Primary Care Mental Health Practitioner in Leeds

To deliver community mental health support, symptom management, triage and care navigation to clients through PCNs in Leeds. The post-holder will be required to carry out assessment and formulation of mental health needs in order to assist patients towards increased self-management of anxiety and depression symptoms and better tolerance of distress. The role will also involve identifying opportunities to support individuals with their mental health by helping them to access appropriate community support, encourage behavioural and lifestyle changes, and enable and empower patients to become actively involved in their own wellbeing. The role combines the skills of triage/assessment/care navigation/psychological support. Key to the role will be the ability to utilise psychological formulation (i.e. construct meaning out of mental distress) and build trusting relationships quickly whilst motivating individuals to make sustained changes.

Main duties of the job include:

• Accepting patient referrals with common mild to moderate mental health problems (such as anxiety, depression and OCD) via agreed protocols within the GP practice.
• Using SystmOne and EMIS patient management systems (after training) to record referrals, assessments and outcomes.
• Identify and manage cases where complexity is present, including triaging referrals and signposting to appropriate mental health and crisis support.
• Using therapeutic skills where appropriate to help patients to manage acute emotional distress, where it does not pose a risk.
• Working with a caseload of individuals with chronic mental health needs, offering a set number of appointments per week with each patient.
• Managing a full caseload and reaching agreed activity levels set within the service and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient.
• Using a range of techniques and interventions to support patients with mental health needs to self-manage their symptoms, and encourage behavioural and lifestyle change, whilst working within boundaries of professional training and competence.
• Responding to unpredictable situations of risk and managing these in a safe, professional and holistic manner, utilising appropriate risk assessment, relapse prevention interventions and risk management plans.
• Ensuring the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating, professional and accrediting bodies (such as BACP, UKCP, BPS), and remain informed of new recommendations and guidelines set by the Department of Health.
• Ensuring patient confidentiality is protected at all times, in line with Northpoint and GP practice policies.
• Ensuring clear professional objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with the Service Manager, on a regular basis as part of continuing professional development.
• Actively combatting mental health inequalities, applying knowledge of the social determinants of mental health in Leeds, and how some communities are at greater risk of poorer mental health.
• Conducting audits of service performance, including service user surveys and evaluations, to collate and disseminate the results for feedback.
• Working with managers and colleagues to identify, manage and minimise risks within overarching risk management frameworks.

Northpoint is part of the primary care mental health service, LMWS, commissioned by Leeds CCG. Launched in November 2019, this integrated service provides support for people experiencing common mental health problems. Together, our partnership helps thousands of people in Leeds to increase their resilience and live their best lives within their community.

This Service covers all the PCNs across Leeds. PCNs bring together a group of neighbouring GP practices to cover a population of 30,000 to 50,000 patients. Member GP practices benefit from economies of scale as they collaborate to provide services with an expanded primary care team - including these Mental Health practitioner roles - taking pressure off GPs.

We have a unique opportunity for a Mental Health Practitioner to join our team at Northpoint as part of the Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS). This role will see you working across GP surgeries, supporting people with their mental health in a way that is practical, compassionate, and rooted in community.

You will play a key part in helping individuals better understand and manage their mental health, offering assessment, support and guidance to enable people to take positive steps towards wellbeing.

You will join us on a permanent basis, full-time basis (35 hours per week) on a salary of £32,073 - £39,043 per annum - Agenda for Change Band 5.

We offer:

• 35-hour full time working week
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Up to 3 discretionary leave days at Christmas
• Auto-enrolment pension scheme
• Enhanced leave policies that support you when it matters most
• Regular supervision and development opportunities
• A supportive, inclusive and values-led working environment

Why choose Northpoint?

Northpoint is a leading regional provider of mental health services for children, young people and adults across West Yorkshire. We work in partnership with local services and we are committed to delivering accessible, high-quality support that meets people's needs at the right time. Joining us means being part of a team that values collaboration, flexibility and wellbeing, and where your work will make a real difference to people's lives every day.

What you will be doing as our Mental Health Practitioner:

• Work alongside GP practices as part of a Primary Care Network to support people with common mental health difficulties
• Carry out assessments, triage and care navigation to ensure people get the right support at the right time
• Provide practical, short-term support to help individuals manage anxiety, depression and distress
• Help people build confidence, resilience and skills to improve their mental wellbeing
• Support people to access wider community services, peer support and wellbeing resources
• Manage a caseload, offering structured sessions and maintaining clear, accurate records

Please note, this is an office-based role at The Small Mill, Leeds, due to the nature of the work and the need for regular in-person support.

What are we looking for in our ideal Mental Health Practitioner:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with people with mental health needs, including assessment and support
• An understanding of common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression
• Ability to build trusting relationships and communicate clearly and sensitively
• A proactive, organised approach with the ability to manage a caseload
• A commitment to inclusivity, empowerment and supporting people to take an active role in their wellbeing

Closing date: Sunday 23 August 2026

Interviews dates will be held in person on: Thursday 10 September 2026

We may utilise digital interview methods. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working opportunities. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.