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- Tasks: Support community connectors in delivering peer-led interventions for clients with mental wellbeing challenges.
- Company: Join a specialist NHS Foundation Trust dedicated to improving mental health and community services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, a supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in mental health care.
- Qualifications: A-C in Maths/English GCSE or equivalent; Level 5 qualification in Health & Social Care preferred.
- Other info: Full-time role with a focus on work-life balance; apply early as the vacancy may close soon.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 26000 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen for a full-time band 4 Associate Practitioner based at Barnsley's Recovery College but working into the local community supporting our Community Connectors in delivering peer-led interventions with clients. The job hours are Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00hrs. You will work alongside Recovery College colleagues in a blended agile/office workplace, and the service is flexible in our approach to a good work-life balance.
The Associate Practitioner role will involve working with peer colleagues supporting/advising their interventions and working alongside where there is an identified need for recovery-focused interventions.
Main duties of the job:
- You will be working predominantly out in the community and help oversee caseloads of clients with varying mental wellbeing challenges.
- You will be expected to support peers to deliver interventions such as anxiety management, graded exposure, improving mood, and social activity.
- You will also be expected to liaise with other parts of statutory services as well as third sector organisations and support your clients to engage with these services.
- The applicant will be expected to support the leadership of the Community Connectors function and their caseload.
- Provide advice and guidance to referring professionals on Community Connector function and suitability of clients, with consideration for interventions.
- You will be working in a supportive team and must be able to undertake working in community settings with clients with a wide range of mental wellbeing issues.
All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect patients.
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. Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time.
We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.
Details:
- Date posted: 12 June 2025
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 4
- Salary: £26,530 to £29,114 a year
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
- Reference number: C9378-B2145
- Job locations: Recovery College, 33 Gawber Road, Barnsley, S75 2AH
Job responsibilities:
- Undertake delegated duties under the supervision of registered health care professionals.
- Deliver evidence-based planned care, which is safe and effective, in a manner which is caring, compassionate, and enables service users to reach an optimum level of functioning, independence, rehabilitation, and recovery.
- Provide care within well-established policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines, and established clinical care plans.
- Exercise initiative and judgement in care planning, goal setting, delivery, implementation, and evaluation of care.
- Work collaboratively and in partnership with others to develop knowledge to promote holistic care.
- Demonstrate sound knowledge of the care and treatment programmes of individual service users.
- Make appropriate care adjustments, within the agreed level of autonomy for the post.
- Undertake enhanced training and preparation to meet the specific clinical needs of the service.
- Contribute to enabling service users to reach their potential, including the utilisation of public health approaches.
- Supervise and delegate work to health care support workers.
- Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
Person Specification:
- Essential qualifications: A-C in Maths/English GCSE or equivalent; Level 5 Apprenticeship/Foundation degree in Health & Social Care or equivalent relevant to the post.
- Desirable: Experience of the speciality area; Group Facilitation skills; Willingness to undertake further study/development.
Experience:
- Significant experience in providing care and/or health-related procedures.
- In working in a caring environment at a band 3 or equivalent level of competence.
- In dealing with the public and working as an effective team member.
Training:
- Must be willing/able to undertake all appropriate Trust mandatory training requirements.
- Demonstrate excellent knowledge of service user safety.
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.
Contact Detail:
Cheswold Park Hospital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Practitioner Community Connector
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local community services and mental health resources in Barnsley. Understanding the landscape of support available will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific peer-led interventions you are familiar with, such as anxiety management techniques or social activity facilitation. Being able to articulate your experience and understanding of these methods will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work collaboratively by preparing examples of past teamwork experiences. Highlight how you’ve successfully supported colleagues or clients in a community setting, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Assistant Practitioner Community Connector role.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Practitioner Community Connector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Assistant Practitioner Community Connector role. Focus on your experience in mental health, community work, and any peer-led interventions you've been involved in.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly explains why you're interested in this position and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Mention specific examples of your work with clients facing mental wellbeing challenges and your ability to support peers.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your qualifications, especially if you have a Level 5 Apprenticeship or Foundation degree in Health & Social Care. If you’re working towards these qualifications, make that clear as well.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise your interpersonal skills, empathy, and ability to work under pressure. These are crucial for the role, so provide examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in past experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cheswold Park Hospital
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of an Assistant Practitioner Community Connector. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the role, especially in delivering peer-led interventions and supporting clients with mental wellbeing challenges.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight any relevant experience you have in health and social care, particularly in community settings. Be ready to provide examples of how you've supported individuals or groups, managed caseloads, or worked collaboratively with other professionals.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Communication Skills
As this role involves working closely with clients facing mental health challenges, it's crucial to demonstrate your empathy and strong communication skills. Prepare to discuss situations where you've effectively communicated with clients or colleagues, and how you handled sensitive topics.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. It shows your interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
