Assistant Practitioner (AHP)
The closing date is 22 January 2026
Job summary
We are looking to appoint a motivated support worker to work on the exciting NIHR funded Mouth Matters in Mental Health Study. People with severe mental health difficulties (e.g. psychosis, bipolar disorder) often experience poor oral health and find it difficult to attend the dentist. This project aims to improve access to dental services in people with severe mental health difficulties. Our ultimate aim is to reduce health inequalities in people with mental health difficulties.
The support worker would receive training and supervision to deliver a 'link work intervention' offering practical and motivational support to people with severe mental health difficulties around attending a dentist. This is an excellent opportunity to develop research and clinical skills, and work with a multidisciplinary research team that includes clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and dentists. Recruitment can take place across CNTW community services, but will start in the North Locality, and moving to other localities if required to meet the recruitment target of 4 people per month. The funding is for a whole-time worker, but we will discuss with candidates whether their preference is for a whole-time post, with one link worker travelling across the trust, or 2 half time posts, with each worker having designated localities. The position is for 34 months and could be a secondment or fixed-term contract. We are keen to support the ongoing career development of the post holder.
Main duties of the job
- To deliver a link work intervention to people with severe mental health difficulties.
- To support people with mental health difficulties to access a dentist by offering low-level psychological techniques, motivational interviewing, and practical support.
- To engage and work with service users with severe mental health difficulties.
- To liaise with clinical teams and senior management to gain support in the implementation of the intervention.
- To liaise with study partners to ensure the smooth running of the project.
- To maintain high standards of good clinical and research practice.
- To develop skills and competencies to support the delivery of the duties outlined in this job description.
- To contribute to team and service meetings.
- To carry out any other duties, appropriate to the role, as required by Research & Development Department and/or Project team.
- To complete mandatory and additional required training.
About us
We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.
Details
Date posted
08 January 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
34 months
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Job share
Reference number
263-SS26-005-JW
Job locations
St Nicholas Hospital
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 3XT
Employer details
Employer name
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust
Address
St Nicholas Hospital
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 3XT
Employer's website
https://www.cntw.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
