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- Tasks: Support rough sleepers with mental health challenges and advocate for their needs.
- Company: Join the NELFT NHS Foundation Trust, dedicated to improving mental health services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary with a high-cost area supplement and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience as a B6 mental health practitioner and knowledge of housing legislation.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and potential extension beyond the fixed term.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
An exciting secondment opportunity has arisen for a B6 Social Worker, OT or CPN to join the NELFT Rough Sleepers Mental Health Team. This service began operating in March 2020 to support Rough Sleepers with mental health difficulties who may have difficulties engaging with mental health services through the usual pathways. The team works across the four NELFT boroughs, and a vacancy has arisen for a practitioner based in the Redbridge area.
Responsibilities
The post-holder must be able to work autonomously and as part of the team. The successful candidate will advocate for their clients and/or represent mental health services at multi-agency meetings and work alongside and support community partners working in this field. The post is for a 1 year fixed period (September 2025 to September 2026) on a full-time basis, with potential for extension after the fixed term finishes. The post-holder will be responsible for a caseload and will need to work flexibly to meet the needs of service users, relatives, carers and the service in community settings. It also requires adhering to KPI’s and IT requirements under RIO.
- Assess the housing needs of clients with mental health difficulties.
- Have experience and knowledge of Safeguarding procedures and practice, Mental Health and Mental Capacity Act, and relevant housing legislation.
- Be able to work with rough sleepers or homelessness-related cases and understand local mental health and housing pathways and voluntary organisations.
Qualifications and Skills
- Experience of working as a B6 mental health practitioner.
- Interest in working with rough sleepers or homelessness; ability to assess housing needs of clients with mental health difficulties.
- Knowledge of local mental health and housing legislation and relevant pathways/voluntary organisations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to advocate for clients and represent services in multi-agency forums.
Additional Information
The successful candidate should have the ability to work flexibly to meet service needs and will be based in the Redbridge area, with the team operating across four NELFT boroughs.
- Induction and probation: The post is subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period unless currently part way through a probation or are a bank member of staff.
- High-Cost Area Supplement: This post attracts a supplement of 15% of the basic salary (minimum £4,714, maximum £5,941), pro rata for part-time staff.
- Certificates of Sponsorship: Although NELFT is a registered sponsor, sponsorship may not be offered for all roles. Check eligibility under the UKVI points-based system.
- AI notice: Applications should be written by the applicant; if AI is used, the application may be rejected as part of the assessment process.
How to Apply and Contact
For queries, please contact Julia Jones, Rough Sleepers Mental Health Team Clinical Lead, or Sarah Capell and Bola Mafe at nelft.nhs.uk.
Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage referencing these documents when completing your application. Note: The post may close before the scheduled closing date depending on application volumes.
This advert closes on Tuesday 14 Oct 2025.
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Specialist Practitioner | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust employer: North East London NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
North East London NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Practitioner | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mental health field, especially those who work with rough sleepers. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local mental health and housing legislation. Be ready to discuss how you can advocate for clients and represent services effectively in multi-agency meetings.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your flexibility! Highlight your ability to adapt to different situations and meet the needs of service users. This is crucial for roles that require working autonomously and as part of a team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Practitioner | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Specialist Practitioner role involves. Dive into the job description and person specification to get a feel for what NELFT is looking for. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill!
Show Off Your Experience: When you're detailing your experience, be specific! Highlight your work with rough sleepers or in mental health settings. Use examples that demonstrate your knowledge of safeguarding procedures and local housing legislation. We want to see how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role.
Communicate Clearly: Your written communication skills are key for this position, so make sure your application reflects that. Keep it clear and concise, and don’t forget to proofread! A well-structured application shows you can advocate effectively for clients and represent services in multi-agency forums.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it’s super easy! Just follow the prompts and make sure you attach all necessary documents.
How to prepare for a job interview at North East London NHS Foundation Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mental health legislation, safeguarding procedures, and the specific needs of rough sleepers. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just interested in the role but also well-prepared for it.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully advocated for clients in the past. This could be through multi-agency meetings or direct support. Highlighting your communication skills and ability to represent services effectively will set you apart.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role requires flexibility to meet service users' needs, think of instances where you've adapted your approach to suit different situations. Be ready to discuss how you can manage a caseload while being responsive to changing demands.
✨Engage with the Community
Familiarise yourself with local mental health and housing pathways, as well as voluntary organisations. Showing that you understand the community landscape will demonstrate your commitment to supporting rough sleepers and your readiness to collaborate with partners.
