Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

HOPE(S) Specialist Practitioner

The closing date is 18 November 2025

Job summary

This is an opportunity for a highly skilled, values driven leader to play a pivotal role in reducing restrictive practices; in particular, long-term segregation and to maintain a pathway which prevents escalation to secure services and enables a position of hospital avoidance, directing people to a community-based pathway. This role is for two years, and the expectation is that the specialist practitioner will be instrumental in the long-term embedding of the HOPE(S) clinical model of care in clinical practice.

Humber Coast and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and Lead Provider Collaborative and South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board have collaborated with Mersey Care NHS Foundation trust to continue to build on the successful HOPE(S) programme following the national improvement programme to reduce long-term segregation and overall reliance on restrictive practices with children and young people, autistic adults and people with a learning disability.

We are recruiting a HOPE(S) specialist practitioner at AfC Band 8b who will join the team and help support the regional delivery of the HOPE(S) programme. The programme will be delivered through Humber Coast and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and Lead Provider Collaborative and South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board to support providers to work in a human rights and trauma informed way that reduces restrictive practices, prevents harm and prevent escalation in services.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will support the programme to deliver the HOPE(S) clinical model of care through the delivery of training and practice leadership. The post holder will support teams by providing intensive support and consultancy as required to patients prioritised by the key stakeholders in the system. Also provide clinical supervision and facilitate reflective practice to clinical practitioners.

Applicants must hold a professional registration e.g. Applied Psychologist with professional registration with the HCPC, Registered Learning Disability/Mental Health Nurse or an Allied Health Professional. Applicants must also have a minimum of 3 years' experience in clinical practice at a senior level. The post holder must have strong human-rights based values and be able to demonstrate this in their current practice. The post holder should be person focused, with a strong track record of using practice leadership and collaborative interdisciplinary approaches to improve care for people in services.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate advanced competence in highly complex decision-making, assessment and the management of clinical needs to offer a systemic approach to teams. The post holder requires an in-depth knowledge of complex clinical care with significant evidence of post-registration development activity.

About us

Mersey Care is one of the largest trusts providing physical health and mental health services in the North West, serving more than 1.4 million people across our region and are also commissioned for services that cover the North West, North Wales and the Midlands.

We offer specialist inpatient and community services that support physical and mental health and specialist inpatient mental health, learning disability, addiction and brain injury services. Mersey Care is one of only three trusts in the UK that offer high secure mental health facilities.

At the heart of all we do is our commitment to 'perfect care' - care that is safe, effective, positively experienced, timely, equitable and efficient. We support our staff to do the best job they can and work alongside service users, their families, and carers to design and develop future services together. We're currently delivering a programme of organisational and service transformation to significantly improve the quality of the services we provide and safely reduce cost as we do so.

Flexible working requests will be considered for all roles.

Details

Date posted

30 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£64,455 to £74,896 a year per annum

Contract

Secondment

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

350-TWS7554556

Job locations

North East & Yorkshire region

Home address

Home town

L31 1HW


Job description

Job responsibilities

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIESClinical, Managerial and Education

  1. To work as HOPE(S) Specialist Practitioner across the geographical area commissioned by the ICBs/LPC and with patients from that area receiving care elsewhere.2. To formulate, implement and evaluate interventions which will include incident management to support the clinical pathway for patients and service users in long term segregation.3. To support the continuous development of the programme and education programme that meets ICB, LPC and CPD accreditation standards.4. To enhance service user experience by monitoring and developing service user feedback and engagement at ward level and across the ICBs and LPCs.5. Support on the development and evaluate policies \ protocols for reducing restrictive practice.6. To demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills within a defined area of clinical expertise.7. To critically appraise, evaluate and apply knowledge of theoretical frameworks and research evidence within a specialist area of practice.8. To liaise and develop partnerships with other services / agencies as required.9. Evaluate clinical practice through audit of service and practice standards, developing and managing strategies that address any shortfalls.10. Ensure the development and delivery of relevant training programmes, including the development ofco-produced programmes, for both staff and patient, reflect service need and development.11. Ensure supervision and reflective practiced standards are adhered to and address shortfalls where necessary.12. Ensure the PACE process is robust, ensuring systems are in place to enhance the skills and capabilities to deliver high standards of care.13. To provide verbal or written reports as requested by the Centre for Perfect Care Leads Meeting, Commissioners and regulatory bodies.14. To identify areas for service development in your area of responsibility.15. To ensure and support clinical staff in monitoring, auditing and developing clinical practice in line withthe HOPE(S) model of care and service improvement initiatives.16. To adhere to relevant Mersey Care Policies reporting to Mersey Care as the employer any failures in adherence to Trust Policy.17. To contribute to the development of Policies and Guidelines.18. To maintain the high standards in clinical expertise that this role requires.19. To maintain, monitor and present data relating to the role.20. To be consistent and active in evaluating the effectiveness of the role.21. Ensure the development and promotion of reducing restrictive practice/ clinical research across theICBs and LPCs.22. Participate in clinical research as necessary whilst ensuring adherence to ethical practice.23. To participate in service meetings.24. To offer and participate in regular systematic supervision.25. Establish priorities and organise workload to ensure effective use of time.26. Ensure systematic records of interventions and progress are kept, and that written reports are provided for relevant returns.27. Produce full evaluation of service and its impact on an annual basis.28. Support Associate Director for the HOPE(S) programme in delivering required objectives and developing the national programme including involvement in clinical governance at a senior level.

