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Job summary

Main area
Health & Justice
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 6
Contract
Permanent: May be required to work weekends
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
333-D-HJ-1855
Employer
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
HMP Downview
Town
Sutton
Salary
£44,485 - £52,521 per annum inc HCAS (pro rata if P/T)
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
24/09/2025 23:59
Interview date
01/10/2025

Employer heading

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust logo

Mental Health Practitioner

NHS AfC: Band 6

 

CNWL (Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust) has almost 8,000 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes and areas beyond.  We involve service users, carers, the public, staff and partner organisations in the way that we are run. 

Our catchment area spans diverse communities, with over 100 first languages spoken. It contains areas of great affluence as well as areas of much deprivation.  We are committed to providing services that meet the needs of the people who use them, and we actively encourage involvement from local people who can help make a difference.  We’re proud of our diversity and we continue to undertake new initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME and people with disabilities to promote good relations and understanding between our staff.

We are recognised locally, nationally and internationally for providing high quality, innovative healthcare. We aim to employ only the best people, and our experts are frequently called upon to contribute to national health strategy and policy, and many models of our care have been adapted for use in other countries.

We offer a generous relocation package (subject to eligibility assessment) and flexible working options, including bank assignments for most roles.  For more information on these and other benefits of working for us, see our   Benefits, Reward and Wellbeing page

Become part of our team. We care for you as much as you care for others.

CNWL NHS Foundation Trust are committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults.

Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity for a Mental Health Practitioner to work within the Mental Health In Reach Team at HMP Downview, (a female closed prison).  This role involves acting as a Care Co-ordinator, undertaking mental health assessments and associates risk assessments.  We have an excellent working relationship with the prison and candidates will enjoy working within a supportive team, with regular supervision.  

Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust is a Top Employer Award Winner & works in partnership to provide responsive & dependable primary care, mental health, intellectual disability & substance misuse services to the diverse & culturally rich communities we serve.

By joining our Prisons Health Care Team, you will not only look after the healthcare needs of our patients residing in secure environments, but who also have the opportunity to have a real impact on promoting health & well-being. Our healthcare services work to a 7 day week working model, to ensure our patient's healthcare is managed & maintained to the highest of standards at all times.

We offer a great range of career pathways to support our nurses through their journey, see the list of endless opportunities under the working for your organisation tab.

 

Main duties of the job

Care Co-ordination

Risk assessments

Mental Health Assessments

Attending various CNWL and HMPPS meetings and Forums

Developing service provision in line with the role

MDT working

Working for our organisation

Working within the MHIR team at HMP Downview, you will be working within a supportive team within our mental health hub.  You will benefit from having peer support as you go through your induction phase to aid familiarity with how the prison functions.  You will have opportunities to be part of local service developments and we promote all team members to become a specialist lead in relevant areas.  You will also benefit from our inclusive approach.  In addition to mandatory training opportunities, we also consider external training development, there is Mental Health Practitioner peer supervision and monthly Reflective Practice which is in addition to 1:1 supervision. 

 

All of our sites in Surrey offer free use of the onsite leisure facilities and free parking for staff.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

See Job Description and the person specification for a detailed account of the main responsibilities. 

Person specification

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential criteria
  • Registered Practitioner (Registered Mental Health Nurse; Social Worker; OT)
  • Evidence of professional development since registration
Desirable criteria
  • Post registration qualification that enhances clinical work: CBT, DBT, Dual Diagnosis, etc
  • Mentorship or supervisor qualification

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE Paid/unpaid relevant to job

Essential criteria
  • Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Experience of care co-ordinating within CPA framework
  • Experience of working in community setting
  • Experience of mentoring or supervising students
Desirable criteria
  • Experience of working in a Prison or forensic environment

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

Essential criteria
  • Expert in engaging with people with mental health problems, assessing their needs, designing and delivering appropriate interventions and evaluating the effectiveness of the process.
  • Risk assessment and management skills.
  • Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
  • Excellent IT skills.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently as appropriate
  • To use supervision positively and effectively
  • Proven ability to work patients to increase their level of self-determination and resilience
  • Effective time management
  • Knowledge of the needs and rights of patients.
  • Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks
  • Problem solving, stress management & conflict resolution skills
  • Ability to engage in evidence based practice, with an understanding of care quality (clinical governance).
Desirable criteria
  • Knowledge of CPA, Mental Health Act, MAPPA, legislation and policies relevant to prison mental health.

ATTITUDES, APTITUDES, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Essential criteria
  • Motivated to maintain the highest standards possible in the service
  • Able to accept constructive feedback.
  • Able to ask for support where required.
  • Compassionate & non-judgmental approach.
  • Flexible

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDWe are a Living Wage EmployerEmployers for CarersPurple SpaceHealthy Workplace - Excellence 2018Veteran AwareNo smoking policyMenopause Friendly EmployerDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - BronzeNational Autistic SocietyDisability confident committedStonewall equality policy. Equality and justice for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people.AccessAbleStonewall Gold 2022Carer Confident -AccomplishedNHS Rainbow Badge - BronzeArmed Forces CovenantStonewall Top 100 2024Stonewall Gold 2024Working Chance - unlocking women's potential

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.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Daniel Anderson
Job title
Mental Health Service Lead
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0208 1966473
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