Job summary
St Helens Central Primary Care Network is seeking an
experienced Band 8a Advanced Clinical Practitioner with an interest in
primary care mental health to join our established multidisciplinary team
supporting patients with low level mental health needs across eight GP
practices.
This role focuses on delivering one-to-one clinical
appointments for patients referred by GP practices, providing assessment,
prescribing and ongoing management within the primary care setting.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to support
the development of mental health provision within primary care and influence
how services are delivered across the PCN.
You will be joining an established and successful
multidisciplinary team, working alongside our existing Mental Health
Practitioner and Health and Wellbeing Coaches.
Main duties of the job
The Advanced Clinical Practitioner will:
Provide one-to-one clinical appointments for patients
referred by GP practices with mental health needs.
Undertake clinical assessment and develop management plans for patients
presenting with common mental health conditions.
Work collaboratively with the wider PCN mental health team and GP practices.
Support medication reviews and prescribing where clinically appropriate.
Provide advice and guidance to primary care teams regarding mental health
management.
Support integration between primary care, community services and mental
health services.
Contribute to service development and improvement within the PCN mental
health service.
A full clean UK driving licence and access to a car for business use are essential requirements for this role. Applications will not be progressed where this requirement cannot be met.
About us
St Helens Central Primary Care Network serves a population
of approximately 40,000 patients across eight GP practices in central St
Helens, Merseyside.
Our multidisciplinary team delivers a range of services
including:
Frailty services
Enhanced Access
First Contact Physiotherapy
Social Prescribing
Mental Health practitioner support
Health and Wellbeing Coaches
We are committed to improving access to mental health
support within primary care and delivering integrated care across our
practices.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose
- To perform as an autonomous practitioner working independently and with other health care and non-health care professionals to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with a range of mental health conditions.
- Initiate direct referrals as appropriate.
- To manage daily surgeries comprising face-to-face consultations and telephone triage work. There may also be a requirement for home or care home visits.
- Collaborate with GPs, nursing staff, and non-clinical support staff to make a positive contribution to the organisation and foster a One Team approach.
- Be actively involved in leading on and implementing new working methods designed to manage the increasing demand in primary care.
- Provide education and training to staff and students as appropriate.
- Undertake research as required.
- Contribute to the development of the PCN for the overall benefit of its patients.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
- Work autonomously and be accountable for professional actions, managing patients with common mental health problems in primary care.
- Deliver holistic care to patients by undertaking clinical nursing practice.
- Assess undifferentiated patients with mental health conditions in surgery or home visits, take histories, perform physical and mental health examinations, formulate differential diagnoses, and create management plans.
- Complete assessment tools, therapeutic interventions, and CBT-based approaches to meet individual care needs.
- Monitor outcomes using appropriate measures to provide evidence-based care.
- Refer patients to other health professionals in primary and secondary care when necessary.
- Undertake home visits as required.
- Provide area-of-special-interest clinics across other PCN sites when necessary.
- Prescribe medications under the Independent Nurse Prescribing Scheme (NMP)
- Attend NMP updates and Protected Learning Time (PLT) training.
- Maintain accurate records using PCN / Practice clinical system (EMIS Web).
- Conduct regular medication reviews and manage medicine requests.
- Order and interpret tests to meet patients needs.
Staff Training and Supervision
- Provide clinical supervision and mentorship to other staff members, including trainee Mental Health Practitioners, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
- Deliver training sessions to ensure staff are up-to-date with current mental health management guidelines and best practices.
- Support the professional development of team members by identifying training needs, arranging appropriate opportunities, and facilitating reflective practice.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and lifelong learning within the team.
- Support the induction and onboarding of new staff to ensure smooth integration into the team and PCN / practice environment.
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Meetings
- Actively participate and lead on regular MDT meetings to discuss caseloads with the wider PCN and practice teams.
- Share insights on complex cases, collaborate on care plans, and ensure coordinated care across the team.
- Work with other healthcare professionals, including GPs, pharmacists, social workers, and secondary care services, to develop integrated approaches to patient care.
- Contribute to case discussions to identify opportunities for preventative interventions and early escalation of care where necessary.
- Use MDT meetings as an opportunity to reflect on service delivery and identify areas for improvement.
Demand Management
- Actively engage in, and contribute to, evolving services in response to increasing general practice demand, ensuring safe and equitable service delivery.