Organisational

29. To adhere to the NHSEs Organisations rights-based approach, taking into account service user experience.30. To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and any others that may be affected by your acts and omissions at work. To participate in appropriate assessments and action plans toaddress any issues affecting the safety of staff or service users.31. To ensure that you are familiar with the terms and conditions of your post.32. To ensure that all incidents or near misses are documented as per Trust / Organisational Policy and to take appropriate action to minimise/remove risk of repeated errors.

Professional and Quality

33. To ensure acceptable standards of practice are maintained and evaluated.34. Ensure confidentiality is maintained in line with Trust / Organisational Policy.35. Ensure clear personal objective are identified.36. Be aware of and keep up to date with advances in clinical practice and interventions linked to the role.37. Ensure staff appraisals are embedded in service, providing outcomes from appraisals to inform training requirements and support service development.38. To provide a high standard of professional conduct and care at all times in accordance with the relevant professional bodies.39. To comply with the requirement of the Mental Health Act (1983) and work within the Code of Practice Guidelines.40. To be aware and adhere to all guidelines, protocols and processes relating to clinical care.41. To attend relevant meetings, courses, seminars so as to keep up to date professionally.42. Analyse critically, sources of information that inform decision making in relation to non-medical prescribing.43. To be responsible for maintaining own professional qualifications and maintain a contemporary knowledge of professional practice issues.44. To participate as a supervisor and supervisee within the Trusts PerformanceManagement/Supervision framework. To work towards and help others work towards goals and objectives, as agreed in Personal Development Plans.45. To undertake mandatory training as stipulated by the Trust.

Job description

Job responsibilities

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIESClinical, Managerial and Education

  1. To work as HOPE(S) Specialist Practitioner across the geographical area commissioned by the ICBs/LPC and with patients from that area receiving care elsewhere.2. To formulate, implement and evaluate interventions which will include incident management to support the clinical pathway for patients and service users in long term segregation.3. To support the continuous development of the programme and education programme that meets ICB, LPC and CPD accreditation standards.4. To enhance service user experience by monitoring and developing service user feedback and engagement at ward level and across the ICBs and LPCs.5. Support on the development and evaluate policies \ protocols for reducing restrictive practice.6. To demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills within a defined area of clinical expertise.7. To critically appraise, evaluate and apply knowledge of theoretical frameworks and research evidence within a specialist area of practice.8. To liaise and develop partnerships with other services / agencies as required.9. Evaluate clinical practice through audit of service and practice standards, developing and managing strategies that address any shortfalls.10. Ensure the development and delivery of relevant training programmes, including the development ofco-produced programmes, for both staff and patient, reflect service need and development.11. Ensure supervision and reflective practiced standards are adhered to and address shortfalls where necessary.12. Ensure the PACE process is robust, ensuring systems are in place to enhance the skills and capabilities to deliver high standards of care.13. To provide verbal or written reports as requested by the Centre for Perfect Care Leads Meeting, Commissioners and regulatory bodies.14. To identify areas for service development in your area of responsibility.15. To ensure and support clinical staff in monitoring, auditing and developing clinical practice in line withthe HOPE(S) model of care and service improvement initiatives.16. To adhere to relevant Mersey Care Policies reporting to Mersey Care as the employer any failures in adherence to Trust Policy.17. To contribute to the development of Policies and Guidelines.18. To maintain the high standards in clinical expertise that this role requires.19. To maintain, monitor and present data relating to the role.20. To be consistent and active in evaluating the effectiveness of the role.21. Ensure the development and promotion of reducing restrictive practice/ clinical research across theICBs and LPCs.22. Participate in clinical research as necessary whilst ensuring adherence to ethical practice.23. To participate in service meetings.24. To offer and participate in regular systematic supervision.25. Establish priorities and organise workload to ensure effective use of time.26. Ensure systematic records of interventions and progress are kept, and that written reports are provided for relevant returns.27. Produce full evaluation of service and its impact on an annual basis.28. Support Associate Director for the HOPE(S) programme in delivering required objectives and developing the national programme including involvement in clinical governance at a senior level.

