Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen as part of an exciting new mental health focused initiative delivered by West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with West Midlands Integrated Care Boards.
The introduction of mental health clinicians with our emergency control room represents a significant investment in seeking to improve the quality of care afforded to patients presenting to the ambulance service with mental health needs.
The implementation of these resources forms part of a wider project to improve the ambulance response to mental health, including through the introduction of specialist mental health response vehicles providing a dedicated emergency response to mental health needs and delivering innovative new clinical development and education opportunities for staff across the organisation to facilitate increased knowledge and skills relating to the management of patients with mental health needs.
We are proud to offer flexible working options to support our colleagues to have a greater choice in when, where and how they work. During your interview we will explore this with you and discuss your individual needs and how this could be facilitated for this role to benefit patient experience, service delivery and the work-life balance of colleagues.
Main duties of the job
The clinical validation team works within the emergency operations centre to provide further clinical assessments to patients presenting to the ambulance service. Through remote clinical assessments, the role of clinical validation mental health clinician is to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care based upon their presenting needs. This might include simple advice, referral into a range of regional alternative care pathways or an emergency ambulance response
Clinicians will apply significant clinical knowledge and experience in safely assessing, formulating and managing psychosocial risk in patients presenting with a range of mental health needs.
If this position involves a regulated activity it will require an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check. The disclosure will, where appropriate to the role, include information against the Independent Safeguarding Authority barred lists for working with children, adults or both
Where a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is required for the post, all applicants are required to cover the cost of the check. The cost of £42.50 for an enhanced check is payable to our online provider at the time that the DBS application is submitted. Upon receipt of your DBS you will then be required to sign up to the DBS online update service.
About us
West Midlands Ambulance Service positively welcomes diversity and aims to be a truly inclusive place to work. We are looking for self-motivated, enthusiastic people from all backgrounds that care about making a difference.
The Trust is currently under-represented in terms of people from BME backgrounds and welcomes applicants from these communities. Selection will be on a basis of merit. The Trust has achieved the status of a Disability Confident Leader and guarantees to invite to assessment applicants who meet the criteria for the job vacancy. To ensure the diversity of the workforce and understand the differing needs of our communities, the Trust is committed to the principles of Positive Action.
If you wish to discuss and adjustments that you may need for the role of the assessment process prior to your application, then please do not hesitate to contact the recruitment team
The Trust is proud to support our Armed Forces community and have signed up to the Step Into Health initiative. We welcome applications from Armed Forces Veterans and Service leavers.
We do endeavour to respond to all candidates on an individual basis. Therefore we do ask for your co-operation and patience whilst the short listing process takes place. After the closing date please ensure you check your emails (including junk mail) regularly as contact is usually made via this method.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Service Delivery
Assess the clinical needs for the patient, ensuring utilisation of the triage tools (NHSP / PaCCs) to support critical thinking and clinical judgement.
o Analysis and prioritisation of the verbal information obtained
o The selection, critical analysis and use of available clinical and health resources to inform clinical decision making and identify potential options for the patients.
o Referral onto a range of other services via the DoS/ electronic referral system.
- Utilisation of AccuRx video consultation to support decision making during triage process.
Identify and take appropriate actions to address risks to the patient, with appropriate onward referral to include safeguarding if required.
- Work independently and contribute to the workstreams of the EOC to ensure the delivery of a consistently high level of service. This will include:
o Taking responsibility and being accountable for managing own workload, risk assessment and management, acting within professional codes and guidelines, and local policies, procedures and guidelines and referring appropriately to the clinical Navigator for advice and support.
o Identifying issues which may negatively impact upon service delivery and reporting these on to the clinical Navigator in a timely fashion
Maintain contemporaneous records of the consultation and action taken using the computer software and where necessary written records, in line with NMC / HCPC Standards of Proficiency and local policies, guidelines and procedures.
- Remain focused on the delivery of an excellent service within an unpredictable, diverse and challenging workload.
- Support new and lesser-qualified staff whilst taking full Clinical Responsibility.
- Supporting other clinicians, or liaising with other specialised clinicians to provide the most appropriate outcome for the patient.
- To enable patients to carry out self-care as appropriate through the effective communication of evidence-based health care advice.
- To carry out audit activities on an ongoing basis to ensure continuous development and improvement of a quality service in line with the clinical governance agenda.
- To promote effective communication and networking within the team.
- Facilitate clear patient pathways through primary, community, secondary and tertiary care.
