Mental Health Practitioner in Wakefield

Job Summary

Mental Health Practitioner Band 6
Forensic Outreach Liaison Service for people with learning disabilities and/or Autism (FOLS LD/A)
Are you a nurse or allied health professional interested in forensic community care?

Are you passionate about supporting individuals with a learning disability and/or autism to live safer, fuller lives?

Do you have experience or an interest in supporting individuals who present with behaviours that could result in contact with the criminal justice system?

If that sounds like you, we would love to welcome you to FOLS LD/A.

Since launching in 2019, as a tertiary service, FOLS has continued to grow into a forward-thinking, specialist service, supporting adults with learning disabilities and/or autism who are at risk of entering, or already involved in, the criminal justice system.

This is a role where your work will have real impact - helping individuals, families, and systems come together to reduce risk, build strengths, and create meaningful change.

As an MHP in FOLS you would hold a caseload of individuals with needs across our six core functions: forensic risk assessment, risk focused intervention, case management of the most complex cases, training and support, advice and consultation, and transition support from secure settings.

FOLS is a 9-5, Monday to Friday service.

Main duties of the job
You will have a passion for working with adults whose life experiences have often led to the development of harmful coping styles, including causing significant harm to others.

You will be able to hold empathy whilst also objectively assessing risk, and being able to communicate this sensitively with the person themselves, and their professional and personal network
You will have access to meaningful supervision and robust MDT structures, whilst working autonomously with your diary and caseload management.

You will be supported in your continuous professional development via formal training and joint working / skill sharing with our experienced MDT members.

Curious?

Lets have a conversation
We know roles like this are unique, so I would really encourage an informal chat if you're interested.

Nicola Hanlon - Team Manager, FOLS LD/A
Nicola.

Hanlon@swyt. nhs. uk.

Mobile - 07901 520635
All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to have their up-to-date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients.

At the time of advertising, this role does meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK.

We look forward to receiving your application.

About Us
We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.

We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time.

We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

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

Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run.

Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

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

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Details
Date posted
12 August 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£39,959 to £48,117 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number
C9378-F0723
Job locations
Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital
Ouchthorpe Lane
Wakefield
WF1 3SP
United Kingdom
Job Description
Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY
The post holder carries the responsibility for a defined caseload working with adults in the Forensic Outreach Liaison team for people with Learning Disabilities.

The caseload will include clients of all levels of ability as defined by the team criteria.

The post holder will serve as an effective member of the multi-disciplinary team.

The post holder will promote a consistent multi-agency approach.

The post holder will contribute to the leadership and development of the FOLs Learning Disability team in accordance within local and national guidance
The post holder will have the ability to work independently as specialist individual practitioner and make autonomous decisions as required.

Have good clinical, management and leadership skills.

KEY RESULT AREAS:
Management
To promote positive leadership through excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

To liaise with members of the multi-agency, multi-disciplinary teams.

Support the effective management of resources and delegation as required.

Provide audit information as necessary.

Manage patient crisis and respond in a timely manner.

Contribute towards care management processes where appropriate.

Manage an individual caseload by prioritising need.

Support junior nursing staff in the implementation of their duties.

Organise and contribute to patient reviews as necessary.

To ensure that existing, relevant, agreed local district policies are known and adhered to within the nursing team.

Contribute towards screening of referrals, taking enquiries and signposting to other services.

Report untoward occurrences to Nurse Lead/Operational Team Manager and record on datix.

Professional
To be personally responsible for keeping a breadth of changes in the nursing profession in terms of clinical development, nursing education and care management.

Ensure that they receive regular clinical supervision.

Support initiatives in progressive client care that are evidence based.

To be aware of current legislation, terms and development within Learning Disability Services.

To undertake training and continued professional development as agreed with the lead nurse/operational team manager
To advise the Lead Nurse/Operational Team Manager of shortcomings of the nursing service suggesting appropriate actions.

To ensure that the policy for safe usage and storage of drugs is adhered to on Trust premises or in the community.

Provide clinical supervision and professional advice/support to all nursing staff and other appropriate disciplines.

Liaise with specialist clinics in relation to medical and patient nurse support where appropriate.

Support health improvement initiatives.

Ensure that professional registration is maintained.

For Full Job Description, Please See Attached Supporting Documents.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms.

Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage.

If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Person Specification
Personal Attributes
Essential

• Self Motivated.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enthusiasm.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability).
• Physical Attributes
  Essential
• Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post.

A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).

