Perinatal Mental Health Specialist Midwife

Job overview

The Lavender team is seeking an experienced perinatal mental health specialist midwife who has a passion for excellence and is dedicated in supporting women and birthing people, at risk of or whom, are experiencing severe and complex perinatal mental health conditions.

We support women with severe or complex mental health conditions who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or are in the postnatal period. Our team provides high quality, evidence-based specialist advice, assessment, and referral for interventions working closely with obstetricians, psychiatrists, IAPT, nurses, OT’s, social workers, to provide holistic and quality care for our patients.

At ASPH we offer a working environment with an inclusive culture that looks after and values our people and creates a sense of belonging. We encourage applications from people who embrace our values and who will enable us to expand our diverse workforce.

In return, you will be rewarded with a kind and friendly team of professionals, flexible working opportunities and all the benefits that being an NHS Employee brings. Staff wellbeing is a priority for us, and access to wellbeing support and activities form part of the package at Ashford & St Peters NHS Foundation Trust. Please see our recruitment brochure attached for more details.

So, if you are an experienced midwife, able to meet the challenge of delivering high standards of care, we would love you to join our team!

Main duties of the job

This is a key, organisation-wide role in developing and maintaining high standards of care for women and birthing people with mental health problems in pregnancy and the postnatal period, and their families. The post holder will have a high level of relevant expert knowledge and skills, which they will use to manage, develop and lead care for pregnant and new mothers with mental health needs.

The postholder will:

Provide additional support and care to pregnant women and birthing people with a history of substance misuse where indicated. This will be in partnership with their named midwife and obstetric consultant, neonatologist and other agencies.

Work closely with women, birthing people, and their families to plan and coordinate their care based on their individual needs.

Provide a link between the maternity service and other services involved in planning and providing care, including the GP, neonatal team, mental health team and health visitor.

Ensure that relevant pathways, policies and processes for women and birthing people with, or at risk of, mental illness or substance misuse are developed, implemented and audited. This will involve working with a range of relevant professionals, services and agencies. The post holder will support colleagues through coordinating and providing training and guidance in maternal mental health for key maternity staff, to enable them to provide holistic care that optimises mental as well as physical health.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To work closely with the Lead Midwife for Complex Pregnancies, Consultant Midwife for Public Health, Antenatal, Postnatal and Community Clinical Matrons, Named Midwife for Safeguarding Children and Obstetricians; being a source of information and guidance regarding policy and protocols relating to Perinatal Mental Health and the impact on women, birthing people and their families

Ensure there is routine screening and early identification of women and birthing people with, or at risk of mental illness

To provide clinical leadership and support to health professionals in the event of a mental health crisis

Act as a source of expert specialised knowledge and clinical expertise in relation to mental health practice

Liaise with Perinatal Mental Health Services, Community Mental Health Services and partner agencies to ensure that those with severe mental illness are appropriate managed in the perinatal period

Have an up to date knowledge of local services available to women and birthing people in relation to their mental health needs

Direct line management of Perinatal Mental Health Support Midwives

Be responsible for maintaining and disseminating local and national guidance relating to maternal mental health in the perinatal period

Develop and coordinate training programmes for staff and participate in the induction of new staff

When the escalation policy requires the post holder may be required to support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties that reasonably fit within the broad scope of a job of this grade and type of work.

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.