Job summary
Are you a highly skilled and autonomous health professional ready to take your career to the next level?
We are seeking a Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) to join our Older Persons Community Mental Health Team. This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of clinical care, delivering high-quality, person-centred services to frailty patients in the community.
Advanced clinical practice is delivered by experienced, registered health and care professionals. It involves high autonomy and complex decision-making, supported by a master's level qualification or equivalent. This encompasses four pillars: clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research, with demonstrated core capabilities and clinical competence.
Practitioners manage care in partnership with individuals, families, and carers, analysing complex problems across settings to deliver innovative solutions that improve outcomes. They operate with autonomy in contexts of complexity, uncertainty, and risk, holding accountability for their decisions (Health Education England, 2017).
Course details - Please see the link - https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0564-v1-0
This role is ideal for candidates with a master's level qualification in advanced clinical practice, non-medical prescribing certification, and a passion for improving outcomes for older adults. If you're ready to influence change and shape the future of community mental health services, we'd love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
As an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) with our Older Persons Community Mental Health Team (OPCMHT) in Taunton and West Somerset, your role is pivotal in delivering high-quality, person-centred care to frailty patients in the community, underpinned by the four pillars of advanced clinical practice: clinical practice, leadership and management, education, and research, delivering high-quality care to frailty patients in the community.
Possess the expertise to plan, coordinate, and prescribe treatment, and will lead the development of integrated community nursing pathways aligned with best practice and evidence, working closely with stakeholders and care providers.
As a core member of the multidisciplinary team, you will:
- Assess, diagnose, and manage complex mental health presentations
- Prescribe treatments and coordinate care plans
- Lead the development of integrated patient pathways aligned with best practice
- Provide expert clinical leadership, education, and mentorship to colleagues
- Engage in research, audit, and service improvement initiatives
You'll be expected to work independently, making complex decisions in uncertain situations, while collaborating with GPs, community services, and stakeholders to ensure holistic care delivery.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Care & Decision-Making
- Assess, diagnose, and manage complex mental health presentations
- Prescribe treatments and coordinate care plans
- Request and interpret diagnostic tests e.g., x-rays, bloods, scans
- Refer patients to specialist services as needed
- Provide expert advice and second opinions to colleagues
Leadership & Service Development
- Lead the development of integrated patient pathways aligned with evidence-based practice
- Act as a clinical role model and mentor within the multidisciplinary team
- Support service redesign and innovation across boundaries
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and organisational learning
Education & Research
- Deliver education and training to staff across the neighbourhood
- Engage in research, audit, and quality improvement initiatives
- Disseminate best practice findings and contribute to evidence-based care
- Support the development of advanced practice roles across the Trust
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with GPs, community services, and stakeholders
- Communicate complex clinical information clearly and sensitively
- Foster strong professional relationships across teams and disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- Master's degree in Advanced Clinical Practice or working towards
- Non-medical prescribing qualification
- Proven experience in managing older CMHT patients
- Strong clinical reasoning, leadership, and communication skills
- Commitment to Trust values: Kindness, Respect, and Teamwork
This is a dynamic and rewarding role for a practitioner ready to lead, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in older persons' mental health care.
Trainee course details
https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0564-v1-0
Educational providers for the tACP apprenticeship for information and guidance, to be advised at a later date.
https://courses.uwe.ac.uk/ST0564/advanced-clinical-practitioner
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/apprenticeships/advanced-clinical-practitioner-degree-apprenticeship
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Care & Decision-Making
- Assess, diagnose, and manage complex mental health presentations
- Prescribe treatments and coordinate care plans
- Request and interpret diagnostic tests e.g., x-rays, bloods, scans
- Refer patients to specialist services as needed
- Provide expert advice and second opinions to colleagues
Leadership & Service Development
- Lead the development of integrated patient pathways aligned with evidence-based practice
- Act as a clinical role model and mentor within the multidisciplinary team
- Support service redesign and innovation across boundaries
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and organisational learning
Education & Research
- Deliver education and training to staff across the neighbourhood
- Engage in research, audit, and quality improvement initiatives
- Disseminate best practice findings and contribute to evidence-based care
- Support the development of advanced practice roles across the Trust
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with GPs, community services, and stakeholders
- Communicate complex clinical information clearly and sensitively
- Foster strong professional relationships across teams and disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- Master's degree in Advanced Clinical Practice or working towards
- Non-medical prescribing qualification
- Proven experience in managing older CMHT patients
- Strong clinical reasoning, leadership, and communication skills
- Commitment to Trust values: Kindness, Respect, and Teamwork
This is a dynamic and rewarding role for a practitioner ready to lead, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in older persons' mental health care.
