Mental Health Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) in Birmingham

Job summaryThis will be a full time, permanent role with a 37.5 hours per week Monday - Friday contract arrangement. The job location is at West Heath Surgery, 194 - 196 West Heath Road, Birmingham, B31 3HB. Pay / Salary is dependent on experience level.The Mental Health Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) will deliver high-quality, patient-centred mental health assessment, triage, brief therapeutic and biopsychological interventions and care navigation within a GP practice setting. Working autonomously within their scope of practice, the post holder will be an integral member of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), providing specialist mental health support to patients presenting with a wide range of mental health needs.The post is designed to improve timely access to mental health services within primary care through comprehensive assessment, clinical risk management, care planning, signposting and referral to appropriate statutory, community and voluntary sector services. The post holder will work collaboratively with the wider primary care team and external partner organisations to ensure patients receive coordinated, holistic and person-centred care.Main duties of the jobThe ACP will provide both face-to-face and virtual consultations, delivering evidence-based assessment and intervention across the practice population. Experience in assessing and managing the mental health needs of both adults and children is desirable.An Independent Prescribing qualification is desirable but not essential. Where held, the post holder will be expected to prescribe safely and effectively within their professional scope of practice, in accordance with national guidance, local policies and regulatory standards.About usSouth Doc Services (SDS) is a non-profit making GP co-operative based in South Birmingham. We have been successful in providing primary, community and secondary care based services since 1996.DetailsDate posted27 August 2026Pay schemeHospital medical and dental staffGradeSpecialistSalary Depending on experience ContractPermanentWorking pattern Full-time Reference numberA3716-26-0013Job locationsWest Heath Medical Centre194-196 West Heath RoadNorthfieldBirminghamWest MidlandsB31 3HBUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesKey ResponsibilitiesClinical Practice1. Undertake comprehensive mental health assessments for patients presenting with mild, moderate and complex mental health conditions. This may include patients who are not suitable for NHS Talking Therapies. 2. Deliver autonomous mental health triage within the GP practice, including same-day triage.3. Assess clinical risk including suicide, self-harm, safeguarding and vulnerability.4. Develop person-centred management and safety plans.5. Deliver brief therapeutic and biopsychological interventions and counselling where appropriate within the scope of practice.6. Provide advice, education and self-management support to patients and carers.7. Signpost and refer appropriately to secondary care, community mental health teams, crisis services, social prescribing, talking therapies and voluntary organisations.8. Maintain accurate, contemporaneous clinical records using practice clinical systems.9. Escalate patients appropriately where urgent psychiatric assessment is required.Care CoordinationWork collaboratively with GPs, Practice Nurses, Social Prescribers, Pharmacists, First Contact Practitioners and wider practice staff. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings.Coordinate care for patients with complex mental health needs. Support seamless transitions between primary, community and secondary care services.Advocate for patients requiring access to specialist mental health services.CommunicationBuild therapeutic relationships with patients and families.Communicate sensitive and complex information compassionately.Liaise effectively with external agencies including Community Mental Health Teams, CAMHS, safeguarding teams, social care and voluntary organisations.SafeguardingIdentify safeguarding concerns affecting adults and children.Follow local safeguarding procedures.Participate in safeguarding supervision where required.Quality ImprovementContribute to service development and transformation within Primary Care.Participate in clinical audit, governance and quality improvement initiatives.Support evaluation of patient outcomes and service effectiveness.Professional PracticeMaintain professional registration.Work within professional code of conduct and ACP framework.Maintain continuing professional development.Participate in clinical supervision and appraisal.Maintain mandatory training requirements.Working RelationshipsThe post holder will work closely with:General PractitionersPractice NursesPhysician AssociatesClinical PharmacistsSocial PrescribersFirst Contact PractitionersCommunity Mental Health TeamsTalking TherapiesCAMHSCrisis Resolution TeamsSocial CareVoluntary and Third Sector OrganisationsPCN Clinical Leads Job description Job responsibilitiesKey ResponsibilitiesClinical Practice1. Undertake comprehensive mental health assessments for patients presenting with mild, moderate and complex mental health conditions. This may include patients who are not suitable for NHS Talking Therapies. 2. Deliver autonomous mental health triage within the GP practice, including same-day triage.3. Assess clinical risk including suicide, self-harm, safeguarding and vulnerability.4. Develop person-centred management and safety plans.5. Deliver brief therapeutic and biopsychological interventions and counselling where appropriate within the scope of practice.6. Provide advice, education and self-management support to patients and carers.7. Signpost and refer appropriately to secondary care, community mental health teams, crisis services, social prescribing, talking therapies and voluntary organisations.8. Maintain accurate, contemporaneous clinical records using practice clinical systems.9. Escalate patients appropriately where urgent psychiatric assessment is required.Care CoordinationWork collaboratively with GPs, Practice Nurses, Social Prescribers, Pharmacists, First Contact Practitioners and wider practice staff. