Bosvena Health

Mental Health Practitioner

The closing date is 30 October 2025

Job summary

We are looking for a mental health practitioner to join our practice team on a fixed term contract for maternity leave cover.

The post holder will be a Mental Health Nurse, who acts within their professional boundaries, working alongside general practice teams. They will work for the benefit of patients, providing and maintaining a high standard of care for patients with mental health needs. They will provide assistance and advice to the GPs and other members of the primary healthcare team in managing the mental wellbeing of the practice population.

The post holder will be an integral part of the General Practice team, working within the practice, as well as being an integral part of a wider multidisciplinary team.This includes building relationships with other community providers and mental health services.

Main duties of the job

You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a patient facing role to clinically assess and treat patients using expert knowledge of mental health.

Assess all patient contacts with primary care presenting with mental health concerns either during a face-to-face appointment at the practice, via a telephone appointment following carrying out a triage assessment.

Where possible treat and follow up patients that do not require interventions provided by the Wellbeing Service or community or secondary care mental health services.

Provide the interface between primary care and mental health services, helping patients with the transition between services.

Following agreed clinical protocols with referral to nurse practitioner or GPs as appropriate for other relevant symptoms.

Able to document consultations according to Practice guidelinesusing the EMIS Clinical System.

Ensures awareness of statutory and local clinical protection procedures, including systems of referral.

Ability to recognise signs and symptoms of child/adult abuse and report any safeguarding issues.

Able to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation according to current UK guidelines

Ensure infection control guides are maintained

Attend and participate in any practice meetings when required, and lead the mental health MDT as required

Deliver training, mentoring and guidance to other clinicians and staff on mental health issues.

About us

We are a GP Practice based in central Cornwall and have 24,000 patients covering a semi-rural practice area. We operate from 3 clinical sites and provide the majority of our appointments from our buildings in Bodmin.

We have a large multi-disciplinary team, which includes GPs, Physio, Physician Associates, ANP's, Practice Nursing team, and a full administrative team.

We are a large training practice and encourage supportive learning for all.

Details

Date posted

15 October 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience Based on Agenda for Change Band 6

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

A1380-25-0021

Job locations

Bell Lane

Bodmin

Cornwall

PL31 2JJ


Carnewater Practice

Dennison Road

Bodmin

Cornwall

PL31 2LB


Job description

Job responsibilities

Core competencies

Special Requirements of the Post:

An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality

Ability to use own judgement, resourcefulness and common sense

A commitment to maintain a high professional standard of care and keep up to date with all aspects of care relevant to the post

A commitment to ensure all Health and Safety requirements and Infection control measures are met and to report any problems to the practice manager

A commitment to the effective use of practice and NHS resources

An awareness of own limitations and experience

To work only in accordance with the GP Practices Code of Conduct

To have a written professional development plan and to maintain an up to date portfolio which meets the requirements of registration with the NMC

Cooperate with annual appraisal meetings

To attend clinical meetings and present any significant events.

Generic Job Description areas:

Communication

Utilise and demonstrate sensitive communication styles, to ensure patients are fully informed and consent to treatment

Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising the need for alternative methods of communication to overcome different levels of understanding, cultural background and preferred ways of communicating

Anticipate barriers to communication and take action to improve communication

Maintain effective communication within the organisational environment and with external stakeholders

Act as an advocate for patients and colleagues

Ensure awareness of sources of support and guidance and provide information in an acceptable format to all patients, recognising any difficulties and referring where appropriate

Delivering a quality service Prioritise, organise and manage own workload in a manner that maintains and promotes quality Participate in quality assurance and safety processes across the organisation and its activities Participate in shared learning across Bosvena Health group and the wider organisational environment Use a structured framework (e.g. root-cause analysis) to manage, review and identify learning from patient complaints, clinical incidents and near-miss events Assess the impact of policy implementation on care delivery Understand and apply legal issues that support the identification of vulnerable and abused children and adults, and be aware of statutory child/vulnerable patients health procedures and local guidanceLeadership personal and people development

Take responsibility for own learning and performance including participating in coaching/supervision and acting as a positive role mode

Support staff development in order to maximise potential

Actively promote the workplace as a learning environment, encouraging everyone to learn from each other and from external good practice

