Consultant Nurse and Approved Clinician in Exeter

Job Summary

Devon Partnership Trust (DPT) is recognised by NHS England as an innovative leader in promoting and sustaining Multi-Professional Approved Clinician (MPAC) practice. Our team currently includes 11 MPACs, alongside three Trainee MPACs and two SAS Doctors participating in our latest Approved Clinician training cohort. We now have an exciting opportunity to further strengthen our consultant team within our Exeter‑based Acute ward with the Cedars unit. We are looking to recruit a Consultant Nurse and Approved Clinician to bring additional diversity and expertise to our workforce.

DPT offers a comprehensive governance and CPD framework, supporting the training, approval, deployment, and ongoing development of Multi‑Professional Approved Clinicians. This includes dedicated monthly Approved Clinician peer supervision and two days of CPD per year for Approved Clinicians.

Main Duties

• Be an integral member of the Medical Advisory Committee.
• Encouraged to apply to join the DHSCs England South MHA Approvals Panel.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact: Dr David Ho, Consultant Psychiatrist and Associate Clinical Director, Adult Directorate; Miles France, Strategic Lead: Multi‑Professional Approved Clinicians.

About Us

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider South West region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people\’s recovery. We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do.

Our Values

We recruit individuals who possess and demonstrate the behaviours underpinning our Trust\’s core values. These include a commitment to the quality of care, improving lives of others, and giving respect, dignity & compassion. We bring these values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves and others, and being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part‑time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Compensation & Contracts

• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: 8c
• Salary: £76,965 to £88,682 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time, Flexible working
• Reference number: C9369‑25‑0985
• Job locations: Wonford House, Dryden Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5AF

Job Description

Job responsibilities: Please refer to the full Job Description and Person Specification attached to this advert for further information on this role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• A professional mental health qualification (e.g., RMN, CQSW, DipSW, BSc SW, MASW, BSc/Diploma in OT, SROT, DClinPsy or equivalent practitioner psychology training, ENB 811/812 or CPN Degree).
• A current registration with a professional body (NMC, HCPC, SWEng).
• Trained and currently approved as an Approved Clinician, with one of the four DHSCs MHA Approvals Panels.
• Demonstrable experience of having worked as an Approved Clinician for at least one year.
• A postgraduate certificate or diploma within the candidate\’s professional field or related therapy discipline.
• Independent and supplementary prescribing qualification.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of various approaches to mental health assessment.
• Knowledge of the principles of Care Co‑ordination.
• Awareness of harassment, social exclusion issues and the effects of personal and institutional discrimination.
• Knowledge/awareness of relevant legislation and guidance including the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS), Care Act 2014, Human Rights Act 1998, National Service Framework and Clinical Governance.
• Skills in assessing, planning and evaluating mental health care/treatment interventions.
• Expertise in psychosocial interventions, including relapse signatures and relapse prevention plans.
• Skills in interacting therapeutically with patients who have a range of presenting problems.
• Skills in coordinating complex care packages.
• Ability to coordinate and deliver teaching programmes and skills in teaching and assessing.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Basic internet, email and word‑processing skills.

Experience

• Significant and in‑depth post‑qualifying clinical experience, minimum of 5 years post‑professional qualifying clinical experience at a senior position.
• Evidence of leading effectively at a senior level in a multi‑disciplinary health and social care setting (mental health).
• Experience of working with a range of statutory and non‑statutory agencies.
• Experience of engaging in service development activities.
• Evidence of promoting research, evidence‑based practice, clinical excellence and quality approaches to support outcome‑focused care.
• Experience in facilitating learning within clinical practice.
• Experience of managing, supervising and supporting teams.
• Ability to clinically assess mental disorder and apply statutory criteria for Reserved Clinical Decisions.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Effective communication skills for clients and carers in distressed situations.
• Ability to produce complex written information for varied audiences.
• Ability to administer and interpret evidence‑based/standardised assessment tools.
• Analytical skills to solve problems and draw conclusions.
• Imagination, determination, and a questioning attitude.
• Ability to assimilate new concepts and approaches to care.
• Experience managing a complex caseload.
• Leadership abilities.
• Prioritisation skills.
• Enthusiasm, flexibility and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Problem‑solving approach to professional practice.
• General health and fitness level sufficient for duties.
• Ability to carry out moving and handling procedures.
• Restraint and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Mobility throughout the Trust\’s geographical area.
• Willingness to undertake further training in physical healthcare of patients as agreed with consultants.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions is required.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

Employer name: Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Address: Wonford House, Dryden Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5AF
Website: https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/