Communication
- Communicate effectively with all PCN / practice team members and external organisations for the benefit of patient care.
- Participate in annual individual performance reviews and maintain a record of personal and professional development.
- Manage own workload, time, and resources efficiently.
- Actively contribute to clinical and PCN meetings.
- Operate with high standards of probity and engage in significant event reporting and clinical governance activities.
Confidentiality
- Adhere to the PCN and practice policies for confidentiality when dealing with patient information both within and outside the workplace.
Health and Safety
- Promote and maintain health, safety, and security within the workplace, adhering to the PCN Health and Safety Policy.
- Use personal security systems in the workplace, identify risks in work activities, and undertake activities to manage these risks effectively.
- Attend relevant training to keep knowledge and skills up-to-date.
- Follow appropriate infection control procedures and maintain work areas in a tidy and safe condition.
Equality and Diversity
- Promote equality, diversity, and rights of patients, carers, and colleagues.
- Behave in a non-judgmental and respectful manner towards patients and colleagues, considering their circumstances, feelings, priorities, and rights.
General Clause
This job description reflects the current needs of the PCN and may be subject to review and updates as service requirements evolve. It is not designed to be exhaustive but serves as a reasonably accurate specification of duties. A flexible approach to service delivery is essential in providing efficient and modern care for patients.
Note: Applicants who are registered patients with a member practice of the PCN must be prepared to register with a different GP practice outside of the PCN if successful.
A full clean UK driving licence and access to a car for business use are essential requirements for this role. Applications will not be progressed where candidates cannot meet this requirement.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose
- To perform as an autonomous practitioner working independently and with other health care and non-health care professionals to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with a range of mental health conditions.
- Initiate direct referrals as appropriate.
- To manage daily surgeries comprising face-to-face consultations and telephone triage work. There may also be a requirement for home or care home visits.
- Collaborate with GPs, nursing staff, and non-clinical support staff to make a positive contribution to the organisation and foster a One Team approach.
- Be actively involved in leading on and implementing new working methods designed to manage the increasing demand in primary care.
- Provide education and training to staff and students as appropriate.
- Undertake research as required.
- Contribute to the development of the PCN for the overall benefit of its patients.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
- Work autonomously and be accountable for professional actions, managing patients with common mental health problems in primary care.
- Deliver holistic care to patients by undertaking clinical nursing practice.
- Assess undifferentiated patients with mental health conditions in surgery or home visits, take histories, perform physical and mental health examinations, formulate differential diagnoses, and create management plans.
- Complete assessment tools, therapeutic interventions, and CBT-based approaches to meet individual care needs.
- Monitor outcomes using appropriate measures to provide evidence-based care.
- Refer patients to other health professionals in primary and secondary care when necessary.
- Undertake home visits as required.
- Provide area-of-special-interest clinics across other PCN sites when necessary.
- Prescribe medications under the Independent Nurse Prescribing Scheme (NMP)
- Attend NMP updates and Protected Learning Time (PLT) training.
- Maintain accurate records using PCN / Practice clinical system (EMIS Web).
- Conduct regular medication reviews and manage medicine requests.
- Order and interpret tests to meet patients needs.
Staff Training and Supervision
- Provide clinical supervision and mentorship to other staff members, including trainee Mental Health Practitioners, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
- Deliver training sessions to ensure staff are up-to-date with current mental health management guidelines and best practices.
- Support the professional development of team members by identifying training needs, arranging appropriate opportunities, and facilitating reflective practice.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and lifelong learning within the team.
- Support the induction and onboarding of new staff to ensure smooth integration into the team and PCN / practice environment.
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Meetings
- Actively participate and lead on regular MDT meetings to discuss caseloads with the wider PCN and practice teams.
- Share insights on complex cases, collaborate on care plans, and ensure coordinated care across the team.
- Work with other healthcare professionals, including GPs, pharmacists, social workers, and secondary care services, to develop integrated approaches to patient care.
- Contribute to case discussions to identify opportunities for preventative interventions and early escalation of care where necessary.
- Use MDT meetings as an opportunity to reflect on service delivery and identify areas for improvement.
Demand Management
- Actively engage in, and contribute to, evolving services in response to increasing general practice demand, ensuring safe and equitable service delivery.
Communication
- Communicate effectively with all PCN / practice team members and external organisations for the benefit of patient care.
- Participate in annual individual performance reviews and maintain a record of personal and professional development.
