Mental Health Practitioner

Job Overview

An exciting opportunity is available within the CNWL Health and Justice Service.

In order to focus on the high risk ‘Early Days in Custody’, we are delighted to be recruiting Two more team members to join our growing Mental Health Team at HMP Woodhill.

We are looking to recruit two Band 6 Mental Health Team Leaders to work within the multi-disciplinary Integrated Mental Health Team at HMP Woodhill. If you thrive on new challenges, being in an environment where no two days are the same and feel passionate about Health and Justice then you may be the very person that we are looking for to join our developing team.

Main duties of the job

You will have a key role in the exciting multi-agency, multi-disciplinary focus on early days in custody, assessing and managing risk alongside prison colleagues.

You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team; and be involved in assessing the mental health needs of prisoners, provide appropriate interventions and facilitate referrals; this will be delivered through outpatient clinics, inpatient clinical assessment unit and across the prison wings giving you the opportunity to work within the diverse fields of primary, secondary and forensic mental health.

You will be expected to work autonomously as well as part of the wider mental health team, to a standard equitable to that found within the community, managing a caseload and responding to emergency referrals. Working alongside the Primary Care team affords us the benefit of being able to work in a truly holistic manner, responding to the needs of both physical and mental well-being in partnership.

Working for our organisation

Providing top quality care depends on our ability to employ the best people.

We’re always looking to recruit outstanding people who will go the extra mile to support our patients, colleagues, teams and the Trust. With every new employee we’re hoping to find our future leaders and we’ll support our staff by providing opportunities to develop your career.

With a diverse culture and equally diverse range of opportunities across mental health, community services, addictions, eating disorders, learning disabilities and more – whatever stage of your career you're at, there's always a place for you at CNWL.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

• To play a key role in the important ‘Early Days in Custody’ of prisoners, working closely with other departments to ensure that all risks are assessed and managed.
• To function fully within the Integrated Mental Health Team, assessing and treating patients through their journey in prison.
• To accept referrals and triage patients with the team.
• To undertake comprehensive assessments alone or with colleagues and feedback to the Multi-disciplinary Team, ensuring that planned care is individual and appropriate to the needs of the patient.
• To provide effective case management to a defined caseload in accordance with the Care Programme Approach, in conjunction with the team, appropriate prison departments and external health, social care and probation services.
• To ensure effective pre-release care planning.
  
  

Person specification

Education And Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Registered Nurse (RMN)
• Mentorship or supervisor qualification
• Evidence of professional development since registration
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Post registration qualification that enhances clinical work: CBT, DBT, Dual Diagnosis, etc
  
  

Previous Experience

Essential criteria

• Substantial post registration experience
• Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of mentoring or supervising students
• Experience of care co-ordinating within CPA framework
• Experience of working in community setting
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working in a Prison or forensic environment
  
  

Skills and knowledge

Essential criteria

• 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 CPA, Mental Health Act, MAPPA, legislation and policies relevant to prison mental health.
• 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).
• Knowledge of current challenges / developments in Prison health.
  
  

Attitudes, aptitudes, personal characteristics

Essential criteria

• 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