Occupational Health Practitioner/RMN in Wakefield

37.5 hours per week. This role is an opportunity to utilise existing skills and build knowledge and new skills in the developing clinical area of Occupational Health. As a registered mental health nurse, you will undertake assessment and provide specialist advice to employees, managers and other stakeholders. This involves managing a varied caseload of referrals through in-person, telephone and online appointments. You will be involved in individual and strategic management of the health and wellbeing of employees across several large NHS employing organisations. There is scope for developing clinical intervention skills to support employees' mental health and wellbeing.

Main Duties

• Undertake comprehensive assessment of mental health and wellbeing to include any impact on physical, psychological or social functioning.
• Communicate clearly, through professionally written reports, any impact on work attendance or capability related to a health issue while respecting confidentiality.
• Formulate, negotiate and communicate plans for reasonable adjustment at work in line with appropriate legislation and policy (e.g., Equality Act 2010, Disability and Reasonable Adjustment Policy), including plans for rehabilitation back into work after absence and maintaining work while still attending.
• Work as part of an MDT to provide holistic support and advice, and refer within the MDT where necessary.
• Where clinically indicated, and with informed consent, liaise with outside agencies (GP, mental health services, voluntary sector) to gain/share relevant information to inform work‑related advice and support.
• Conduct specialist workplace assessments in accordance with regulations (e.g., COSHH, DSE, PPE) and health surveillance programmes (including spirometry).
• Administer vaccinations/immunisations in line with PGDs and vaccination procedures.
• Provide audit of OH systems and procedures, make recommendations to improve service delivery, and support the review of department policies and procedures.
• Plan and deliver seasonal flu programme and training of peer‑to‑peer vaccinators.
• Manage and supervise junior occupational health staff and administration staff in the absence of the Head of OH, prioritise and plan client caseloads, and manage external contracts on a day‑to‑day basis.
• Support the Head of OH in the provision of a nurse‑led OH service, including strategic management of the health and wellbeing of employees.

Key Result Areas

• Promote and maintain the health and safety and wellbeing of all trust employees by ensuring complex OH advice is based on best evidence‑based practice.
• Work according to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and relevant professional standards and guidelines, maintaining confidentiality.
• Work in partnership with all key stakeholders (Health & Safety, Infection Prevention & Control, MDT OH colleagues).
• Analyse complex facts and situations and make appropriate autonomous judgements.
• Assess sickness absence and ill health affecting work, including complex rehabilitation and return‑to‑work plans.
• Provide highly specialised advice to clients and managers as an autonomous practitioner lead.
• Develop specialised care packages for complex cases and liaise with external stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to health, safety & welfare of clients.
• Mentor and supervise junior MDT colleagues.
• Conduct audit of OH systems and procedures and make recommendations to improve service delivery.
• Assist in the review of department policies and procedures.
• Provide 2nd‑line health assessments and advice to recruitment at pre‑employment.
• Attend relevant trust meetings and deputise at high‑level meetings for the Head of OH.
• Support implementation and monitoring of vaccination programmes.
• Deliver surveillance programmes and specialist workplace assessments as required.
• Provide reports and statistics to the Head of OH to monitor and improve service delivery.

Qualifications

• Level 1 RGN.
• Accredited specialist public health community nurse (OH) to degree level on part 3 of NMC register.
• Postgraduate diploma in a relevant discipline.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Substantial, significant and demonstrable post‑OH qualification experience equivalent to masters level.
• Venepuncture skills.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Prioritise workload and manage sensitive confidential information.
• Excellent decision‑making skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Good working knowledge & awareness of OH & safety legislation.
• Knowledge of Equality Act 2010 and current OH issues.
• Experience of clinical audit and clinical governance.
• Experience of delivering induction/training programmes.
• Strong IT skills.
• Line management experience (desirable).
• Health promotion experience (desirable).

Personal Attributes

• Self‑motivated.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Excellent decision‑making skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive confidential information.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Current driving licence and access to a vehicle (required, reasonable adjustments considered).

Training and Development

• Ongoing professional development required.
• Must maintain current UK professional registration and meet UK Visas and Immigration sponsorship requirements.

Additional Information

• The role is 37.5 hours per week, permanent, full‑time with flexible working.
• The band is 7, salary £49,387 to £56,515 per year.
• The position is located at Occupational Health, Block 11, Fieldhead Hospital, Wakefield, WF1 3SP.