- Manage own workload, time, and resources efficiently.
- Actively contribute to clinical and PCN meetings.
- Operate with high standards of probity and engage in significant event reporting and clinical governance activities.
Confidentiality
- Adhere to the PCN and practice policies for confidentiality when dealing with patient information both within and outside the workplace.
Health and Safety
- Promote and maintain health, safety, and security within the workplace, adhering to the PCN Health and Safety Policy.
- Use personal security systems in the workplace, identify risks in work activities, and undertake activities to manage these risks effectively.
- Attend relevant training to keep knowledge and skills up-to-date.
- Follow appropriate infection control procedures and maintain work areas in a tidy and safe condition.
Equality and Diversity
- Promote equality, diversity, and rights of patients, carers, and colleagues.
- Behave in a non-judgmental and respectful manner towards patients and colleagues, considering their circumstances, feelings, priorities, and rights.
General Clause
This job description reflects the current needs of the PCN and may be subject to review and updates as service requirements evolve. It is not designed to be exhaustive but serves as a reasonably accurate specification of duties. A flexible approach to service delivery is essential in providing efficient and modern care for patients.
Note: Applicants who are registered patients with a member practice of the PCN must be prepared to register with a different GP practice outside of the PCN if successful.
A full clean UK driving licence and access to a car for business use are essential requirements for this role. Applications will not be progressed where candidates cannot meet this requirement.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Substantial post-registration clinical experience including experience working at Band 7 level or above in a relevant clinical role
- Experience working autonomously in clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with mental health conditions
- Experience managing patients with common mental health problems within primary care or community settings
- Experience undertaking comprehensive mental health assessments and risk assessments
- Experience developing management plans and providing ongoing patient care
- Experience prescribing or supporting medication management for patients with mental health conditions
- Experience working within multidisciplinary teams including collaboration with GPs and other healthcare professionals
- Experience maintaining accurate clinical records and using electronic clinical systems
- Experience contributing to clinical governance, audit, or service improvement
Desirable
- Experience working in primary care or Primary Care Network environments
- Experience providing clinical supervision, mentoring or training to other staff members
- Experience leading or contributing to service development or implementation of new ways of working
- Experience delivering structured therapeutic interventions or CBT-informed approaches
- Experience working collaboratively with secondary mental health services or community support services
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Approachable and supportive in working with colleagues.
- Committed to improving care for our vulnerable populations.
- Able to manage complex or challenging situations professionally.
- Flexible and responsive to service needs.
Qualifications
Essential
- Masters degree in Advanced Clinical Practice
- Current professional registration with the NMC, HCPC or other relevant professional body
- Independent Non-Medical Prescribing qualification (V300)
- Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to mental health and advanced clinical practice
Desirable
- Additional qualification in mental health, psychological therapies or related field
- Training in CBT-informed or psychologically informed approaches
- Qualification or training in clinical supervision, mentoring or teaching
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Substantial post-registration clinical experience including experience working at Band 7 level or above in a relevant clinical role
- Experience working autonomously in clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with mental health conditions
- Experience managing patients with common mental health problems within primary care or community settings
- Experience undertaking comprehensive mental health assessments and risk assessments
- Experience developing management plans and providing ongoing patient care
- Experience prescribing or supporting medication management for patients with mental health conditions
- Experience working within multidisciplinary teams including collaboration with GPs and other healthcare professionals
- Experience maintaining accurate clinical records and using electronic clinical systems
- Experience contributing to clinical governance, audit, or service improvement
Desirable
- Experience working in primary care or Primary Care Network environments
- Experience providing clinical supervision, mentoring or training to other staff members
- Experience leading or contributing to service development or implementation of new ways of working
- Experience delivering structured therapeutic interventions or CBT-informed approaches
- Experience working collaboratively with secondary mental health services or community support services
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Approachable and supportive in working with colleagues.
- Committed to improving care for our vulnerable populations.
- Able to manage complex or challenging situations professionally.
- Flexible and responsive to service needs.
Qualifications
Essential
- Masters degree in Advanced Clinical Practice
- Current professional registration with the NMC, HCPC or other relevant professional body
- Independent Non-Medical Prescribing qualification (V300)
- Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to mental health and advanced clinical practice
Desirable
- Additional qualification in mental health, psychological therapies or related field
- Training in CBT-informed or psychologically informed approaches
- Qualification or training in clinical supervision, mentoring or teaching
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).