- Take a person-centred approach to service delivery, based on clear understanding and experience of the modes for service delivery.
- Be responsible and accountable for assessing health and / or social needs of patients using agreed clinical protocols and clinical guidelines
- To work closely with all clinicians in the provision of quality, evidence-based care to patients.
Communication
- Work effectively as a team member, supporting and communicating with other professional colleagues and clinicians.
- Use critical thinking and effective communication skills to holistically assess patients needs and determine relevant cultural, social, economic factors in a respectful and non-judgemental manner.
- Provide a professional, courteous and efficient telephone service consistent with organisational standards for patients seeking assistance from the Trust, always managing calls in a professional and reassuring manner
- Utilise advanced listening, probing and facilitative skills across a diverse range of calls, some of which may be highly challenging due to emotive circumstances, communication difficulties and caller anxiety.
- Utilise complex communication skills to negotiate and provide support to patients who may be non-compliant with the recommended outcomes
- Utilise translation services, communication aids and other resources, to barriers to communication and understanding
Effectively use a range of communication methods (e.g. telephone, email, electronic referral - CAD Portal and report writing) to facilitate communication at all levels within and external to the Trust.
- Ensure that identified lines of communication are maintained with patients, colleagues and external agencies to demonstrate politeness and courtesy and sensitivity promoting the corporate image of WMAS
- Communicate and liaise with all healthcare staff as required.
- Play a role in ensuring that team members are aware of local and general Health & Safety matters, Clinical Governance and other on-going issues, which arise including patient safety issues.
- Demonstrate the ability to be able to motivate and persuade others through advanced communication skills.
Education, Training and Development
- Complete full NHSP course to include clinical element, along with the completion of cleric workshop and PaCCs training.
Actively participate in the individual annual review process (PDR)
Actively participate in individual and service performance reviews (1-1)
In conjunction with line manager take responsibility for identifying and addressing personal/professional development needs in line with service requirements and to meet the requirements of professional registration
- Contribute to the development of a learning environment in which organisational and professional development can flourish
- Support new staff in their development and participate in supervision, teaching, and mentorship to help new staff develop and achieve competency to perform their role
- Attend statutory, mandatory and any other relevant training courses/updates, to include, NHSP updates, EOC Mandatory training updates, Operational clinical updates (paramedics to include CS Day).
- Share and utilise professional knowledge, skills and expertise with colleagues to enhance the service delivered to patients
- Work within the professional Code of Conduct and other directives as defined by the HCPC or NMC.
Undertake appropriate personal and professional development to meet the requirements of CPD / HCPC / NMC Registration.
Demonstrate a clear understanding of the accountability and legal implications of the Nurse / Paramedic triage role.
- Apply up to date research-based findings to Nurse / Paramedic practice, thus ensuring best evidence-based practice is followed.
- Show commitment to lifelong learning and a learning environment through personal example and dissemination of skills, attitude and knowledge to others.
Information Management and Technology
Maintain confidentiality in relation to all information governance requirements, ensuring that data is only disclosed in compliance with such
Identify and appropriately use information sources to support and underpin clinical decision making
Develop and maintain knowledge and competence in computer skills to access software applications, databases, documents, email and approved intranet / internet resources.
Develop and maintain knowledge and competence in using telephony.
Governance, Quality and Service Development
- Contribute to the achievement of service standards and performance requirements by participating in regular quality monitoring and individual performance reviews
- Attend and contribute to meetings, workshops and other groups in order to support the on-going development of the service, as well as the requirement for the postholder to plan activities for staff to further assisting learning.
- Participate in audit, customer satisfaction programmes, research and other quality improvement activities
- Participate in the investigation of incidents, complaints and other issues as required
- Adhere to organisational policies, procedures and guidelines
- Adhere to professional codes of conduct and guidelines
- Contribute to the development of organisational policies, procedures and guidelines for own work area.
- Promote clinical excellence and best evidence practice.
- Act responsibly as an employee to maintain a safe and healthy environment for service users, visitors and staff.
- Reporting any incidents as per local guidelines.
- Advocate for patients where feedback has been received.
- Participate and assist in the systematic monitoring, review and evaluation of nursing practice through clinical audit.
- Participate and assist in the setting of standards of patient care based on sound research findings.
- Work within WMASs Clinical Governance framework.
- Take a personal responsibility to maintain HCPC / NMC registration and professional development in line with the expectations of the role.
