Advanced Nurse Practitioner (Mental Health)

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments, including history-taking, mental state examination, risk assessment, and formulation of individualized care plans.

Provide diagnosis and management of common mental health conditions within the scope of primary care and ANP prescribing rights.

Prescribe and monitor psychotropic medications as an independent prescriber.

Provide crisis intervention and management in line with agreed protocols.

Act as a first point of contact for mental health queries and concerns within the PCN.

Work collaboratively with GPs, community mental health teams, social care, and voluntary sector partners to ensure coordinated care pathways.

Contribute to the development and delivery of mental health services within the PCN, including pathway design and quality improvement initiatives.

Provide education and support to patients, carers, and primary care staff regarding mental health awareness and management.

Maintain accurate and timely documentation in line with professional standards and NHS requirements.

Participate in clinical supervision, appraisal, and continuous professional development activities.

Adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults and children.

Scope and Dimensions:

Clinical responsibility for patients with a range of mental health conditions.

Autonomy in clinical decision-making within agreed governance frameworks.

Contribution to the wider PCN objectives and mental health strategy.

Knowledge and skills

Essential

• Comprehensive knowledge of common mental health disorders and treatments
• Understanding of safeguarding, mental health legislation, and NICE guidelines
• Advanced clinical assessment and diagnostic skills
• Prescribing and medication management
• Effective communication with patients, carers, and professionals

Desirable

• Knowledge of local mental health services and refer-ral pathways
• Familiarity with digital health tools and electronic records
• Leadership and mentorship skills
• Quality improvement and audit skills
• Training and education delivery skills

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience working with patients with mental health conditions, preferably in primary care or community settings
• Experience in mental health assessment, treatment, and crisis intervention

Desirable

• Experience working within a PCN or integrated care system
• Experience in service development and pathway design

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and time-management skills

Desirable

• Commitment to patient-centred care and continuous learning
• Proactive and innovative mindset

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse with valid NMC registration
• Independent Prescriber (V300)
• MSc or equivalent in Advanced Clinical Practice

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in Mental Health Nursing

Eligibility

Essential

• Must be eligible and have right to work in the UK
• Enhanced DBS check required
• Car driver (with business insurance) preferred for community-based visits

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).