At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people with mental health needs through triaging and risk assessments.
- Company: Join Devon Partnership Trust, dedicated to improving health outcomes for children and young people in Devon.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, high-quality supervision, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive team while shaping essential mental health services.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification in a relevant field and professional registration required.
- Other info: This is a one-year pilot role with potential for long-term impact.
The predicted salary is between 31310 - 37470 £ per year.
Senior Mental Health Practitioner – Duty Worker
Location: Exeter, EX2 4NU, Dartington, TQ9 6JE, Barnstaple, EX31 3UD&Torquay, TQ2 7BA
Salary: £37338.00 to £44962.00
Date posted: 4th July 2025
Closing date: 20th July 2025
Apply now
Job Description
We are excited to be recruiting a fixed-term Band Senior Mental Health Practitioner to strengthen our countywide Duty offer within Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD).
This one-year pilot post offers an excellent opportunity for experienced mental health professionals to take on a role within our Duty system. As a member of the Countywide duty team, you will play a critical role in supporting locality mental health teams, triaging urgent and unallocated concerns, undertaking risk management calls, assessing clinical information and answering professional queries.
The post is countywide and will support children and young people experiencing emotional distress, relational difficulties, and emerging or ongoing mental health needs. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, external agencies, and families to ensure that children and young people receive timely, safe, and effective mental health support. Elements of the role can be undertaken remotely, and we welcome flexible working arrangements.
As a Duty SMHP, you will be responsible for triaging incoming contacts, supporting clinical decision-making for complex cases, and offering advice and guidance to both internal and external professionals.
We Offer
- High-quality clinical supervision and ongoing professional development opportunities
- A collaborative and supportive multidisciplinary environment
- A role in an innovative and responsive pilot service with potential for long-term impact
Main duties of the job
- Uertake clinical triage of urgent referrals and queries
- Undertake and support comprehensive mental health risk assessments
- Provide clinical input and oversight for unallocated or high-risk presentations
- Offer consultation, advice and support to staff and external professionals
- Contribute to service development and provide reflective feedback on process and system improvements
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with professional and service standards
If you are a highly skilled and compassionate mental health professional with strong assessment skills, and are looking to play a role in shaping an essential service within CFHD, we would love to hear from you.
About Us
Successful applicants will be employed by Devon Partnership Trust (https://jobs.dpt.nhs.uk/locations/working-here )
Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) comprises an Alliance of NHS organisations working together to improve health outcomes for children and young people in Devon.
CFHD provides integrated care and treatment for children and young people across physical and mental health. We are working closely with other organisations and providers to ensure we deliver locality and county-wide based integrated access to all of our services, based on the i-Thrive Framework, in response to consultation with our service users and communities.
CFHD works closely with our local universities of Plymouth, Exeter & the Peninsula Medical School where we support students in clinical training placements and in addition support our own staff to undertake post graduate training.
Our children and young people say
We would like the people who work for Children and Family Health Devon to be understanding, patient and respectful. They should be trustworthy and make us feel safe and comfortable. It is important that they use their skills and experience to listen carefully in a non-patronising and non-judgemental way. When staff are positive and friendly, they help to create an environment that is informal and without pressure.
Our vision is to be a successful, vibrant, partnership that benefits the communities we serve.
Job Description
Job responsibilities
Full Vacancy details can be found on the attached Job Description/Person Specification. Please refer to your suitability to the post in your supporting information from the role requirements or person specification.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A professional qualification at degree level or equivalent e.g. Psychological profession, Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, or equivalent.
- Professional registration/accreditation with a recognised body, e.g. NMC, HCPC, Social Work England, UKCP, BABCP
Desirable
- Recognised qualification in evidenced based therapeutic, mental health interventions for children/young people and their families/carers
- Post graduate qualification relevant to specialism
- Clinical Supervision qualification
Experience
Essential
- Substantial experience of managing an extensive and complex caseload and working with children/young people presenting with a range of complex mental health presentations.
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency environment.
- Experience of delivering model based psychological therapy
Desirable
- Participation in user involvement in services.
- Mentoring students in line with professional requirements
Essential
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Computer literacy.
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
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Address
Evergreen
Victoria Park Road
Exeter
EX2 4NU
Employer\’s website
https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Contact Information
Operations Manager
Tracey Brennan-Osment
Our offer to you
We\’ll take care of you
Your career with us
Getting involved
Benefits for you
Awards and recognition
Supporting you to live well.
Jobs Search
Job Title
Location:
Salary Range
Job type:
Post Date
Address
Headquarters
Wonford House
Dryden Road
Exeter
EX2 5AF
www.dpt.nhs.uk
Contact
Information
Recruitment
Medical Personnel: 01392 208 505
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Mental Health Practitioner - Duty Worker employer: Islet Systems
Contact Detail:
Islet Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Practitioner - Duty Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the i-Thrive Framework, as it’s central to how CFHD operates. Understanding this model will help you demonstrate your alignment with their approach during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the mental health field, especially those who work within multidisciplinary teams. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex caseloads and risk assessments in detail. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Duty Worker role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to ongoing professional development. Mention any relevant training or qualifications you have pursued, particularly those related to mental health interventions for children and young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Practitioner - Duty Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of a Mental Health Practitioner. Focus on your clinical assessment skills, experience in multi-disciplinary teams, and any specific therapeutic qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for mental health and your commitment to supporting children and young people. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle complex cases and work collaboratively with other professionals.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your professional qualifications and registrations, such as your degree and any relevant certifications. If you have additional training in therapeutic interventions for children and young people, be sure to include that as well.
Showcase Your Experience: Provide examples of your previous work with children and young people facing mental health challenges. Discuss your experience in triaging referrals, conducting risk assessments, and collaborating with external agencies to illustrate your suitability for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Islet Systems
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Senior Mental Health Practitioner. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the duties, such as triaging urgent referrals and conducting risk assessments.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your substantial experience in managing complex cases and working with children and young people. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your skills in a multi-disciplinary environment and your ability to deliver psychological therapy.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies, be ready to discuss your collaborative approach. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with others to provide effective mental health support.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your clinical decision-making and risk management skills. Practice articulating your thought process in handling complex cases, ensuring you convey a compassionate and non-judgemental approach.