- Maintain confidentiality of information regarding patients, families and friends at all times.
- Participates in the reporting of Clinical and Non-Clinical Risk Assessments and incidents.
Be conversant and comply with WMASs Health and Safety Policy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Service Delivery
Assess the clinical needs for the patient, ensuring utilisation of the triage tools (NHSP / PaCCs) to support critical thinking and clinical judgement.
o Analysis and prioritisation of the verbal information obtained
o The selection, critical analysis and use of available clinical and health resources to inform clinical decision making and identify potential options for the patients.
o Referral onto a range of other services via the DoS/ electronic referral system.
- Utilisation of AccuRx video consultation to support decision making during triage process.
Identify and take appropriate actions to address risks to the patient, with appropriate onward referral to include safeguarding if required.
- Work independently and contribute to the workstreams of the EOC to ensure the delivery of a consistently high level of service. This will include:
o Taking responsibility and being accountable for managing own workload, risk assessment and management, acting within professional codes and guidelines, and local policies, procedures and guidelines and referring appropriately to the clinical Navigator for advice and support.
o Identifying issues which may negatively impact upon service delivery and reporting these on to the clinical Navigator in a timely fashion
Maintain contemporaneous records of the consultation and action taken using the computer software and where necessary written records, in line with NMC / HCPC Standards of Proficiency and local policies, guidelines and procedures.
- Remain focused on the delivery of an excellent service within an unpredictable, diverse and challenging workload.
- Support new and lesser-qualified staff whilst taking full Clinical Responsibility.
- Supporting other clinicians, or liaising with other specialised clinicians to provide the most appropriate outcome for the patient.
- To enable patients to carry out self-care as appropriate through the effective communication of evidence-based health care advice.
- To carry out audit activities on an ongoing basis to ensure continuous development and improvement of a quality service in line with the clinical governance agenda.
- To promote effective communication and networking within the team.
- Facilitate clear patient pathways through primary, community, secondary and tertiary care.
- Take a person-centred approach to service delivery, based on clear understanding and experience of the modes for service delivery.
- Be responsible and accountable for assessing health and / or social needs of patients using agreed clinical protocols and clinical guidelines
- To work closely with all clinicians in the provision of quality, evidence-based care to patients.
Communication
- Work effectively as a team member, supporting and communicating with other professional colleagues and clinicians.
- Use critical thinking and effective communication skills to holistically assess patients needs and determine relevant cultural, social, economic factors in a respectful and non-judgemental manner.
- Provide a professional, courteous and efficient telephone service consistent with organisational standards for patients seeking assistance from the Trust, always managing calls in a professional and reassuring manner
- Utilise advanced listening, probing and facilitative skills across a diverse range of calls, some of which may be highly challenging due to emotive circumstances, communication difficulties and caller anxiety.
- Utilise complex communication skills to negotiate and provide support to patients who may be non-compliant with the recommended outcomes
- Utilise translation services, communication aids and other resources, to barriers to communication and understanding
Effectively use a range of communication methods (e.g. telephone, email, electronic referral - CAD Portal and report writing) to facilitate communication at all levels within and external to the Trust.
- Ensure that identified lines of communication are maintained with patients, colleagues and external agencies to demonstrate politeness and courtesy and sensitivity promoting the corporate image of WMAS
- Communicate and liaise with all healthcare staff as required.
- Play a role in ensuring that team members are aware of local and general Health & Safety matters, Clinical Governance and other on-going issues, which arise including patient safety issues.
- Demonstrate the ability to be able to motivate and persuade others through advanced communication skills.
Education, Training and Development
- Complete full NHSP course to include clinical element, along with the completion of cleric workshop and PaCCs training.
Actively participate in the individual annual review process (PDR)
Actively participate in individual and service performance reviews (1-1)
In conjunction with line manager take responsibility for identifying and addressing personal/professional development needs in line with service requirements and to meet the requirements of professional registration
- Contribute to the development of a learning environment in which organisational and professional development can flourish
- Support new staff in their development and participate in supervision, teaching, and mentorship to help new staff develop and achieve competency to perform their role
- Attend statutory, mandatory and any other relevant training courses/updates, to include, NHSP updates, EOC Mandatory training updates, Operational clinical updates (paramedics to include CS Day).
- Share and utilise professional knowledge, skills and expertise with colleagues to enhance the service delivered to patients
- Work within the professional Code of Conduct and other directives as defined by the HCPC or NMC.
