Specialist Health Visitor in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health

Job overview

Mental health is an increasing public health challenge impacting on the health and well-being of children and their families. Perinatal mental health problems affect between 10-20% of women during pregnancy and the first year of having a baby. Environmental and individual factors can affect mental health and wellbeing.

The physical and mental health of the mother and the family environment during pregnancy, infancy and childhood is of fundamental importance to mental health. A parent’s ability to bond with and care for their baby, their parenting style and the development of a positive relationship can predict a number of physical, social, emotional and cognitive outcomes through to adulthood.

We are looking to recruit an experienced professional to fulfil the Specialist Health Visitor for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Lead role. The successful candidate will join our passionate team, working across the 0-19 service delivery and the Children’s and Adults safeguarding agenda. The role will be based across Wandsworth 0-19 Service

We have adopted a ‘think family’ approach; our services are progressive and innovative, and we are committed to supporting the workforce and improving outcomes for all clients.

Main duties of the job

The Specialist Health Visitor for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health will hold a small caseload and be responsible for providing relevant consultation, training and support to the universal children’s services. The emphasis will be on early intervention, prevention of mental health difficulties, and the promotion of positive relationships between parents and their infants.  The post holder will work with a range of stakeholders and partners to best meet the needs of children and families where there are identified perinatal and mental health concern for the mainstream 0-19 service providing expert advice and guidance, act as an advocate for families with perinatal/infant mental health concerns with relevant stakeholders, seeking to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes. This includes safeguarding children and young people identified as at risk of harm.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Successful applicants will be required to demonstrate alignment with the Trust’s values & the behaviours aligned to those values - Accountability, Inclusion, Compassion, and Empowerment, alongside fulfilling the duties detailed in the attached Job Description and Person Specification.