Encourage others to make realistic self-assessment of their application of knowledge and skills, challenging any complacency or actions that are not in the interest of the public and/or users of services

Critically evaluate and review innovations and developments that are relevant to the area of work

Enlist support and influence stakeholders and decision-makers in order to bring about new developments in the provision of services

Contribute to planning and implementing changes within the area of care and responsibility

Contribute to the development of local guidelines, protocols and standards

Team working Understand own role and scope and identify how this may develop over time Work as an effective and responsible team member, supporting others and exploring the mechanisms to develop new ways of working Delegate clearly and appropriately, adopting the principles of safe practice and assessment of competence Create clear referral mechanisms to meet patient need Prioritise own workload and ensure effective time-management strategies are embedded within the culture of the team Work effectively with others to clearly define values, direction and policies impacting upon care delivery Discuss, highlight and work with the team to create opportunities to improve patient care Manage and lead on the delivery of specifically identified services or projects as agreed with the practice management team Agree plans and outcomes by which to measure successManagement of risk

Manage and assess risk within the areas of responsibility, ensuring adequate measures are in place to protect staff and patients

Monitor work areas and practices to ensure they are safe and free from hazards and conform to health, safety and security legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines

Ensure appropriate supervision of safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs.

Participate in mandatory and statutory training requirements

Apply infection-control measures within the practice according to local and national guidelines

Interpret national strategies and policies into local implementation strategies that are aligned to the values and culture of general practice

Managing information

Use technology and appropriate software as an aid to management in planning, implementation and monitoring of care, presenting and communicating information

Review and process data using accurate Read codes in order to ensure easy and accurate information retrieval for monitoring and audit processes

Manage information searches using the internet and local library databases

Monitor and confirm that the nursing team are receiving and processing data and information in an agreed format

Collate, analyse and present clinical data and information to the team

Learning and development

Undertake mentorship for team members

Disseminate learning and information gained to other team members in order to share good practice and inform others about current and future developments (eg courses and conferences)

Assess own learning needs and undertake learning as appropriate

Provide an educational role to patients, carers, families and colleagues in an environment that facilitates learning

Equality and diversity

Identify patterns of discrimination and take action to overcome this and promote diversity and equality of opportunity

Enable others to promote equality and diversity in a non-discriminatory culture

Support people who need assistance in exercising their rights

Monitor and evaluate adherence to local chaperoning policies

Act as a role model in the observance of equality and diversity good practice

Accept the rights of individuals to choose their care providers, participate in care and refuse care

Assist patients from marginalised groups to access quality care

Job description

Job responsibilities

Core competencies

Special Requirements of the Post:

An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality

Ability to use own judgement, resourcefulness and common sense

A commitment to maintain a high professional standard of care and keep up to date with all aspects of care relevant to the post

A commitment to ensure all Health and Safety requirements and Infection control measures are met and to report any problems to the practice manager

A commitment to the effective use of practice and NHS resources

An awareness of own limitations and experience

To work only in accordance with the GP Practices Code of Conduct

To have a written professional development plan and to maintain an up to date portfolio which meets the requirements of registration with the NMC

Cooperate with annual appraisal meetings

To attend clinical meetings and present any significant events.

Generic Job Description areas:

Communication

Utilise and demonstrate sensitive communication styles, to ensure patients are fully informed and consent to treatment

Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising the need for alternative methods of communication to overcome different levels of understanding, cultural background and preferred ways of communicating

Anticipate barriers to communication and take action to improve communication

Maintain effective communication within the organisational environment and with external stakeholders

Act as an advocate for patients and colleagues

Ensure awareness of sources of support and guidance and provide information in an acceptable format to all patients, recognising any difficulties and referring where appropriate

Delivering a quality service Prioritise, organise and manage own workload in a manner that maintains and promotes quality Participate in quality assurance and safety processes across the organisation and its activities Participate in shared learning across Bosvena Health group and the wider organisational environment Use a structured framework (e.g. root-cause analysis) to manage, review and identify learning from patient complaints, clinical incidents and near-miss events Assess the impact of policy implementation on care delivery Understand and apply legal issues that support the identification of vulnerable and abused children and adults, and be aware of statutory child/vulnerable patients health procedures and local guidanceLeadership personal and people development

