At a Glance
- Tasks: Support mental health in primary care and guide patients to the right services.
- Company: Join East London NHS Foundation Trust, dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your mental health expertise.
- Qualifications: Relevant mental health qualification and experience in care settings.
The predicted salary is between 49387 - 56515 £ per year.
Primary Care Mental Health Link Workers will be experienced mental health professionals drawn from the established Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) or working within an allied social care or health team but have previous mental health working experience, working as a member of a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), working within the Primary Care arena.
The postholder(s) will be members of the CMHT, in order to receive support and supervision and be attached to a specific Group of GP Practices in the Locality. The Link Worker(s) will have the key role of providing support, consultation, advice, education and problem-solving skills to the Primary Health Care Team, particularly in the areas of assessment and management of complex mental health problems in adults, including acting as a 'signposter' to appropriate external services.
In line with future service developments it is expected that the Primary Care Link Worker will take on management responsibility for dedicated Primary Care Liaison Teams. Within each Locality they will be supported in developing services that provide continuity of personalised care within the primary care environment. The postholder(s) will be expected to adopt and enable flexible approaches to developing unique models of integrated care, taking into account each Primary Care Team's unique strengths and weaknesses.
Main duties of the job:
- To actively promote mental health, have a sound understanding of mental health and wellbeing, and to promote personalised care.
- Potential referrals to both specialist and voluntary services can be discussed with the Link Worker to ensure the most effective intervention is offered to the client.
- To promote the use of treatment protocols and care pathways leading to increased competencies and better care of people with severe mental health difficulties within the primary care setting.
- In conjunction with primary care, the local CMHTs and the PCT, to assist in the development, maintenance and use of Severe Mental Illness Registers and Dementia Registers, ensuring regular review of Service Users needs including their physical health.
- To develop a close relationship with primary care practices by attending practice meetings and having regular informal contact as local need determines.
- In cases where their Service User is in crisis, the Link Worker will expedite referral to the Crisis Resolution at Home Treatment (CRHT) Team.
- To work with the Primary Health Care Team to enable them to develop their skills and confidence in assessment and treatment of, in particular, common mental health disorders.
- To provide specialist advice and support to carers, supporting those with mental health problems identified in primary care.
- To participate in regular Clinical and Management Supervision to maintain safe practice and high standards in Service User care.
- To identify and respond to own continuous professional development needs, particularly in relation to assessment and treatment of Service Users with common mental health problems.
- To act as a source of specialist knowledge, support and advice to both primary care and Service Users concerning mental health promotion.
- To facilitate effective communication between secondary care and primary care services, to ensure that Service Users receive the appropriate interventions in a timely manner.
- Where cross border issues arise, to ensure links are facilitated with teams and agencies in other PCT areas/countries. Ensure care is appropriately co-ordinated.
Person Specification:
- Essential: Relevant Professional qualification (DipOT, DipSW, RMN, Clinical Psychology Grade A, Diploma - Counselling)
- Desirable: Theoretical study to master degree level in a relevant subject relating to the role.
- Essential: Experience of working in a mental health care setting, using short term interventions eg: CBT, counselling, problem-solving.
- Desirable: Negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations, including the resolution of complaints that may involve diffusion of hostility and aggression.
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.
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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Primary Care Mental Health Link Worker in Devon employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
