At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide specialist mental healthcare to offenders and work in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in prison health services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and impactful work in a multidisciplinary team.
- Why this job: Gain unique experience in mental health within a challenging yet rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in health/social care and relevant registration required.
The predicted salary is between 41959 - 50117 £ per year.
We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a Mental Health Practitioner to join our team at HMP Rochester and HMP Cookham Wood. This role provides a unique chance to gain valuable experience working in a prison environment.
As a Mental Health Practitioner, you will be providing specialist mental healthcare to offenders and working as part of the Mental Health In-Reach Team, plus wider mental health services. You will be required to work in a psychologically minded way with offenders in achieving their agreed goals and quality health outcomes.
Our Mental Health Team provide specialist interventions at primary and secondary care level including:
- Referral management
- Screening assessment
- Triage
- Evidence-based interventions
- Care planning and risk assessing
- One-to-one and group-work facilitation
Our Mental Health Practitioners manage a mixed and challenging caseload and are required to perform robust assessment, screening and interventions to offenders with learning disabilities and mental health conditions. You will contribute to alternatives to inpatient admission and assisting with early discharge through the implementation of high intensity interventions and complex case management arrangements.
Main duties of the job include:
- To provide specialist mental healthcare to service users and to work as part of the Mental Health In-Reach Team and wider MDT.
- To deliver a range of specialist interventions at primary and secondary care level.
- Managing a mixed and challenging caseload.
- Close working relationships with all prison staff, to include participation in sentence planning, resettlement, safer custody, and the ACCT processes.
- To develop and take on a specialist lead role as appropriate and provide peer support and training in this area.
All applicants must be willing to undertake National Security Vetting in order to work in a Prison Setting. This will be completed as part of the pre-employment checks through Oxleas and the prison vetting team.
Education/Qualifications required:
- Diploma level/Degree in relevant health/social care profession, eg RMN, RLDN OT, Social Worker.
- Current relevant registration with the NMC or HCPC.
Experience required:
- Two years substantive post-registration experience gained working in a range of frontline adult mental health services, undertaking assessment and delivering interventions.
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge required:
- Commitment to CPD, able to deliver from a range of possible key therapeutic interventions.
- Demonstrates a developed understanding of the recovery principles, and the role of secondary mental health services in the delivery of care.
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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Mental Health Practitioner in Medway employer: National health service
The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises patient safety and service improvement. With a strong commitment to employee development, including leadership training and apprenticeship programmes, staff are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to the health of London. The Trust's inclusive culture and focus on quality management ensure that employees feel valued and supported in their vital roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Practitioner in Medway
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at National health service. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like National health service.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Practitioner in Medway
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for National health service:Take some time to research National health service and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at National health service
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for National health service's values and approach.