Take responsibility for own learning and performance including participating in coaching/supervision and acting as a positive role mode

Support staff development in order to maximise potential

Actively promote the workplace as a learning environment, encouraging everyone to learn from each other and from external good practice

Encourage others to make realistic self-assessment of their application of knowledge and skills, challenging any complacency or actions that are not in the interest of the public and/or users of services

Critically evaluate and review innovations and developments that are relevant to the area of work

Enlist support and influence stakeholders and decision-makers in order to bring about new developments in the provision of services

Contribute to planning and implementing changes within the area of care and responsibility

Contribute to the development of local guidelines, protocols and standards

Team working Understand own role and scope and identify how this may develop over time Work as an effective and responsible team member, supporting others and exploring the mechanisms to develop new ways of working Delegate clearly and appropriately, adopting the principles of safe practice and assessment of competence Create clear referral mechanisms to meet patient need Prioritise own workload and ensure effective time-management strategies are embedded within the culture of the team Work effectively with others to clearly define values, direction and policies impacting upon care delivery Discuss, highlight and work with the team to create opportunities to improve patient care Manage and lead on the delivery of specifically identified services or projects as agreed with the practice management team Agree plans and outcomes by which to measure successManagement of risk

Manage and assess risk within the areas of responsibility, ensuring adequate measures are in place to protect staff and patients

Monitor work areas and practices to ensure they are safe and free from hazards and conform to health, safety and security legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines

Ensure appropriate supervision of safe storage, rotation and disposal of vaccines and drugs.

Participate in mandatory and statutory training requirements

Apply infection-control measures within the practice according to local and national guidelines

Interpret national strategies and policies into local implementation strategies that are aligned to the values and culture of general practice

Managing information

Use technology and appropriate software as an aid to management in planning, implementation and monitoring of care, presenting and communicating information

Review and process data using accurate Read codes in order to ensure easy and accurate information retrieval for monitoring and audit processes

Manage information searches using the internet and local library databases

Monitor and confirm that the nursing team are receiving and processing data and information in an agreed format

Collate, analyse and present clinical data and information to the team

Learning and development

Undertake mentorship for team members

Disseminate learning and information gained to other team members in order to share good practice and inform others about current and future developments (eg courses and conferences)

Assess own learning needs and undertake learning as appropriate

Provide an educational role to patients, carers, families and colleagues in an environment that facilitates learning

Equality and diversity

Identify patterns of discrimination and take action to overcome this and promote diversity and equality of opportunity

Enable others to promote equality and diversity in a non-discriminatory culture

Support people who need assistance in exercising their rights

Monitor and evaluate adherence to local chaperoning policies

Act as a role model in the observance of equality and diversity good practice

Accept the rights of individuals to choose their care providers, participate in care and refuse care

Assist patients from marginalised groups to access quality care

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Qualified Mental Health Nurse with current validation and registration

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working within a nursing team
  • Experience of dealing with vulnerable patients

Desirable

  • Experience of working in primary care
  • Experience of working in a GP practice
  • An understanding of Health Inequalities and a desire to work to support groups and improve patient care
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Qualified Mental Health Nurse with current validation and registration

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working within a nursing team
  • Experience of dealing with vulnerable patients

Desirable

  • Experience of working in primary care
  • Experience of working in a GP practice
  • An understanding of Health Inequalities and a desire to work to support groups and improve patient care

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Bosvena Health

Address

Bell Lane

Bodmin

Cornwall

PL31 2JJ


Employer's website

https://www.bosvenahealth.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Bosvena Health

Address

Bell Lane

Bodmin

Cornwall

PL31 2JJ


Employer's website

https://www.bosvenahealth.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Strategic Business Manager

Michelle Pratley

pratley.michelle@nhs.net

01208269988

Details

Date posted

15 October 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience Based on Agenda for Change Band 6

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

A1380-25-0021

Job locations

Bell Lane

Bodmin

Cornwall

PL31 2JJ


Carnewater Practice

Dennison Road

Bodmin

Cornwall

PL31 2LB


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