Band 6
Main area Specialist Perinatal Senior Mental Health Practitioner Grade Band 6 Contract Fixed term: 12 months (Will consider secondment) Hours 37.5 hours per week (This post is being advertised as full time but 30 hours would be considered) Job ref 327-26-844
Site Pullman Place Town Gloucester Salary £39,959 - £48,117 per annum (pro rata) Salary period Yearly Closing 03/11/2026 23:59
We love what we do and we think you will, too!
At Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (GHC), we provide joined-up mental health, physical health and learning disability services to people of all ages across Gloucestershire. We run community hospitals and provide care and support in people’s own homes and in a range of other locations across the county .
We are on a mission to enable people to live the best life they can and we have a vision to work together to provide outstanding care . We put people at the heart of our services, focusing on personalised care by asking ‘what matters to you ’.
We’re passionate about making sure that everyone can contribute to achieving our mission and w e are continually working to support healthy and happy high-quality team s in all areas of the Trust .
Our application process aims to understand each candidates knowledge, skills and experience. We have found that candidates that use AI to generate their answers can lack specificity and fail to address key criteria outlined in the job description.
It is really important to personalise your application to convey your individual skills, knowledge, and experiences effectively and for us to understand why you are applying for this role with GHC. We discourage over reliance on AI-generated applications as it will lessen your chances of success in securing an interview with us .
Job overview
This role is offered on a fixed term/secondment basis for 12 months. The hours are full-time, 37.5 hours per week but 30 hours would be considered.
*Internal applicants who wish to be considered for a secondment opportunity should discuss with their line manager the suitability of a possible secondment*
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, passionate and motivated community practitioner to join our well established Perinatal Mental Health Team.
Applications are welcomed from Mental Health Nurses and Social Workers.
The Gloucestershire Perinatal Community Mental Health Team currently provides mental health support and services for women and their families during pregnancy and up to 2 years after birth.
The successful post holder will be an integral part of the service providing specialist assessment, support and treatment for women and their families in the perinatal period and will be a vital link to a wide range of services that support women and their families with mental health issues.
The team prioritises women with serious and complex mental health needs including those who have experienced serious mental health episodes in the past and are currently well. We also provide specialist consultation, training and advice to a range of mental health, maternity and primary health services.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for a registered clinician with a special interest in improving care for women and their families. Experience of working in the Perinatal Mental Health field is desirable but not essential as full training and support will be provided.
All applicants must have excellent clinical skills and a good level of post registration experience, proven ability to complete comprehensive mental state examinations, thoroughly assess risk, and document and communicate these clearly and concisely.
The qualification, training & experience requirements for the role are underlined in the Job Description/Person Specification.
Working for our organisation
We have a skilled and dedicated workforce of over 5000 colleagues working in a diverse range of services over 55 sites and within people’s homes. We strive to enable a welcoming workplace culture that builds and celebrates civility, inclusivity and diversity, while providing a sense of belonging and trust.
Annual staff surveys, regular Pulse surveys and other engagement opportunities provide our people with lots of opportunity to tell us about their experiences of working with us. In the latest staff survey, 61% of colleagues gave us their views. It was great to hear that:
- 72% of colleagues would recommend the Trust as a place to work, ranking us 1st for Provider Trusts in the South West region on this question.
- 76% would recommend the standard of care provided in our services if a friend or relative needed treatment, also ranking us 1st in the South West region.
- 81% said that care of patients and service users is the Trust’s priority, compared with an average in comparable NHS Trusts in England of 64%
This high-level overview shows we are in a healthy position, with higher scores than average for comparable organisations, alongside a great response rate, indicating good staff engagement. However, we also know we have plenty of room for improvement in many areas. To that end, we continue to prioritise and invest in our commitment to genuinely becoming a Great Place to Work with consistent top-quartile performance in the annual staff survey and Pulse surveys.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Gloucestershire Health and Care is committed to embedding and providing personalised care through all of its services as part of our high-quality care strategy. The purpose of personalised care is to empower people to lead the lives they want to live. Personalised care starts with a conversation with people about what matters to them. It builds on what people can do, as well as addressing their health needs. Including new ways of working and delivering care, emphasising that we need to make effective use of the full range of our people’s skills and experience to deliver the best possible patient care. So we want to know What Matters to You and that you will share our values and join us on this very important journey.
Please refer to the Additional Information attachment before submitting your application.
To support compliance with UK immigration requirements, all applicants who require a visa to work in the UK must disclose their visa history in full. This includes current and previous sponsors, dates of sponsorship, visa category, and any changes of employment. If you are on a Graduate or Dependant Visa, please disclose the expiry date on your application. Incomplete information may mean we are unable to consider your application.
Person specification
Qualifications
- Professional health or social care qualification
Experience
- Demonstrable post qualification experience in mental health or related area
- Extensive experience of first line assessments including the assessment of risk
- Experience of working in the community settings in a senior practitioner role
- Specialist knowledge of perinatal mental health
When joining us, as well as becoming part of a team that makes a difference, we also offer:
- Free car parking at many of our sites
- 27 days leave plus bank holidays, increasing up to 33 days with long service
- A broad range of training and development opportunities, including apprenticeships up to Level 7 qualification.
- A multi-professional preceptorship programme for all Newly Qualified; Nurses, Nursing Associates, Internationally Educated Practitioners, Allied Health Professionals and Return to Practice Practitioners.
- Generous NHS pension and enhanced pay when if you work unsocial hours
- Flexible, family friendly and agile working opportunities
- Recognition and long service awards
- Fast Track physiotherapy
- Access to discounts and salary sacrifice schemes; including Cycle to Work, Car scheme and discounts on travel, leisure and retailers.
If you are aged 16-30, you may be eligible for financial and pastoral support from the King’s Trust, with who we are in partnership with to support your first 6 months in role. We will pass on your details to the King’s Trust who will be in touch with you if you are eligible. If you would rather not be contacted, please let us know.
For more information please see the attached 'Additional Information for Applicants' document.
Good luck with your application.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Name Lee Pickering Job title Perinatal Team Manager Email address lee.pickering2@nhs.net Telephone number 03004213342 Additional information
Alternative contact Michelle Mason (Perinatal clinical lead)
michelle.mason30@nhs.net
Kate Bond-Powell (Perinatal clinical lead)
kate.bond-powell1@nhs.net
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Specialist Perinatal Senior Mental Health Practitioner in Gloucester employer: Gloucestershire Health and Care
At Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer extensive training opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance, ensuring that our team members can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the vibrant community of Gloucester, our organisation is not only a leader in healthcare but also a place where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of families and children.
Contact Details:
Gloucestershire Health and Care Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Perinatal Senior Mental Health Practitioner in Gloucester
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Gloucestershire Health and Care often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire Health and Care
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Gloucestershire Health and Care. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Gloucestershire Health and Care.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Gloucestershire Health and Care.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Gloucestershire Health and Care.
