Primary Care Mental Health Link Worker

Job overview

Primary Care Mental Health Link Workers will be experienced mental health professionals drawn from the established Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) or working within an allied social care or health team but have previous mental health working experience, working as a member of a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), working within the Primary Care arena. The postholder(s) will be members of the CMHT, in order to receive support and supervision and be attached to a specific Group of GP Practices in the Locality. The Link Worker(s) will have the key role of providing support, consultation, advice, education and problem-solving skills to the Primary Health Care Team, particularly in the areas of assessment and management of complex mental health problems in adults, including and acting as a ‘signposter’ to appropriate external services. In line with future service developments it is expected that the Primary Care Link Worker will take on management responsibility for dedicated Primary Care Liaison Teams. Within each Locality they will be supported in developing services that provide continuity of personalised care within the primary care environment. The postholder(s) will be expected to adopt and enable flexible approaches to developing unique models of integrated care, taking into account each Primary Care Team’s unique strengths and weaknesses.

Main duties of the job

Main duties and responsibilities are as outlined in the job description. please refer to the JD for key responsibilities.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To actively promote mental health, have a sound understanding of mental health and wellbeing, and to promote personalised care. 2. Potential referrals to both specialist and voluntary services can be discussed with the Link Worker to ensure the most effective intervention is offered to the client. There may be a need for a small number of these (complex cases) to be screened by the Link Worker and advice offered/obtained on appropriate interventions and ongoing Service User management. 3. To promote the use of treatment protocols and care pathways leading to increased competencies and better care of people with severe mental health difficulties within the primary care setting. 4. In conjunction with primary care, the local CMHTs and the PCT, to assist in the development, maintenance and use of Severe Mental Illness Registers and Dementia Registers, ensuring regular review of Service Users’ needs including their physical health. 2 5. To develop a close relationship with primary care practices by attending practice meetings and having regular informal contact as local need determines. 6. In cases where their Service User is in crisis, the Link Worker will expedite referral to the Crisis Resolution at Home Treatment (CRHT) Team. 7. To work with the Primary Health Care Team to enable them to develop their skills and confidence in assessment and treatment of, in particular, common mental health disorders. To advise on further management where necessary. To ensure appropriate onward referral as required. 8. To provide specialist advice and support to carers, supporting those with mental health problems identified in primary care. 9. To participate in regular Clinical and Management Supervision to maintain safe practice and high standards in Service User care. 10. To identify and respond to own continuous professional development needs, particularly in relation to assessment and treatment of Service Users with common mental health problems. 11. To act as a source of specialist knowledge, support and advice to both primary care and Service Users concerning mental health promotion. 12. To facilitate effective communication between secondary care and primary care services, to ensure that Service Users receive the appropriate interventions in a timely manner. 13. Where cross border issues arise, to ensure links are facilitated with teams and agencies in other PCT areas/countries. Ensure care is appropriately co-ordinated.

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.