Community Psychiatric Nurse

South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust

The closing date is 14 May 2025

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic Community Primary Nurse to work across the Older People's Recovery Support Team and Community Behaviour and Support Communication Service in Wandsworth. The BACSS team, part of Wandsworth Older People's Services, collaborates closely with the Older People's CMHT, Wandsworth Memory Assessment Service, and Wandsworth Community Behaviour and Communication Support Service (CBACSS), along with primary care, health, and voluntary sector agencies.

We conduct holistic assessments to understand behaviours as attempts to communicate unmet needs like meaningful activity, privacy, dignity, independence, social engagement, or pain relief. We liaise with residents' next of kin to understand their personal history and important relationships. Based on our assessments, we help care home staff implement person-centred psychosocial interventions to meet these needs, aiming to reduce challenging behaviours and improve residents' quality of life.

Main duties of the job

You will be responsible for providing high-quality care coordination for clients with dementia who display challenging behaviours. Your role will involve conducting robust holistic assessments, formulating and aiding the implementation of care plans, and managing a defined caseload under the supervision of a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

The post holder will work as part of a multi-professional team and will be responsible for providing high quality care co-ordination for clients displaying behaviours that challenge people with dementia and their carers by providing robust holistic assessments and formulating and aiding implementation of care plans. The post holder will care co-ordinate and manage a defined caseload under the supervision of the Clinical nurse specialist perspective to the formulation of challenging behaviours, using meaningful occupation/ activities as an intervention. The post holder will play a significant role in team discussions relating to clinical work, take part in the service duty rota and will participate in audit/ research projects associated with the work of the service when required.

About us

We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.

We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.

This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services as we invest a further £120m to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027.

We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.

We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.

Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.

About our locations:

Springfield University Hospital, Tooting

Date posted

02 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£44,806 to £53,134 a year pro rata per annum inclusive of inner London HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

294-MHCA-7186080-JB

Job locations

Springfield University Hospital

15 Springfield Drive

London

SW17 0YF


Job description

Job responsibilities

Working autonomously within the parameters of the role leading and supporting junior staff and wider care team to implement the delivery of quality nursing care, contributing to the physical, psychological, social, recreational and spiritual care in a recovery-focused way through therapeutic engagement and activities, and taking steps to address any issues that arise.

Leading and supporting/teaching junior staff on risk assessment and risk management that involves making decisions based on knowledge of the research evidence, knowledge of the individual service user and their socialcontext, knowledge of the service users own experience and clinical judgment.

Advocating for service users needs and rights within Trust policy. Encouraging and empowering service users to have an optimum level of responsibility for their individual programme of care.

Demonstrating an enhanced understanding of Mental Health signs and symptoms and an understanding of how these may present in practice including recognition of impact on patient presentation and behaviour including risk factors. Supporting and teaching junior staff to develop understanding of mental health signs and symptoms and develop appropriate responses to these in practice.

Recognising and responding appropriately to challenging behaviour in line with Trust policies and training. Leading and coordinating junior staff and the wider care team in the management of difficult situations and de-escalation anddeveloping resilience and strategies to manage, including on leading staff and patient de-briefing sessions.

Demonstrating a depth of knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty and other legislation applicable to the practice area and how they are implemented in practice ensuring adherence to legislation at all times. Teaching junior staff to understand the legal frameworks that support their practice.

Contributing to an effective communication process with appropriate and accurate information to patients, carers, family, friends and colleagues. Engaging and listening carefully and actively, and responding using appropriatelanguage and accessible communication methods and skills. Developing communication skills to enable and support difficult conversations, acknowledging cultural differences and professional boundaries.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Working autonomously within the parameters of the role leading and supporting junior staff and wider care team to implement the delivery of quality nursing care, contributing to the physical, psychological, social, recreational and spiritual care in a recovery-focused way through therapeutic engagement and activities, and taking steps to address any issues that arise.

Leading and supporting/teaching junior staff on risk assessment and risk management that involves making decisions based on knowledge of the research evidence, knowledge of the individual service user and their socialcontext, knowledge of the service users own experience and clinical judgment.

