At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with individuals facing mental health challenges through proactive community outreach.
- Company: Join the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in mental health care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with flexible working hours and a focus on patient engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in mental health care.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered mental health professional with experience in complex cases.
The predicted salary is between 45953 - 54254 £ per year.
We are seeking motivated Band 6 practitioners to join our Assertive Outreach Team (AOT), a new, high-impact service designed to support individuals with severe mental illness who are at risk of disengaging from services and require intensive, proactive, community-based care. This is a dynamic, community-facing role, focused on engaging patients in their homes and local environments to stabilise their mental health and reduce crisis presentations. The Assertive Outreach Team (AOT) role is fundamentally a patient-facing position, focused on engaging and managing individuals who are often reluctant to engage with services. Given the nature of this work, requiring proactive outreach, direct contact, and consistent face-to-face intervention, the role is not suitable for remote or hybrid working arrangements.
Main duties of the job
- Deliver intensive assertive outreach, including regular home visits and community-based engagement
- Work with individuals who are difficult to engage or do not attend appointments, using persistent and flexible approaches
- Undertake clinical assessments, risk management and care planning for a high-risk cohort
- Act as care coordinator/keyworker, ensuring continuity of care
- Deliver clinical interventions and support treatment, not just engagement
- Work within a model based on:
- Persistent engagement and relationship-building
- No discharge due to non-attendance (DNA)
- Proactive, flexible support to prevent crisis
- Collaborate closely with CMHT/CMHH, Crisis Teams, inpatient services and partner agencies
About us
Central and Northwest London Mental Health NHS Trust is committed to involve staff at all levels in the development of the organisation. The Trust is committed to the principles of Improving Working Lives, and all managers are encouraged to follow Improving Working Lives practices. The Assertive Outreach Team (AOT) role is fundamentally a patient-facing position, focused on engaging and managing individuals who are often reluctant to engage with services. The Team is committed to delivering safe, compassionate and high-quality care.
The Assertive Outreach Team offers:
- The opportunity to work in a new, innovative model of care
- A strong focus on patient safety, engagement and recovery
- A supportive MDT environment with clear leadership and development opportunities
Essential:
- Registered mental health professional (RMN, OT, Social Worker or equivalent)
- Experience working with complex mental health needs and high-risk service users
- Strong skills in risk assessment, care planning and community-based working
- Ability to engage hard-to-reach individuals
Desirable:
- Experience in assertive outreach, crisis or urgent care services
- Driving Licence and access to a vehicle for work
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
- Registered mental health professional qualification (e.g. RMN, OT, Social Worker or equivalent relevant professional qualification)
- Current professional registration with the relevant professional body
- Evidence of post-registration experience in mental health practice
Experience
- Experience of working with people with complex mental health needs
- Experience of working with high-risk service users
- Experience of risk assessment, formulation and safety planning
- Experience of working with hard-to-engage or disengaged individuals
- Experience of community-based working, including home visits or outreach
- Experience of care coordination / caseload management
- Experience of MDT and multi-agency working
Desirable
- Experience in Assertive Outreach, Crisis, HTT or urgent care settings
Skills, Abilities & Knowledge
- Knowledge of mental health conditions and treatment approaches
- Understanding of Assertive Outreach principles, including persistent engagement and no discharge for DNA
- Knowledge of risk management and safeguarding frameworks
- Understanding of community mental health pathways and system interfaces
- Knowledge of care planning and documentation standards
- Ability to deliver autonomous clinical assessment and decision-making
- Strong risk assessment and management skills
- Ability to engage and sustain relationships with difficult-to-engage individuals
- Ability to deliver persistent, proactive and flexible outreach
- Ability to develop and implement care plans and safety plans
- Ability to work independently in community settings
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to prioritise and manage a complex caseload
- Ability to work effectively within an MDT and across agencies
Desirable
- Awareness of wider system partners such as housing, social care or substance misuse services
Personal Qualities
- Compassionate and non-judgemental approach
- Persistent, proactive and solution focused
- Resilient and able to work with complexity, uncertainty and disengagement
- Commitment to recovery-focused and person-centred care
Other Requirements
- Ability to travel across the borough and undertake regular home visits
- Willingness to work flexibly, including evening/weekend outreach where required locally
- IT literacy and ability to use clinical systems and documentation platforms
Assertive Outreach Practitioner in Uxbridge employer: National health service
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive environment for Assertive Outreach Practitioners dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of individuals with severe mental illness. With a strong focus on patient safety, engagement, and recovery, employees benefit from clear leadership, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work within an innovative model of care in the vibrant community of Uxbridge.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assertive Outreach Practitioner in Uxbridge
✨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.
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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 Assertive Outreach Practitioner in Uxbridge
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.
