Clinical Lead - Homeless Pathway

Job overview

The successful candidate will be an experienced Band 7 clinician with a strong background in mental health assessment, care planning and multi-agency working. As the clinical lead for the South Warwickshire Homeless Mental Health Pathway, they will work autonomously, providing clinical leadership and oversight across the locality.

The post holder will manage Homeless Pathway Support Workers, providing supervision, support and development to ensure high-quality, person-centred care. They will support individuals experiencing homelessness to access timely mental health services and improve health outcomes.

Working as part of South Warwickshire Community Mental Health Services, the post holder will collaborate closely with Community Mental Health Teams, primary care, urgent care and specialist mental health services. They will also work alongside Homeless Pathway colleagues across Coventry and North Warwickshire to promote a consistent approach and share best practice.

A key aspect of the role will be developing and maintaining effective partnerships with local authorities, housing providers, charities, VCSE organisations, substance misuse services and other statutory agencies. The post holder will support partnership working, information sharing and the development of integrated pathways for people experiencing homelessness and multiple disadvantage.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Main duties of the job

For further information about this role, please refer to the attached supporting information, which provides a comprehensive overview of the position, key responsibilities and essential requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing autonomous specialist mental health assessments, risk assessments and clinical interventions for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Developing, implementing and reviewing person-centred care and treatment plans for people with complex mental health needs.
• Working closely with Community Mental Health Teams, primary care services, urgent care services and specialist mental health teams to facilitate timely access to support.
• Building effective partnerships with housing providers, outreach teams, voluntary and community sector organisations, and substance misuse services including Change Grow Live (CGL).
• Supporting individuals to engage with treatment, physical healthcare, housing services and wider support networks.
• Delivering trauma-informed, recovery-focused care that promotes independence, wellbeing and social inclusion.
• Providing expert advice, consultation and guidance to partner agencies regarding mental health and homelessness.
• Contributing to service development, quality improvement initiatives, education and the promotion of best practice across the homeless pathway.
• Maintaining accurate clinical records and working in accordance with professional standards, Trust policies and relevant legislation.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN), Social Worker or Occupational Therapist with current professional registration.
• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Educated to Master's Degree level, Advanced Clinical Practitioner level, or able to demonstrate equivalent experience working at a senior level.
• Relevant post-registration training, accreditation or significant experience in delivering evidence-based psychological interventions.

Desirable

• Non-Medical Prescribing qualification.
• Training in Trauma-Informed Practice, CBT, EMDR or other recognised therapeutic approaches.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Essential

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to undertake complex mental health assessments, formulation, risk assessment and risk management.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Practice and approaches to working with vulnerable populations.
• Ability to work autonomously and make complex clinical decisions.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with statutory, voluntary and community sector organisations.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and respond to urgent requests.
• Understanding of mental health legislation, including the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act.
• Demonstrable leadership skills and ability to support and develop staff.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable

• Knowledge of homelessness legislation, housing pathways and services supporting people experiencing homelessness.
• Understanding of dual diagnosis and substance misuse services.

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Substantial experience working within Community Mental Health Services.
• Significant experience of undertaking comprehensive mental health assessments, formulation and care planning.
• Experience of working autonomously and managing a complex caseload.
• Experience of positive risk management and crisis intervention.
• Experience of safeguarding adults and contributing to safeguarding enquiries and investigations.
• Experience of multi-agency working with health, social care and third sector partners.
• Experience of supporting, supervising or managing staff.
• Experience of working with people with complex mental health needs and social vulnerabilities.

Desirable

• Experience of working with individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
• Experience of service development, quality improvement or pathway development.
• Experience of working with individuals who have co-existing mental health and substance misuse needs.

OTHER

Essential

• Full UK driving licence and access to a motor vehicle for business use.
• Ability and willingness to travel independently across South Warwickshire, including Leamington Spa, Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon, as the role is community based.
• Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
• Demonstrates the Trust values of Compassion in Action, Working Together, Respect for Everyone and Seeking Excellence.

Desirable

• Experience of representing services at partnership meetings, forums or multi-agency networks.