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings.Coordinate care for patients with complex mental health needs. Support seamless transitions between primary, community and secondary care services.Advocate for patients requiring access to specialist mental health services.CommunicationBuild therapeutic relationships with patients and families.Communicate sensitive and complex information compassionately.Liaise effectively with external agencies including Community Mental Health Teams, CAMHS, safeguarding teams, social care and voluntary organisations.SafeguardingIdentify safeguarding concerns affecting adults and children.Follow local safeguarding procedures.Participate in safeguarding supervision where required.Quality ImprovementContribute to service development and transformation within Primary Care.Participate in clinical audit, governance and quality improvement initiatives.Support evaluation of patient outcomes and service effectiveness.Professional PracticeMaintain professional registration.Work within professional code of conduct and ACP framework.Maintain continuing professional development.Participate in clinical supervision and appraisal.Maintain mandatory training requirements.Working RelationshipsThe post holder will work closely with:General PractitionersPractice NursesPhysician AssociatesClinical PharmacistsSocial PrescribersFirst Contact PractitionersCommunity Mental Health TeamsTalking TherapiesCAMHSCrisis Resolution TeamsSocial CareVoluntary and Third Sector OrganisationsPCN Clinical LeadsPerson Specification Knowledge Essential1.Knowledge of common mental health disorders2.Knowledge of severe and enduring mental illness3.Understanding of safeguarding legislation4.Knowledge of Mental Capacity Act5.Understanding of risk assessment and crisis management6.Knowledge of local mental health pathways7.Understanding of integrated care modelsDesirable1.Knowledge of BSOL mental health pathways2.Awareness of community and voluntary sector services across Birmingham and Solihull Values Essential1.Delivering safe, effective, high-quality care2.Respect and dignity for all patients3.Collaborative multidisciplinary working4.Continuous quality improvement5.Evidence-based practice6.Health promotion and prevention7.Equality, diversity and inclusion Personal Qualities Essential1.Compassionate and patient centred 2.Professional and accountable3.Flexible and adaptable4.Calm under pressure5.Excellent team player6.Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion7.Commitment to lifelong learning Experience Essential1.Experience undertaking autonomous mental health assessments2.Experience of managing clinical risk3.Experience of multidisciplinary working4.Experience of referral and care navigation across health and social care services5.Experience maintaining accurate electronic clinical recordsDesirable1.Minimum two years' post-registration experience working within mental health services2.Experience working within GP practices or Primary Care Networks3.Experience assessing both adult and child/adolescent mental health presentations4.Experience providing brief counselling or biopsychologically informed interventions5.Experience delivering virtual consultations Other Requirements Essential1.Ability to travel across GP practices within the PCN locality if required2.Flexibility to meet service needs3.Enhanced DBS clearance Qualifications Essential1.Registered healthcare professional (NMC, HCPC or equivalent professional registration2.Master's level qualification or equivalent experience in Advanced Clinical Practice3.Evidence of advanced mental health assessment skills4.Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development 5.Safeguarding Level 3 Adults and ChildrenDesirable1.Independent Prescribing qualification (desirable but not essential depending on profession)2.Advanced Clinical Practice qualification meeting national ACP framework3.Counselling or psychological intervention qualification Skills Essential1.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 2.Advanced clinical assessment skills3.Ability to work autonomously4.Excellent risk assessment and decision-making abilities5.Ability to prioritise competing clinical demands6.Effective documentation skills7.Competent IT skills including electronic patient record systems8.Ability to deliver both face-to-face and virtual consultationsDesirable1.Strong organisational and time management skills2.Counselling skills3.Motivational interviewing4.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy informed practice5.Training or mentoring experience Person Specification Knowledge Essential1.Knowledge of common mental health disorders2.Knowledge of severe and enduring mental illness3.Understanding of safeguarding legislation4.Knowledge of Mental Capacity Act5.Understanding of risk assessment and crisis management6.Knowledge of local mental health pathways7.Understanding of integrated care modelsDesirable1.Knowledge of BSOL mental health pathways2.Awareness of community and voluntary sector services across Birmingham and Solihull Values Essential1.Delivering safe, effective, high-quality care2.Respect and dignity for all patients3.Collaborative multidisciplinary working4.Continuous quality improvement5.Evidence-based practice6.Health promotion and prevention7.Equality, diversity and inclusion Personal Qualities Essential1.Compassionate and patient centred 2.Professional and accountable3.Flexible and adaptable4.Calm under pressure5.Excellent team player6.Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion7.Commitment to lifelong learning Experience Essential1.Experience undertaking autonomous mental health assessments2.Experience of managing clinical risk3.Experience of multidisciplinary working4.Experience of referral and care navigation across health and social care services5.Experience maintaining accurate electronic clinical recordsDesirable1.Minimum two years' post-registration experience working within mental health services2.Experience working within GP practices or Primary Care Networks3.Experience assessing both adult and child/adolescent mental health presentations4.Experience providing brief counselling or biopsychologically informed interventions5.Experience delivering virtual consultations Other Requirements Essential1.Ability to travel across GP practices within the PCN locality if required2.Flexibility to meet service needs3.Enhanced DBS clearance Qualifications Essential1.Registered healthcare professional (NMC, HCPC or equivalent professional registration2.Master's level qualification or equivalent experience in Advanced Clinical Practice3.Evidence of advanced mental health assessment skills4.Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development 5.Safeguarding Level 3 Adults and ChildrenDesirable1.Independent Prescribing qualification (desirable but not essential depending on profession)2.Advanced Clinical Practice qualification meeting national ACP framework3.Counselling or psychological intervention qualification Skills Essential1.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 2.Advanced clinical assessment skills3.Ability to work autonomously4.Excellent risk assessment and decision-making abilities5.Ability to prioritise competing clinical demands6.Effective documentation skills7.Competent IT skills including electronic patient record systems8.Ability to deliver both face-to-face and virtual consultationsDesirable1.Strong organisational and time management skills2.Counselling skills3.Motivational interviewing4.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy informed practice5.Training or mentoring experienceDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 detailsEmployer nameSouth Doc ServicesAddressWest Heath Medical Centre194-196 West Heath RoadNorthfieldBirminghamWest MidlandsB31 3HBUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameSouth Doc ServicesAddressWest Heath Medical Centre194-196 West Heath RoadNorthfieldBirminghamWest MidlandsB31 3HBUnited KingdomEmployer's website