Experience
Essential

• Substantial post qualifying experience in care of people with complex mental illness/learning disability.
• Contributed to and Worked as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

Desirable

• Managing Care.
• Service Development.
• Working with families and carers.
• Care Management.
• Special Knowledge & Skills
  Essential
• Specialist Knowledge across a range of areas relevant to practise underpinned by theory.
• Current philosophy underpinning mental illness/learning disability community care provision.
• Experience of supporting and supervising colleagues /students /trainees.
• Experience of using IT systems to support, record and monitor clinical activity.
• Can demonstrate skills in assessing and managing risk in a variety of settings.
• Proven ability in assessing the needs and strengths of people and their carers Experience of delivering a range of therapeutic interventions.
• Working within an integrated multi-disciplinary environment and co-working with other teams and professions within team meetings, case conferences and professional meetings.
• Ability to support colleagues with day-to-day caseload management including prioritisation of responsibilities in times of high clinical demand.
• Ability to promote and develop links with other professionals for e. g practitioners within long term conditions, primary care.
• Evidence of knowledge and application in practice of national guidance and standards, e. g. NICE, CQC, CQUINs.
• Experience of working holistically with older adults in a bio psycho-social model of care with emphasis on physical ill health that impacts on mental wellbeing.
• Planning and organising skills.
• Health promoting/facilitation.
• Working knowledge of recent government legislation e. g. Mental Health Act, Health & Safety, Care Programme Approach.
• Able to work incorporating principles of Clinical Governance.
• Proven skills in partnership working with people who use services and their carers.
• Shows awareness of equality and diversity and is able to incorporate this into care planning and the delivery of care. Ability to act up in the absence of the team manager.
• Knowledge of using IT systems to record clinical activity.
• Knowledge of audit processes.
• Knowledge of carer services/ issues.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of cultural and diversity issues.
• Mental Health.
• Challenging Behaviour.
• Complex health needs.
• Teaching practice.

Qualifications
Essential

• RNLD / RMN.
• Mentorship.

Desirable

• Evidence of additional academic study at Diploma /Degree level.
• Training
  Essential
• Assessment and care planning skills.
• Risk assessment and risk management.
• Relevant post-registration qualifications and / or training.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable

• Further training in areas relevant to practise eg, autism, challenging behaviour, long term conditions.
• Personal Attributes
  Essential
• Self Motivated.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enthusiasm.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability).
• Physical Attributes
  Essential
• Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post.

A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).

Essential

• Substantial post qualifying experience in care of people with complex mental illness/learning disability.
• Contributed to and Worked as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

Desirable

• Managing Care.
• Service Development.
• Working with families and carers.
• Care Management.
• Special Knowledge & Skills
  Essential
• Specialist Knowledge across a range of areas relevant to practise underpinned by theory.
• Current philosophy underpinning mental illness/learning disability community care provision.
• Experience of supporting and supervising colleagues /students /trainees.
• Experience of using IT systems to support, record and monitor clinical activity.
• Can demonstrate skills in assessing and managing risk in a variety of settings.
• Proven ability in assessing the needs and strengths of people and their carers Experience of delivering a range of therapeutic interventions.
• Working within an integrated multi-disciplinary environment and co-working with other teams and professions within team meetings, case conferences and professional meetings.
• Ability to support colleagues with day-to-day caseload management including prioritisation of responsibilities in times of high clinical demand.
• Ability to promote and develop links with other professionals for e. g practitioners within long term conditions, primary care.
• Evidence of knowledge and application in practice of national guidance and standards, e. g. NICE, CQC, CQUINs.
• Experience of working holistically with older adults in a bio psycho-social model of care with emphasis on physical ill health that impacts on mental wellbeing.
• Planning and organising skills.
• Health promoting/facilitation.
• Working knowledge of recent government legislation e. g. Mental Health Act, Health & Safety, Care Programme Approach.
• Able to work incorporating principles of Clinical Governance.
• Proven skills in partnership working with people who use services and their carers.
• Shows awareness of equality and diversity and is able to incorporate this into care planning and the delivery of care. Ability to act up in the absence of the team manager.
• Knowledge of using IT systems to record clinical activity.
• Knowledge of audit processes.
• Knowledge of carer services/ issues.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of cultural and diversity issues.
• Mental Health.
• Challenging Behaviour.
• Complex health needs.
• Teaching practice.

Essential

• RNLD / RMN.
• Mentorship.

Desirable

• Evidence of additional academic study at Diploma /Degree level.
• Training
  Essential
• Assessment and care planning skills.
• Risk assessment and risk management.
• Relevant post-registration qualifications and / or training.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable

• Further training in areas relevant to practise eg, autism, challenging behaviour, long term conditions.

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information
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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust
Address
Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital
Ouchthorpe Lane
Wakefield
WF1 3SP
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www. southwestyorkshire. nhs. uk (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust
Address
Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital
Ouchthorpe Lane
Wakefield
WF1 3SP
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www. southwestyorkshire. nhs. uk (Opens in a new tab)

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