Primary Care Mental Health Practitioner

Job overview

We have an exciting opportunity for one experienced and enthusiastic Assistant Psychologist to join our Wandsworth Primary Care Network (PCN) Mental Health Practitioner (MHP) Team. We are an innovative project aiming to support GPs work with people presenting with mental health related difficulties. The successful candidates will provide supervised, direct clinical work to clients in GP practices by offering brief psychologically informed interventions to support motivation and improve functioning and if applicable, help people navigate the care system, access the right service and where possible, work with them to overcome barriers to engagement. The role requires working closely with GPs and other professionals in a dynamic and changing environment.

Career development opportunities:

We are committed to get the very best out of our staff and support staff in their career aspirations. We have career pathways available, where you will be able to develop your skills and build on your experience. For this role, we offer the option of attending continuing professional development sessions specifically for aspiring clinical psychologists working at the Trust in various roles and being part of that community

Main duties of the job

The role requires a range of clinical, liaison and administrative skills. The post holder will provide supervised, direct clinical contact, attend weekly meetings and frequently, liaise with professionals and/or services integrated within the mental health pathway within Wandsworth (including GPs and other clinicians situated within the PCN, IAPT and secondary mental health services, other community/third sector resources etc.).

The day-to-day responsibilities for the post holder will include completing assessments and collaboratively developing person-centred plans. At times, this will involve offering follow-up sessions to provide brief psychologically informed interventions and at other times making onward referrals.

The post holder will work collaboratively with both clients and/or other professionals to problem-solve and facilitate the referral process so the person can access the right type of support. Therefore, a flexible and proactive approach, as well as a candidate who feels comfortable working independently.

Flexible working:

The postholder will be asked to deliver direct clinical work in person from GP surgeries within surgery open hours, usually Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in the time frames from 9am to 5pm, with Thursdays kept for supervision, team meetings and CPD. However, there are some opportunities for remote working when you are not required at your GP base.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To complete assessments and where appropriate, provide brief, psychologically informed interventions.
• To support clients whilst waiting for escalation of treatment into mental health services
• To monitor and support clients in between their GP appointments
• To provide medicine education and adherence advice and lifestyle advice for clients and their carers, presenting with mental health problems
• Assist in supporting early intervention and supporting shared decision-making around self-management
• To work with clients and team members to support engagement with appropriate services and treatment which may include onward referral to secondary mental health services or signposting to other mental health services, social prescribers, voluntary services and community-based support groups
• To support clients to transition from primary care to secondary care when more specialist or intensive support is required
• To support clients to stay well within their local communities, including the re-enforcement of newly learned psychology techniques
• Work always to promote the safety and the wellbeing of service users and their families/carers
• To develop a close relationship with Primary Care practices, attending practice meetings and having regular informal contact.
• To work closely and in partnership with colleagues within primary care and the Trust in a collaborative way, ensuring that decisions are made that ensure the best care for service users and that there is a seamless pathway.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications

If you have used AI to support the preparation of your application, please briefly indicate how it was used within your supporting statement or application form.

Please remember, your application is your opportunity to tell us about your skills, experience and motivation for the role. We encourage applicants to complete their application and supporting statement in their own words wherever possible. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful in supporting accessibility, and for improving spelling, grammar and structure.

Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can become generic and fail to accurately reflect an applicant's individual experience. Applications that clearly demonstrate your own voice, reflections and experiences are often the most effective and help us better understand your suitability for the role.

Please be aware that information provided in your application and supporting statement may be explored further during the selection process. It is important that all applications accurately represent your own knowledge, skills and experience.

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.