.
• Ability to deliver therapeutic techniques for one‑to‑one and/or group interventions.
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary setting and participating in professional meetings.
• Experience supporting colleagues and supervising students or trainees.
• Experience with holistic care for adults with comorbid mental and physical health needs.

Qualifications

• Registered Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker or Occupational Therapist.
• Experience in mentoring/supporting learners or evidence of effective mentoring skills.
• Expected to work toward Practice Educator status.

Training

• Assessment and care planning skills and risk assessment and risk management.
• Relevant post‑basic qualification and additional training.

All employees are strongly encouraged to be up‑to‑date with their flu vaccination.

Equality and Diversity

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups. Our workforce reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Application Notes

We look forward to receiving your application. The role meets UK visa sponsorship requirements.

Contact

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

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