At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide mental health assessments and support for patients aged 16+ in GP practices.
- Company: Join the Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust, a leader in mental health care.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career in mental health.
- Qualifications: Degree in Nursing, OT, or SW; registered with a professional body.
The predicted salary is between 49387 - 56515 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Primary Care Based Lead Mental Health Practitioner (MHP) working across GP practices within Central Norwich Primary Care Network to join our existing team. This is a jointly funded role through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), supporting NSFT and Primary Care to deliver Place-Based Care. The post enables people to access timely mental health support in the familiar surroundings of their GP practice, helping ensure they receive the right support at the right time.
You will be embedded within GP practices and work as part of a multidisciplinary primary care team, delivering non-urgent mental health assessment and brief interventions for patients 16+ experiencing a range of mental health difficulties.
Main duties of the job
- Provide assessments, brief interventions and short-term support for people aged 16+
- Support individuals with presentations including anxiety, depression, trauma-related distress, bipolar disorder, psychosis and other mental health needs
- Deliver psychoeducation, problem-solving approaches, safety planning and self-management strategies
- Work collaboratively with GP practice staff and local services to ensure people are directed to the most appropriate support
- Promote recovery, wellbeing and prevention of deterioration within local communities
About us
Every day is different and not without its challenges. We strive to ensure our staff have the support they need to tackle these challenges and time to embrace new opportunities. Joining the Mental Health team at Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust could be life-changing for you and the people you care for. Take the next step in your career, while supporting people to live their hopes, dreams and aspirations.
Why work for NSFT?
As an NHS employer, we have developed and put in place a range of policies to support our employees to enjoy a fair and healthy working environment. Flexible working options allow staff to request, review and agree changes in their working patterns at different stages of their careers, and as their personal circumstances change. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and diverse workforce, and we have dedicated Employee Network Groups which champion staff mental health issues, BME, disability, spirituality and wellbeing, women's and neurodiversity, and LGBT issues.
Life changing for you: Central Norwich Primary Care Network
Central Norwich PCN is one of four Primary Care Networks across Norwich, working collaboratively to meet the needs of local populations.
Details
- Date posted: 19 August 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 7
- Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year gross per annum pro rata
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
- Reference number: 246-CEN
- Job locations: Central Norwich PCN, Norwich, NR4 7JT, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
Ready to make a difference? Please review the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role and key accountabilities. If you're passionate about delivering safe, high-quality care, working with kindness and compassion, and helping to create better outcomes for patients and communities, we would love to hear from you. Click APPLY and take the next step in your career with NSFT.
Find Out More
Primary Care Based Mental Health Practitioners make a real difference every day supporting patients at the right time, in the right place.
Specification
Qualifications
- Essential: Nursing, OT or SW degree or equivalent; Mentorship qualification or Practice Supervisor or Assessor; Core professional qualification and registered with professional body
- Desirable: Further qualification in mental health work; Certificate in management or equivalent; Ongoing professional development at degree level or higher; Higher Degree or post graduate certificate in Leadership, clinical, or therapeutic practice or equivalent (e.g., NMP, AMHP, Therapy, or equivalent)
Skills
- Essential: Competent assessment skills; Competent ICT skills; Effective analytical and decision-making skills; Satisfactory verbal and written language skills.
- Desirable: Prevention and Management of Suicide training
Knowledge
- Essential: Knowledge of medication and the monitoring of its effects; Build on / develop further knowledge of psychosocial interventions and their appropriate use in primary care; Interest in developing knowledge base and skills relating to the provision of high quality primary mental health care
- Desirable: Knowledge of research methods and audit relevant to the job
Experience
- Essential: Able to demonstrate significant experience at senior clinical level, including staff management/supervision; Experience of working with mental health service users in a statutory or voluntary capacity; Extensive post registration experience of working in a community mental health setting and managing complex caseloads.
- Desirable: Understanding of mental health issues in a primary care setting
Other
- Essential: Ability to travel independently; Undertake physical intervention training and remain trained in techniques, as required by role
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer details
Employer name: Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust
Address: Central Norwich PCN, Norwich, NR4 7JT, United Kingdom
Central Norwich Primary Care Network - Lead Mental Health Practitioner 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 Central Norwich Primary Care Network - Lead Mental Health Practitioner
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
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We think you need these skills to ace Central Norwich Primary Care Network - Lead Mental Health Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at National health service.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at National health service.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to National health service. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at National health service. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at National health service
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
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Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research National health service’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
