CAMHS Crisis Team Senior Practitioner

Job overview

Lewisham CAMHS Crisis team have an opening for a senior Practitioner to join the team. This role is suitable for Registered Nurses and Allied Professionals. The successful candidate will be part of a small team that works with colleagues  across Lewisham CAMHS and the South London Partnership as well as Paediatric Team at University Hospital Lewisham. This role exists to contribute to Crisis Care, particularly through clinical presentations at University Hospital Lewisham A&E. The post holder will deliver high quality, safe crisis care, ensuring consistently high standards of practice and clinical excellence which comply with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) code of professional conduct. As a CAMHS Crisis Team Senior Practitioner you will support the Team Leader and junior colleagues to promote and develop excellent clinical practice. You will be a positive role model to junior members of the team through the practice of evidence-based care. You will be expected to support professional development by contributing to the ongoing educational programme for all staff and students, fostering a positive learning environment. The service currently operates between the hours of 9am and 5pm, however the aim is to develop a more responsive service with aspirations of moving to a 24 hour service in future.

Main duties of the job

The Lewisham CAMHS Crisis Team is a Multi-disciplinary Tier3 CAMHS Service that works with young people who attend University Hospital Lewisham in a crisis.  Children and adolescents who present, have a range of mental health disorders and distress. Some present with self-harming behaviour or suicidal ideation. Others have mental health disorders including psychosis or severe mental ill-health. The team undertake mental health assessment, formulation, risk planning and refer onwards for longer term interventions.

The team is currently composed of a Consultant Psychiatrist and CAMHS Nursing colleagues; though experienced professional applicants from other health care related backgrounds would be welcomed.

We work closely alongside wider tier 3 CAMHS teams, specialist tier 4 services and inpatient settings as required. The team work in collaboration with complex networks around the young person including social care, education, residential services and other healthcare providers.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both overviews please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential Criteria

First level nursing qualification/registration

Registered General Nurse and/or Registered Mental Nurse and/or Registered Learning Disability Nurse,

OR Clinical registration in a healthcare profession including therapy, social work, clinical psychology

All applicants will require professional registration with a statutory body

Desirable Criteria  Masters’ degree Mentorship qualification

Experience and Knowledge

Essential Criteria

Experience working in CAMHS / acute setting Experience of research-based / reflective practice. Significant relevant clinical experience. Evidence of continuing professional development Knowledge of clinical governance and audit Knowledge of adult and child safeguarding Knowledge of mental health legislation and of the practical application of MH law.

Desirable Criteria  Experience of taking responsibility for a ward / clinical unit. Experience as a preceptor / mentor

Skills and Knowledge

Essential Criteria

Able to provide quality care that is responsive to service user’s needs. Ability to supervise clinically Teaching ability. Resilient: able to cope with difficult interpersonal situations. Approachable. Self-aware, self-confident and intrinsically motivated to do a good job and to motivate others. Loyal and able to advocate for and show pride in the work area and organisation. Forms very effective working relationships with colleagues. Advocates for all individuals, particularly those with protected characteristics; promotes equality and diversity.

Desirable Criteria

Ability to manage a team

Other Requirements Empathy for service users including individuals who have experienced mental health problems.