Job overview
North Durham Early Intervention in Psychosis Team is seeking a Band 6 Community Practitioner to be a part of the team for Maternity Cover of 12 months. Applications are welcome from registered mental health nurses, social workers and occupational therapists.
This is an opportunity to be a part of a very supportive team, where your contribution and development are highly valued. The successful applicant will work with individuals experiencing a first episode of psychosis or at risk of developing psychosis, across the North Durham area. Experience of working specifically with individuals experiencing psychosis would be desirable, but not essential, as in house training will be provided.
You will be able to work autonomously and will be willing and able to develop your skills and knowledge for this specialist role. You will be involved in completing holistic assessments and delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions to people on your caseload. Managing a caseload is part of your role, however in EIP we aim to keep caseloads to a manageable level to enable our clinicians to focus on quality interventions and increased clinical contact, with an emphasis on recovery.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide individual client interventions within an evidenced based person centered care pathway for clients aged 14 to 65 and will ensure effective care across internal and external boundaries. The successful candidate will assess patients with a potential first episode of psychosis. They will be able to assess the needs of this client group, formulate, develop and implement programs of care as part of a multi-disciplinary team in the following areas:
Risk assessment
Evidence based therapeutic interventions for psychosis.
To use a recovery focused approach to support the client’s journey
The successful candidates will ensure that all appropriate and relevant people have been consulted with during every aspect of assessment, planning and evaluation and demonstrate their ability to engage with those with particular complex needs requiring an assertive approach to engagement.
If you are a motivated individual with the relevant experience and want to gain more knowledge and experience in this rewarding service this opportunity could appeal to you. An interest in a whole system approach to care is essential.
Due to the nature of the role it is essential that applicants are able to travel independently across the locality and have access to a suitable vehicle for business purposes. If necessary, adjustments can be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To provide and promote early detection of people with psychosis and the contribution toward clinical guidelines for primary/secondary care, key agencies and the public.
Applicants must have 18 months post qualifying experience including sign off of appropriate preceptorship or competency framework
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
Additional contact details: Maeve Murray, Team Manager and Peter Corbett, Clinical Specialist:
0191 3336011
This job advert may close early if a high volume of applications have been received. If interested, please apply for this post as soon as possible.
The service is committed to developing the skills of practitioners, so there will be ongoing opportunities to develop further clinical skills and participate in research.
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. However, sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements, therefore, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Demonstrable knowledge to post-graduate level of evidence-based practice in caring for patients in the designated field
- Understanding of relevant legislation (e.g. Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act)
- Care Programme Approach and its application in practice
- Detailed understanding of Safeguarding and its application in practice
- Clinical Risk Assessment and Management and its application in practice
- Clinical Governance and its application in practice
- Research and development methodology
- Understanding of psychological models of care and treatment
Desirable
- The Trust’s Quality Improvement System (QIS)
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience working with people with mental ill health in a care environment
- Working collaboratively with service users and their families/carers.
- Providing clinical supervision to individuals or groups as professionally appropriate.
- Mentoring or facilitating students on practice placement
- Working in a multi-disciplinary team
- Quality improvement activities
Desirable
- Leadership or management experience
- Significant experience working with children and young people with mental ill health in a community setting.
Qualifications
Essential
- Current professional registration with an approved professional body
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
- For registered nurses: MIP, FLIP, ENB 998 Teaching & Assessing in Clinical Practice or City & Guilds 730 Teaching in Adult Education. Must be achieved within agreed timescale
- 18 months post qualifying experience including sign off of appropriate preceptorship or competency framework
- Recognised sign-off mentor, clinical educator or equivalent. Must be achieved within agreed timescale
- Key skills in literacy, numeracy and ITQ level 2 (or equivalent)
Desirable
- Leadership or management qualification
- Post-graduate qualification in a relevant area
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Community Practitioner - Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust in Chester le Street Health Centre. It is listed as a Band 6 role. The advertised salary is £39,959 - £48,117 per annum. The contract type is Fixed term: 12 months (maternity cover). The application deadline is 03 Sep 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (20 Aug 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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