Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Description and Main Responsibilities:

1) Clinical: To accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service and develop programmes of care. To assess and support people with common mental health problems in the self-management of their recovery. To undertake patient-centred interviews which identify areas where the person wishes to see change and/or recovery and make an accurate assessment of risk to self and others, both face to face and on the 
telephone. Make decisions on suitability of new referrals, adhering to the service's referral protocols, referring unsuitable clients on to the relevant service or back to the referral agent as necessary, or stepping up the person's treatment to high intensity psychological therapy. Work closely with other members of the team ensuring appropriate step-up and step-down arrangements are in place to maintain a stepped care approach. To educate and involve family members and others in treatment as 
necessary.
2) Provide a range of information and support for evidence based high-volume-lowintensity psychological treatments. This may include guided self-help and computerised CBT. This work may be face to face, telephone or via other media. Assess and integrate issues surrounding work and employment into the overall therapy process. Operate at all 
times from an inclusive values base which promotes recovery and recognises and respects diversity.
3) Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the overall number of client contacts offered, and clinical sessions carried out per week in order to minimise waiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient. To attend multidisciplinary meetings relating to referrals or clients in treatment, where appropriate.
4) To complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service. To keep up to date, coherent and accurate records of all clinical activity in line with service protocols and use these records and clinical outcome data in clinical decision making.
5) Prepare and present clinical information for all patients on their caseload to clinical/case management supervisors within the service on an agreed and scheduled basis, in order to ensure safe practice and the clinical governance obligations of the worker, supervisor and service are delivered. Respond to and implement supervision suggestions by supervisors in clinical practice. Engage in and respond to personal development supervision to improve competencies and clinical practice.
6) Professional: Ensure the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating body, and keep up to date on new 
recommendations/guidelines set by the department of health. Ensure that client confidentiality is protected at all times. Be aware of, and keep up to date with advances in low intensity treatment of common mental health problems.
7) Ensure clear objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with senior therapists on a regular basis as part of continuing professional development. Participate in individual performance review and respond to agreed objectives. Keep up to date records in relation to Continuing Professional Development and ensure personal development plan maintains up to date specialist knowledge of latest low intensity 
theoretical and service delivery models/developments. Attend relevant 
conferences/workshops in line with identified professional objectives.
8) General: To contribute to the development of best practice within the service. To maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and procedures in relation to Mental Health and Primary Care Services.
9) All employees have a duty and responsibility for their own health and safety and the health and safety of colleagues, patients and the general public. All employees have a responsibility and a legal obligation to ensure that information processed by both patients and staff is kept accurate, confidential, secure and in line with the Data Protection Act (1998) and the Security and Confidentiality Policies. It is the responsibility of all staff that they do not abuse their official position for personal gain, to seek 
advantage of further private business or other interests in the course of their official duties.
10) The job description does not provide an exhaustive list of duties and may be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder in the light of service development.