At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct assessments to support individuals with mental health needs on their recovery journey.
- Company: Join Northern Healthcare, a leader in compassionate mental health support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with passionate professionals dedicated to recovery.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by shaping their recovery from the start.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered clinician with experience in mental health or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 38505 £ per year.
Join Our Team as an Assessment Practitioner
Location: Eccles, Manchester (with regular travel across our services)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Help Shape Recovery Journeys Across Our Services
At Northern Healthcare, we believe that recovery is possible for everyone. Every day, we support adults living with complex mental health needs, learning disabilities, autism and behaviours that may challenge to build meaningful, independent lives within welcoming, recovery-focused environments. Through our Supported Living services, we provide person-centred care that empowers people to develop confidence, achieve personal goals and become active members of their communities.
We have services across the North West, Cumbria, Yorkshire and the Midlands and we're continuing to grow. We're looking for an experienced, compassionate Assessment Practitioner to become a key part of our clinical team. This is a unique opportunity to influence people's recovery from the very beginning by assessing whether our services are the right fit and ensuring every individual has the best possible start to their journey with Northern Healthcare.
The Role
As an Assessment Practitioner, you'll play a vital role in identifying and assessing individuals referred to our services, helping to determine whether Northern Healthcare can safely and effectively meet their needs. Working across multiple sites, you'll travel throughout our regions to complete comprehensive clinical assessments, working closely with referrers, families, commissioners and our operational teams. Your professional judgement will help shape admissions, minimise risks and ensure every new person we support receives the right care, in the right environment at the right time.
No two days are the same. You'll meet people from a wide variety of backgrounds, each with their own strengths, challenges and aspirations, ensuring every assessment is thorough, person-centred and recovery focused.
What You'll Be Doing
- Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial and clinical assessments for individuals referred to Northern Healthcare.
- Travel across our services to meet potential new residents, assess suitability and support the admissions process.
- Develop clear clinical recommendations that support safe, effective placement decisions.
- Complete detailed risk assessments and formulate positive risk management plans.
- Work collaboratively with commissioners, care coordinators, families, hospitals, community teams and multidisciplinary professionals throughout the referral process.
- Support smooth transitions into our services by developing person-centred admission and transition plans.
- Contribute specialist clinical knowledge to complex case discussions and placement decisions.
- Provide guidance to operational teams to ensure new people we support receive high-quality, recovery-focused care from day one.
- Ensure all assessments are evidence-based, outcome-focused and compliant with professional standards, safeguarding legislation and best practice guidance.
- Promote a culture of dignity, choice, independence and positive recovery throughout every stage of the assessment process.
Why This Role Matters
An assessment is much more than completing paperwork. It's often the first opportunity to understand someone's story, recognise their strengths, identify the support they need and determine how they can flourish within one of our services. Your work will directly influence life-changing decisions, helping people move from hospital settings or unsuitable placements into environments where they can rebuild confidence, develop independence and achieve lasting recovery. You'll be instrumental in ensuring every person joining Northern Healthcare has the opportunity to succeed in a service that's right for them.
What We're Looking For
- We're looking for an experienced clinician who is passionate about recovery, confident in autonomous decision-making and committed to delivering high-quality assessments.
- Essential Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN), Occupational Therapist (OT), or Social Worker with current professional registration.
- Minimum of two years' post-registration experience within mental health, learning disability or autism services.
- Strong clinical assessment and formulation skills.
- Experience completing complex risk assessments.
- Sound knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, safeguarding legislation and best practice guidance.
- Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent written communication and report-writing skills.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly across multiple services.
You'll Also Be
- Passionate about recovery-focused, person-centred care.
- Compassionate, empathetic and professionally curious.
- Confident communicating with a wide range of professionals and stakeholders.
- Organised and able to manage a varied workload across multiple locations.
- Flexible, proactive and comfortable working independently.
- Committed to delivering the highest standards of safeguarding and clinical practice.
What We Offer
We value the expertise and commitment of our colleagues and offer a supportive environment where you can continue to develop professionally while making a genuine difference. You'll benefit from:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Flexible Monday to Friday working pattern
- Ongoing clinical training and professional development opportunities
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Employee recognition awards and Refer-a-Friend bonus scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential wellbeing support
- Free on-site parking
- Fully funded Enhanced DBS check
- The opportunity to work alongside passionate, experienced professionals who share a commitment to recovery and excellence
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're an experienced clinician who believes in recovery, values person-centred practice, and wants to help shape life-changing decisions for people entering our services, we'd love to hear from you. Join Northern Healthcare and help ensure every person we support begins their recovery journey with the right assessment, the right support and the right opportunities to thrive.
Assessment Practitioner in Accrington employer: Northern Healthcare
Northern Healthcare is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and compassionate work environment in Barrow-in-Furness. With a focus on employee growth through career development opportunities and a generous benefits package including 25 days of annual leave and healthcare cover, you will be empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and fosters a culture of care and support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assessment Practitioner in Accrington
✨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 Northern Healthcare. 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 Northern Healthcare.
We think you need these skills to ace Assessment Practitioner in Accrington
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 Northern Healthcare:Take some time to research Northern Healthcare 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 Northern Healthcare
✨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 Northern Healthcare's values and approach.
