Mental Health Practitioner (Forensic)

To provide specialist community mental health practitioner input the multi - disciplinary team across the county (based in Bedfordshire). This will include the provision of specialist knowledge regarding the management of complex cases.

To work in close liaison with the Consultant Forensic Psychiatrists and other members of the multi - disciplinary team to co - ordinate the input of the team and to act as a key professional in the full assessment of individual care needs and to plan, implement and review appropriate care and risk management.

Main duties of the job

For further information on main duties of the job please refer to the attached job description and person specification

Person specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential

• . Current professional registration with an approved professional body.
• . Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Desirable

• . Training relevant to Practice
• . Post Graduate Diploma
• . Specific training in family work or other Psychological approaches.

Experience

Essential

• . Significant previous experience of working with service users with acute psychiatric disorders and complex mental health needs.

Desirable

• . Experience of working with service users with Forensic histories.
• . Experience of working with service users diagnosed with learning disability and or neurodevelopmental disorders.
• . Experience of working in assertive outreach, crisis or home treatment services
• . Lived experience of mental health challenges.

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• . Ability to undertake assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of treatment plans.
• . Ability to prioritise work demands and be flexible
• . Proven skills in undertaking risk assessments and management plans.
• . Effective communication skills both verbally and written, including IT literacy
• An understanding and commitment to the principles of Recovery and social inclusion
• . An understanding of the role of health promotion and education with the client group.
• . Ability to advocate for the service users who you are supporting.

Desirable

• . In depth knowledge and skill related to a particular therapeutic intervention such as CBT, DBT, family work.
• . Experience in group work

Knowledge & Understanding

Essential

• . Thorough understanding of care planning and the Care Programme Approach (CPA).
• . Knowledge of physical healthcare needs.
• . Commitment to and understanding of evidence-based practice.
• . Awareness of safeguarding issues and responsibilities under relevant legislation.
• . Understanding of the legislation relating to mental health care including - Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Act, Care Act, Children's Act, Equality Act 2010.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the role of the MOJ and other criminal justice agencies.

Physical Requirements

Essential

• . To be able to travel independently between locations as and when required.

About the employer

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.