Community Mental Health Practitioner
Closing date: 19 May 2026
Are you passionate about reshaping mental health care? Do you believe in the power of community, collaboration with community partners and local voluntary care sector, inclusion, and peer support to transform lives? We’re launching an innovative community care centre inspired by world‑class models like the Trieste Mental Health Community Network, Navigo in Grimsby, and Clubhouse models in New York and Brixton.
We have an incredibly exciting and rare opportunity to be part of a new community mental health pilot. This centre will hold a major national profile with NHS England who are hoping that the pilot will radically transform how we deliver mental health care in the UK.
We are looking for 3 dedicated staff to help us pioneer this revolutionary approach to care.
What We Offer
- Unique Care Model: Join a programme focused on community, social inclusion, and holistic recovery.
- Supportive Environment: Collaborate with peers, contribute to a recovery‑oriented care system, and make a real difference.
- Development Opportunities: Be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of mental health care, with training and career growth built‑in.
About us
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) provides the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK, along with specialist substance misuse services. We work in close partnership with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London and are part of King’s Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre. Few organisations globally match our breadth of expertise in mental illness, built on three pillars: care and treatment, research, and training. SLaM employs around 5,000 staff and serves a diverse population of 1.1 million across Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham, and Southwark. We operate over 230 services, including inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, and community teams – providing inpatient care to 5,300 people annually and supporting over 45,000 in the community. We also deliver substance misuse services in Bexley, Bromley, and Greenwich. Joining SLaM means becoming part of a Trust with a rich legacy and global reputation. Staff benefit from extensive professional development, with over 14,000 training experiences delivered in a single year. Our collaboration with King’s Health Partners offers unique opportunities to engage in cutting‑edge academic research and work alongside world‑leading experts in mental health.
Job responsibilities
We are seeking an enthusiastic candidate who has relevant experience.
- Assisting to deliver safe discharge or transfer of patient to other services.
- Making referrals to Crisis and Home Treatment Team, other community mental health services, social care, peer support, community support, drug and alcohol/gambling support and carer support.
- Uphold professional conduct as required in delivering safe care to all patients regardless of gender, ethnicity, and personal belief.
- Adopt a client‑centred approach embodied with the principles of the recovery model.
- Provide low‑intensity CBT and mindfulness interventions under supervision.
- Provide psychoeducation to service users.
- Co‑facilitate therapeutic groups with a focus on service‑user rehabilitation, reintegration and social inclusion.
- Undertake any other duties that are commensurate with the banding and nature of the post.
Qualifications
- Registered mental health professional.
Experience
- Experience of research‑based/reflective practice, e.g. understanding and ability to use supervision to reflect on skills, attitude and knowledge, and develop these by using evidence‑based practice.
- Knowledge of relevant professional and clinical legislation.
- Flexibility to work a shift pattern of 8 am – 8 pm across a 7‑day service.
- One year experience and above with no preceptorship programme pending.
Knowledge
- Able to provide quality care that is responsive to service‑user needs, without close supervision.
- Resilient: able to cope with difficult interpersonal situations.
- Able to work autonomously within your job duties/responsibilities and professional boundaries.
- Self‑aware, self‑confident and intrinsically motivated to do a good job and to motivate others.
- Approachable and forms very effective working relationships with colleagues. Advocates for all individuals, particularly those with protected characteristics; promotes equality and diversity.
Other Requirements
- Empathy for service users including individuals who have experienced mental health problems.
- Loyal and able to advocate for and show pride in the work area and organization and demonstrates values of Trust and NHS.
- Ability to fulfil all the requirements of the role (including physical).
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.
Salary & Benefits
£47,951 to £56,863 a year, inclusive of HCAS.
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