Advocating for service users needs and rights within Trust policy. Encouraging and empowering service users to have an optimum level of responsibility for their individual programme of care.

Demonstrating an enhanced understanding of Mental Health signs and symptoms and an understanding of how these may present in practice including recognition of impact on patient presentation and behaviour including risk factors. Supporting and teaching junior staff to develop understanding of mental health signs and symptoms and develop appropriate responses to these in practice.

Recognising and responding appropriately to challenging behaviour in line with Trust policies and training. Leading and coordinating junior staff and the wider care team in the management of difficult situations and de-escalation anddeveloping resilience and strategies to manage, including on leading staff and patient de-briefing sessions.

Demonstrating a depth of knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty and other legislation applicable to the practice area and how they are implemented in practice ensuring adherence to legislation at all times. Teaching junior staff to understand the legal frameworks that support their practice.

Contributing to an effective communication process with appropriate and accurate information to patients, carers, family, friends and colleagues. Engaging and listening carefully and actively, and responding using appropriatelanguage and accessible communication methods and skills. Developing communication skills to enable and support difficult conversations, acknowledging cultural differences and professional boundaries.

Person Specification

Education and Qualification

Essential

  • Registered Adult Nurse and/or Registered Mental Health Nurse and/or Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse
  • Mentorship qualification

Desirable

  • Master's degree

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

  • Experience of researchbased/reflective practice, e.g. understanding and ability to use supervision to reflect on skills, attitude and knowledge and develop these by using evidence based practice
  • Significant relevant clinical experience
  • Evidence of continuing professional development
  • Experience as a preceptor / mentor
  • Knowledge of clinical governance and audit
  • Knowledge of relevant Professional and Clinical legislation

Desirable

  • Experience of taking responsibility for a ward / clinical unit.
  • Experience of engaging / supporting clinical research projects
  • Experience of supporting practice development in clinical areas

Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Able to provide quality care that is responsive to service user's needs, without close supervision
  • Resilient: able to cope with difficult interpersonal situations.
  • Self-aware, self-confident and intrinsically motivated to do a good job and to motivate others
  • Forms very effective working relationships with colleagues
  • Advocates for all individuals, particularly those with protected characteristics; promotes equality and diversity

Desirable

  • Problem solving, ability to identify problems, review options and take appropriate action without a predetermined framework
Person Specification

Education and Qualification

Essential

  • Registered Adult Nurse and/or Registered Mental Health Nurse and/or Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse
  • Mentorship qualification

Desirable

  • Master's degree

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

  • Experience of researchbased/reflective practice, e.g. understanding and ability to use supervision to reflect on skills, attitude and knowledge and develop these by using evidence based practice
  • Significant relevant clinical experience
  • Evidence of continuing professional development
  • Experience as a preceptor / mentor
  • Knowledge of clinical governance and audit
  • Knowledge of relevant Professional and Clinical legislation

Desirable

  • Experience of taking responsibility for a ward / clinical unit.
  • Experience of engaging / supporting clinical research projects
  • Experience of supporting practice development in clinical areas

Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Able to provide quality care that is responsive to service user's needs, without close supervision
  • Resilient: able to cope with difficult interpersonal situations.
  • Self-aware, self-confident and intrinsically motivated to do a good job and to motivate others
  • Forms very effective working relationships with colleagues
  • Advocates for all individuals, particularly those with protected characteristics; promotes equality and diversity

Desirable

  • Problem solving, ability to identify problems, review options and take appropriate action without a predetermined framework

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust

Address

Springfield University Hospital

15 Springfield Drive

London

SW17 0YF


Employer's website

https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust

Address

Springfield University Hospital

15 Springfield Drive

London

SW17 0YF


Employer's website

https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

Team Manager

Louie Holiva

louie.holiva@swlstg.nhs.uk

Date posted

02 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£44,806 to £53,134 a year pro rata per annum inclusive of inner London HCAS

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

294-MHCA-7186080-JB

Job locations

Springfield University Hospital

15 Springfield Drive

London

SW17 0YF


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)