Undertake appropriate personal and professional development to meet the requirements of CPD / HCPC / NMC Registration.
Demonstrate a clear understanding of the accountability and legal implications of the Nurse / Paramedic triage role.
- Apply up to date research-based findings to Nurse / Paramedic practice, thus ensuring best evidence-based practice is followed.
- Show commitment to lifelong learning and a learning environment through personal example and dissemination of skills, attitude and knowledge to others.
Information Management and Technology
Maintain confidentiality in relation to all information governance requirements, ensuring that data is only disclosed in compliance with such
Identify and appropriately use information sources to support and underpin clinical decision making
Develop and maintain knowledge and competence in computer skills to access software applications, databases, documents, email and approved intranet / internet resources.
Develop and maintain knowledge and competence in using telephony.
Governance, Quality and Service Development
- Contribute to the achievement of service standards and performance requirements by participating in regular quality monitoring and individual performance reviews
- Attend and contribute to meetings, workshops and other groups in order to support the on-going development of the service, as well as the requirement for the postholder to plan activities for staff to further assisting learning.
- Participate in audit, customer satisfaction programmes, research and other quality improvement activities
- Participate in the investigation of incidents, complaints and other issues as required
- Adhere to organisational policies, procedures and guidelines
- Adhere to professional codes of conduct and guidelines
- Contribute to the development of organisational policies, procedures and guidelines for own work area.
- Promote clinical excellence and best evidence practice.
- Act responsibly as an employee to maintain a safe and healthy environment for service users, visitors and staff.
- Reporting any incidents as per local guidelines.
- Advocate for patients where feedback has been received.
- Participate and assist in the systematic monitoring, review and evaluation of nursing practice through clinical audit.
- Participate and assist in the setting of standards of patient care based on sound research findings.
- Work within WMASs Clinical Governance framework.
- Take a personal responsibility to maintain HCPC / NMC registration and professional development in line with the expectations of the role.
- Maintain confidentiality of information regarding patients, families and friends at all times.
- Participates in the reporting of Clinical and Non-Clinical Risk Assessments and incidents.
Be conversant and comply with WMASs Health and Safety Policy.
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Comprehensive knowledge of NHS environment nationally and locally
- Excellent clinical knowledge
- Evidence of autonomous working and the skills in mental health assessment required, diagnosis and treatment by use of portfolio
- Confident in the safe and appropriate assessment and management of psychosocial risk.
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrable critical reasoning skills and decision making
- Demonstrable evidence of multi-professional / multi-agency working
- Ability to prioritise patient care
- Fully understanding of equal opportunities, diversity and cultural issue which may arise in the role.
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or possessing work experience demonstrating graduate level ability.
- HCPC Registered Paramedic, NMC Registered Mental Health Nurse or similarly registered Healthcare Professional (2-3 years, must have completed NQP consolidation period)
- Minimum of 2 years post registration & autonomous clinical practice or equivalent experience within an appropriate mental health setting.
- Postgraduate training to gain further specialist knowledge / experience.
- Understanding of Integrated Governance
- Evidence of extended specialist Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
Experience
Essential
- Autonomous experience in nursing or paramedic delivery within emergency and urgent care environments.
- Experience of working autonomously.
- Evidence of mentoring and assessing others.
- Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team.
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Comprehensive knowledge of NHS environment nationally and locally
- Excellent clinical knowledge
- Evidence of autonomous working and the skills in mental health assessment required, diagnosis and treatment by use of portfolio
- Confident in the safe and appropriate assessment and management of psychosocial risk.
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrable critical reasoning skills and decision making
- Demonstrable evidence of multi-professional / multi-agency working
- Ability to prioritise patient care
- Fully understanding of equal opportunities, diversity and cultural issue which may arise in the role.
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or possessing work experience demonstrating graduate level ability.
- HCPC Registered Paramedic, NMC Registered Mental Health Nurse or similarly registered Healthcare Professional (2-3 years, must have completed NQP consolidation period)
- Minimum of 2 years post registration & autonomous clinical practice or equivalent experience within an appropriate mental health setting.
- Postgraduate training to gain further specialist knowledge / experience.
- Understanding of Integrated Governance
- Evidence of extended specialist Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
Experience
Essential
- Autonomous experience in nursing or paramedic delivery within emergency and urgent care environments.
- Experience of working autonomously.
- Evidence of mentoring and assessing others.
- Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team.
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).
