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

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
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
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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