At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a multidisciplinary team to provide expert mental health care and support in primary care.
- Company: Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, committed to innovative mental health services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of improving mental health access and support in your community.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant healthcare registration and experience in mental health practice.
The predicted salary is between 39959 - 48117 £ per year.
Location: Teesdale Primary Care Network, County Durham, UK.
Hours: 18.75 hours per week (days to be agreed).
Closing date: 02 July 2026.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated practitioner to join our multidisciplinary team within the Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. The role is key to developing and leading innovative, integrated mental health services in primary care.
Responsibilities
- Develop close working relationships with clinical staff, including other Mental Health Practitioners, and become a valued member of the Primary Care Team.
- Provide specialist mental health advice and expert clinical care for people with a range of mental health needs, ensuring that those with serious mental illness receive appropriate care.
- Act as a "first contact" mental health worker: undertake triage, assessments, brief interventions and reviews to improve access to services.
- Use networking and navigation expertise to facilitate access to appropriate mental health support across the community system.
- Manage daily clinics, act as a specialist advisor to GPs, and fulfil a pathway management function.
- Support the establishment of partnerships and networks with key stakeholders across the PCN and the wider mental health care system.
- Provide clinical advice, consultation, and support to other care providers within primary, secondary, voluntary and statutory services.
- Ensure systems and pathways are in place to enable smooth transition between primary care and secondary mental health services.
- Travel independently and operate a suitable vehicle for business purposes, with adjustments considered under the Equality Act 2010.
Person Specification
Qualification
- Current professional registration with the relevant body in healthcare or social work.
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
- Certificate in mentorship, teaching & assessing in clinical practice (as appropriate).
- Clinical Supervisor.
- Key skills in literacy, numeracy and ITQ level 2 (or equivalent).
- Post‑graduate qualification in a relevant area.
- Where applicable, NMP or willingness to obtain.
Skills & Experience
- Excellent communication of complex and sensitive information to patients, carers/families and multidisciplinary teams.
- Effective collaboration across complex organisations, pathways and services.
- Experience providing clinical supervision, teaching, training and assessment in clinical practice.
- Leadership or management experience.
- Experience working in primary care and multi‑agency settings.
- Involvement with quality improvement activities.
- Mentoring students on practice placement experience.
Knowledge
- Post‑graduate level evidence‑based practice in caring for mental health patients.
- Stepped Care model, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and relevant legislation.
- Safeguarding and its application in practice.
- Clinical Governance, Clinical Risk Assessment and Management.
- Psychological models of care and treatment, and delivery of psycho‑social interventions.
- Care Programme Approach, research and development methodology, and contemporary health and social care policy.
Additional Information
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 per year (pro rata, per annum).
First Contact Mental Health Practitioner in North East employer: Tewv Brits
Join the Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust as a First Contact Mental Health Practitioner and become part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team in County Durham. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development, with opportunities for clinical supervision and mentorship, ensuring you can grow your skills while making a meaningful impact on mental health services in the community. Enjoy a competitive salary and the chance to work in an innovative environment that values collaboration and integrated care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land First Contact Mental Health Practitioner in North East
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Join local mental health organisations and initiatives to immerse yourself in the community. Volunteering at workshops or support groups can not only boost your experience but also help you make valuable connections that might lead to part-time roles. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Attend Networking Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on workshops and networking events specifically for therapy and counselling professionals. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet potential employers, hear about job openings, and engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers. Who knows who you might bump into!
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a professional online presence highlighting your counselling approach and experiences. Consider starting a blog or sharing insights on social media about therapy methods. This can attract attention from local companies like Tewv Brits who are looking for someone like you for their part-time needs.
✨Directly Approach Local Clinics
Don't be shy about reaching out directly to clinics or counselling practices in your area. Many part-time roles are filled without ever being advertised. A friendly email introducing yourself and expressing interest in potential opportunities at Tewv Brits can sometimes lead to the job you’ve been dreaming of!
We think you need these skills to ace First Contact Mental Health Practitioner in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassionate Side:In the therapy and counselling professions, it's crucial to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Your CV should highlight any relevant volunteer work or experience in helping roles. Let’s face it, potential employers want to see that you can connect with clients, so showcase those soft skills front and centre!
Include Your Credentials:For a part-time role in therapy or counselling, it’s essential to demonstrate your qualifications. Make sure to include any degrees, certifications, or workshops that are relevant to the position. If you’ve completed specific training in mental health or counselling techniques, don’t skip those; they can set you apart from others.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your interest in working part-time and highlight your passion for helping others. Talk about why you’re drawn to Tewv Brits and how the part-time role fits into your career path. We're looking for a genuine connection, so let your personality shine through!
Availability Matters:Since this is a part-time role, clearly outline your availability in your application. Be honest about the hours you can commit, and consider mentioning if you have any flexibility. This helps Tewv Brits see how you can fit into their schedule and be a valuable addition to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tewv Brits
✨Know Your Theoretical Frameworks
It's crucial for us to brush up on the therapy techniques and theoretical frameworks relevant to this field. Be prepared to discuss how you apply them in practice—think about specific case studies from your training that highlight your approach. This not only shows your understanding but also helps you connect with your potential clients at Tewv Brits.
✨Practice Your Active Listening Skills
Since we're diving into therapy and counselling, active listening is our bread and butter. You might face role-play scenarios during the interview, so make sure to showcase your ability to listen and respond empathetically. Demonstrating this skill can make all the difference in how we're perceived as future therapists.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility With Clients
In a part-time role, we often deal with a diverse client base, so it’s important to showcase our adaptability. Be ready to discuss how you can tailor your therapeutic approach to fit different client needs. Sharing any past experiences—whether from internships or coursework—will provide great insights to Tewv Brits about your versatility.
✨Prepare Your Questions on Working with Diverse Populations
Part-time roles can sometimes mean working with a variety of clients from different backgrounds. Think of specific questions to ask about how Tewv Brits supports inclusivity and handles diverse cases. This not only highlights your interest but also shows that you’ve thought ahead about client dynamics and your role within them.
