Main area Mental Health Practitioner Grade Band 6 Contract Fixed term: 11 months (To cover maternity leave) Hours Part time - 28 hours per week Job ref 351-CEN2689-CL
Site Pennine Lancs SPCMHT Town Blackburn Salary £39,959 - £48,117 pa pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 09/11/2026 23:59
Our Vision is to provide the best mental health, learning disability, autism, community, and physical health services for the populations we serve.
As an integrated Trust, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) delivers a comprehensive range of services, including:
- Primary and secondary mental health care for children and adults, including specialist inpatient child and adolescent mental health provision, perinatal mental health, and forensic services with low and medium secure care.
- Specialist mental health inpatient care for individuals with learning disabilities, alongside specialist community support for children and adults with learning disabilities and autism, including intensive support.
- Extensive community physical health and well-being services for children and adults, covering prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term condition management.
The Trust was first established in 2002 and employs approximately 7,500 staff who provide care from more than 400 sites. The organisation offers opportunities for medics, mental health, general nurses, childrens' nurses, allied health professionals, psychology, administration and clerical staff, apprentices and volunteers, as well as those specialising in learning disabilities and community physical health services.
The team covers the Pennine Lancashire footprint of East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen. We are seeking applications from confident and enthusiastic professionals who hold RMN/Social Work/OT registrations who are passionate about working in a perinatal service and have experience in a mental health, care coordination role. Post holders will carry out specialist assessments of women referred into the service and also be responsible for an allocated caseload working alongside senior clinicians and have responsibility for the delivery of high quality care.
We welcome applications from both male and female applicants and although advantageous, there is no requirement to have previous perinatal experience, as training will be provided. As a team and service, we support flexible working and offer fantastic training and development opportunities!
Main duties of the job
To work as a member of a multi-disciplinary community mental health team offering a comprehensive perinatal mental health service to women experiencing mental health difficulties.
To participate in the development and maintenance of a quality region wide perinatal service through effective collaboration, liaison and prioritisation with statutory and non-statutory organisations.
Contribution to the building up of local care networks for mothers across the Lancashire and South Cumbria Region.
To work as a Care Co-ordinator in partnership with service users and other professionals' within the Care Programme Approach framework managing and coordinating complex packages of care for both mother and infant.
To act as an autonomous senior clinician being accountable for a defined caseload.
To manage self and practice in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Professional Conduct / The British Association and College of Occupational Therapists., recognizing limitations, demonstrating ability to practice within ethical and legal frameworks with clear understanding of service users, and their families' civil rights.
To support, supervise and contribute to the professional development of members of staff working in health and social care regarding perinatal mental health.
To participate in the mentorship, education and supervision of students from a range of disciplines.
Working for our organisation
LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.
Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you’d like to discuss your application, please ask.
We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.
LSCFT support flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi-time.
The wellbeing of our people is at the heart of everything we do. We offer a wide range of resources, tools and support to help you thrive both in and out of work.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role.
Person specification
Education/ Qualifications
- RMN professional qualification and registration with appropriate professional body.
- Social Worker professional qualification and registration with appropriate professional body.
- Occupational Therapist professional qualification and registration with appropriate professional body
- Evidence of up to date training related to contemporary mental health nursing or occupational therapy practice.
Knowledge
- An understanding of the Mental Health Act 1983 (revised 2007)
- An understanding of the Children’s act 1989
- Able to demonstrate knowledge of safeguarding children and how to manage this within a specialist mental health setting.
- An understanding of perinatal mental health problems.
Experience
- Post graduate experience in a community mental health setting.
- Able to demonstrate and evidence a broad range of therapeutic clinical skills for the post
- Experience of providing clinical supervision.
- Experience of community Care Co-ordination.
Skills and Abilities
- Able to demonstrate an understanding of diversity and gender issues and how these relate to service provision
- High level of written skills and ability to compile reports, assessments and maintain detailed and accurate service user records
- Basic I.T. and Keyboard skills
For all posts which require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check please be aware of the Disclosure and Barring Service Code of Practice, a copy of which is available by logging on to the DBS website. If the post is subject to DBS disclosure, a charge will be made to the successful candidate(s).
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.
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Mental Health Practitioner in Blackburn employer: LSCft
At Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the well-being of our staff and the communities we serve. Our inclusive work culture fosters teamwork, continuous learning, and personal development, ensuring that every Registered Mental Health Nurse has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive environment. With flexible working options and a commitment to diversity, we empower our employees to balance their professional and personal lives while making a meaningful impact in mental health care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Practitioner in Blackburn
✨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 LSCft 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 LSCft
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at LSCft. 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 LSCft.
✨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 LSCft.
✨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 LSCft.
