Job summary
Help shape the future of community mental health care in Cornwall. North Kerrier West Primary Care Network is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Mental Health Practitioner to join our growing Mental Health & Wellbeing Team. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking and innovative PCN that has invested significantly in developing new ways of supporting people with mental health needs within primary care. Working alongside GPs, fellow Mental Health Practitioners, Social Prescribers, Community Health & Wellbeing Workers and system partners, you will play a key role in delivering personalised, proactive and preventative care for our local population. We are entering an ambitious new phase of development, building on an established multidisciplinary approach and helping to shape a broader neighbourhood mental health and wellbeing model. This role offers the opportunity not only to provide expert clinical care, but also to contribute to service development, innovation and reducing health inequalities. We are looking for someone who is passionate about mental health, comfortable working autonomously and collaboratively, and motivated by helping design and deliver services that genuinely make a difference. In return, we offer a supportive team environment, opportunities for professional development, support towards non-medical prescribing where appropriate, and the chance to be part of a service shaping the future of integrated mental health care.
Main duties of the job
As a Mental Health Practitioner, you will work as an embedded member of our multidisciplinary primary care team, supporting patients with a wide range of mental health needs from early intervention through to complex and enduring conditions.
- Assess, triage and manage patients presenting with mental health concerns within primary care.
- Provide evidence-based interventions, ongoing reviews and care planning for individuals with complex and severe mental illness.
- Work closely with GPs, Social Prescribers, Community Health & Wellbeing Workers and secondary care colleagues to deliver joined-up, person-centred care.
- Support proactive management of patients at risk of deterioration, crisis or health inequalities.
- Contribute to multidisciplinary discussions and collaborative decision-making across organisational boundaries.
- Help shape and improve innovative mental health pathways and models of care.
- Promote prevention, self-management and recovery-focused approaches.
- Contribute to teaching, learning and service development activities within the PCN.
This is an ideal opportunity for a practitioner who enjoys working beyond traditional service boundaries and wants to influence how community mental health services develop in the future.
About us
North Kerrier West Primary Care Network serves approximately 40,000 patients across Camborne, Pool, Redruth and surrounding communities through our member practices, Carn to Coast Health Centres and Godolphin Health. We are proud of our reputation for innovation and collaboration. We have been early adopters of digital and AI-supported approaches within primary care and continue to explore new ways to improve patient and staff experience. We have developed a successful Mental Health & Wellbeing Team, bringing together Mental Health Practitioners, Social Prescribers and partners to provide coordinated support for local people. We are now building on this success through ambitious neighbourhood-based mental health and wellbeing initiatives focused on prevention, integration, personalised care and reducing health inequalities. You will join an established and supportive team with dedicated GP leadership, strong multidisciplinary relationships and a commitment to learning and development. Whether your passion lies in clinical practice, leadership, service improvement or innovation, you'll have opportunities to help shape the future of mental health care in our community. This is a directly employed PCN role through our lead employer, Carn to Coast Health Centres. As a valued member of the North Kerrier West team, you will be fully integrated within our multidisciplinary workforce and play an active role in shaping services across the PCN.
Provisional interview date: 05/11/2026
Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY: Provide clinical expertise and support to GPs and practice clinicians to manage patients with mental health problems in primary care. From urgent presentations to longer term management, including the review of pre-existing mental health plans and medication to the formulation of diagnosis, treatment planning and prescribing. You will work in collaboration with a range of practice clinicians, fellow mental health practitioners, social prescribers, community health and wellbeing workers, secondary care, talking therapies and third sector organisations.
The post holder will always work to promote the safety and the wellbeing of these patients and their families/carers.
Support to undertake non-medical prescribing is available. The role may evolve to include education and training of clinical and non-clinical staff and trainees as a leadership role.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Triage and assessment of patients presenting with mental health problems
- Proactive follow-up of adult patients with low level and serious mental illness both in terms of mental and physical health
- Annual medication reviews for those on longer term antidepressants and antipsychotics
- Non-medical prescriber or opportunities to undertake prescribing course or other education programmes
- Active signposting to third sector organisations/ engage with in-house social prescribing team
- Attend fortnightly mental health meetings with local CMHT and Cornwall Talking Therapies.