Trainee course details
https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0564-v1-0
Educational providers for the tACP apprenticeship for information and guidance, to be advised at a later date.
https://courses.uwe.ac.uk/ST0564/advanced-clinical-practitioner
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/apprenticeships/advanced-clinical-practitioner-degree-apprenticeship
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Membership of a relevant professional body.
- Relevant degree or diploma.
- Master's degree in Advanced Clinical Practice.
- Teaching qualification or equivalent experience.
- Non-medical prescribing course.
- Physical examination course.
- Maths and English at GCSE level.
Desirable
- Experience as a chief or principal investigator in research.
- Experience developing advanced practice guidelines, protocols, and pathways of care.
Experience
Essential
- Proven leadership and management experience with older persons CMHT patients.
- Demonstrated educational support to others.
- Experience in change management within a leadership role.
- Participation in research and audit activities, with a clear understanding of the processes involved.
- Experience as a chief or principal investigator in research.
- Good understanding of the NHS framework and current government policy.
- Familiarity with current local and national healthcare issues.
Desirable
- Experience in developing advanced practice guidelines, protocols, and pathways of care.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Skills & Abilities:
- Advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
- Ability to manage distressing situations and deliver unwelcome news.
- Strong prioritisation and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently and take accountability.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Resilience, adaptability, and a proactive attitude.
- Competence in using technology to improve care standards.
- Ability to manage challenging behaviour and complex caseloads.
- Good time management and punctuality.
- Ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
- Communication Skills:
- Demonstrated proficiency in English language.
- Physical Skills:
- Keyboard proficiency.
- Physical capability to perform described duties.
- Ability to concentrate for extended periods and manage frequent interruptions.
- Other Requirements:
- Access to a vehicle for travel within and outside Trust boundaries.
- Ability to work under pressure with competing priorities.
- Supporting Behaviours:
- Alignment with Trust values: Kindness, Respect, and Teamwork.
Desirable
- Qualifications:
- Teaching qualification or equivalent experience.
- Experience:
- Experience developing advanced practice guidelines, protocols, and care pathways.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Membership of a relevant professional body.
- Relevant degree or diploma.
- Master's degree in Advanced Clinical Practice.
- Teaching qualification or equivalent experience.
- Non-medical prescribing course.
- Physical examination course.
- Maths and English at GCSE level.
Desirable
- Experience as a chief or principal investigator in research.
- Experience developing advanced practice guidelines, protocols, and pathways of care.
Experience
Essential
- Proven leadership and management experience with older persons CMHT patients.
- Demonstrated educational support to others.
- Experience in change management within a leadership role.
- Participation in research and audit activities, with a clear understanding of the processes involved.
- Experience as a chief or principal investigator in research.
- Good understanding of the NHS framework and current government policy.
- Familiarity with current local and national healthcare issues.
Desirable
- Experience in developing advanced practice guidelines, protocols, and pathways of care.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Skills & Abilities:
- Advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
- Ability to manage distressing situations and deliver unwelcome news.
- Strong prioritisation and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently and take accountability.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Resilience, adaptability, and a proactive attitude.
- Competence in using technology to improve care standards.
- Ability to manage challenging behaviour and complex caseloads.
- Good time management and punctuality.
- Ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
- Communication Skills:
- Demonstrated proficiency in English language.
- Physical Skills:
- Keyboard proficiency.
- Physical capability to perform described duties.
- Ability to concentrate for extended periods and manage frequent interruptions.
- Other Requirements:
- Access to a vehicle for travel within and outside Trust boundaries.
- Ability to work under pressure with competing priorities.
- Supporting Behaviours:
- Alignment with Trust values: Kindness, Respect, and Teamwork.
Desirable
- Qualifications:
- Teaching qualification or equivalent experience.
- Experience:
- Experience developing advanced practice guidelines, protocols, and care pathways.
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).