- Help where appropriate to co-ordinate support for the more vulnerable groups of patients experiencing mental health problems e.g. the homeless, substance misuse, learning difficulties
- Consultations to be undertaken with patients both in surgery, over the telephone, video or home visits.
- Capable of working independently and proactively
- Active management of flexible caseload with awareness of dependency
- Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. To promote and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
- Develop links and foster a culture of partnership between the practice and CPFT Adult Mental Health Services
- Promote and follow treatment protocols and care pathways leading to increased integration of service users within the primary care setting
- Takes professional responsibility with high-level decision making and clinical reasoning skills to assess, diagnose and triage of patients
- Manages and contributes to service delivery and the development of the practice
- Accountable for decisions and actions supported by a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice
- Streamlines pathway of care by providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care
- Ensures care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention
- Energetic individual capable of working effectively within MDT
- Provides care which is tailored to the individual needs. This would include, appraising the impact of individuals' clinical status on their general health, well-being, employment status
- Supports patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management
- Communicates effectively and appropriately with patients and carers complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology and prognosis.
- Provides learning opportunities for the whole multi professional team within primary care.
- Works with MDT to develop more effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services
- Exercises professional judgement, making, justifying and taking responsibility for decisions in unpredictable situations, including in the context of incomplete/contradictory information
- Manages interactions in complex situations, including with individuals with particular psychosocial and mental health needs and with colleagues across the primary care team, sectors and settings
- To follow the operational systems and procedures required by the organisation.
- To represent the organisation in a positive and professional manner at all times.
Leadership
- Operate as a full member of the primary care team, including contributing to leadership, service evaluation/improvement and research activity
- Manage and co-ordinate the care that individual patients receive, including through liaising with other members of the MDT and with patients' carers
- Contribute to the use of healthcare technologies to optimise the integration of service delivery (across teams, sectors and settings) and patients access and continuity of care
- Contribute to the development of primary care teams, including through contributing to others' learning
Engagement with Patients, Internal and External Stakeholders
- Initiate, develop and maintain excellent third party relationships
Person Specification
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, ability to relate and communicate with patients and staff at all levels and from different professions.
- Ability to adapt communication style appropriately and dependant on situation.
- Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Develop own skills and knowledge and provide information to others to help their development
Desirable
- Understands and demonstrates the characteristics of a role model to members in the team and/or service
- Establish and maintain communication with individuals, families, carers and groups about difficult or complex matters overcoming any differences in communication
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse with current registration [mental health/LD/Adult], appropriate to the job role
- Evidence of continuous professional development
Desirable
- Non-medical Prescriber
- Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Significant post qualifying experience in the relevant care group
- Experience of working alongside people with complex health problems in the designated care group
- Experience of managing a caseload
- Experience of providing a range of clinical interventions to people in the designated care group with a variety of health problems
- Experience of conducting clinical assessments including risk assessments
- Experience of partnership working within and across various statutory and non-statutory teams and agencies
- Understanding of clinical governance
Desirable
- Previous experience of working in the community
- Contribute to the implementation of services.
- Lived experience of mental health issues
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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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Mental Health Practitioner - Primary Care in Dobwalls employer: North Kerrier West Primary Care Network
North Kerrier West Primary Care Network is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With flexible salary and hours tailored to your experience, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on mental health services while working alongside dedicated professionals in a progressive environment.
Contact Details:
North Kerrier West Primary Care Network Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Practitioner - Primary Care in Dobwalls
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like North Kerrier West Primary Care Network often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Kerrier West Primary Care Network
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at North Kerrier West Primary Care Network. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at North Kerrier West Primary Care Network.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at North Kerrier West Primary Care Network.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at North Kerrier West Primary Care Network.