Organisational

29. To adhere to the NHSEs Organisations rights-based approach, taking into account service user experience.30. To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and any others that may be affected by your acts and omissions at work. To participate in appropriate assessments and action plans toaddress any issues affecting the safety of staff or service users.31. To ensure that you are familiar with the terms and conditions of your post.32. To ensure that all incidents or near misses are documented as per Trust / Organisational Policy and to take appropriate action to minimise/remove risk of repeated errors.

Professional and Quality

33. To ensure acceptable standards of practice are maintained and evaluated.34. Ensure confidentiality is maintained in line with Trust / Organisational Policy.35. Ensure clear personal objective are identified.36. Be aware of and keep up to date with advances in clinical practice and interventions linked to the role.37. Ensure staff appraisals are embedded in service, providing outcomes from appraisals to inform training requirements and support service development.38. To provide a high standard of professional conduct and care at all times in accordance with the relevant professional bodies.39. To comply with the requirement of the Mental Health Act (1983) and work within the Code of Practice Guidelines.40. To be aware and adhere to all guidelines, protocols and processes relating to clinical care.41. To attend relevant meetings, courses, seminars so as to keep up to date professionally.42. Analyse critically, sources of information that inform decision making in relation to non-medical prescribing.43. To be responsible for maintaining own professional qualifications and maintain a contemporary knowledge of professional practice issues.44. To participate as a supervisor and supervisee within the Trusts PerformanceManagement/Supervision framework. To work towards and help others work towards goals and objectives, as agreed in Personal Development Plans.45. To undertake mandatory training as stipulated by the Trust.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Professional Registration e.g. Registered Nurse Mental Health
  • Educated to or working towards Masters degree or equivalent level
  • Post-graduate doctoral level training in clinical psychology accredited by the BPS, or its approved equivalent and professional registration with the HCPC
  • Demonstrable experience in clinical practice at a senior level
  • Evidence of post registration study / continuing professional development at masters level or equivalent

Knowledge/Experience

Essential

  • A demonstrated understanding of Equality and Human Rights
  • The post holder would be expected to have extensive abilities in delivering innovation and quality in clinical practice in a range of specialties, demonstrating leadership skills, change management expertise and the delivery of clinical developments that have tangible results for patients
  • Experience of Consultancy on complex cases and service improvement
  • Will have experience of promoting clinical effectiveness & standards setting via audit & governance frameworks
  • Will also be able to demonstrate training and teaching expertise in applied settings
  • Will be service user focused with a track record that includes examples of clinical practice that have required collaborative interdisciplinary work to improve adult services
  • Will require an in-depth knowledge of clinical care with significant evidence of post-registration development activity
  • Must be able to demonstrate a commitment to service user involvement
  • Be able to work autonomously in a self-motivating style
  • Computer literate with a working knowledge of standard formats including spreadsheets and data management

Values

Essential

  • Continuous Improvement
  • Accountability
  • Respectfulness
  • Enthusiasm
  • Support
  • High professional standards
  • Responsive to service users
  • Engaging leadership style
  • Strong customer service belief
  • Transparency and honesty
  • Discreet
  • Change oriented

Skills

Essential

  • Ability to exercise a high degree of personal and professional autonomy and critical judgement
  • Ability to undertake research and record of scholarship
  • Ability to disseminate in a professional manner to a range of professionals at regional and national level as evidenced by presentations at conference and/or publications in peer reviewed journals
  • Will possess excellent leadership and communication skills
  • oHighly effective interpersonal skills and will be a recognisable role model for staff and patients
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Professional Registration e.g. Registered Nurse Mental Health
  • Educated to or working towards Masters degree or equivalent level
  • Post-graduate doctoral level training in clinical psychology accredited by the BPS, or its approved equivalent and professional registration with the HCPC
  • Demonstrable experience in clinical practice at a senior level
  • Evidence of post registration study / continuing professional development at masters level or equivalent

Knowledge/Experience

Essential

  • A demonstrated understanding of Equality and Human Rights
  • The post holder would be expected to have extensive abilities in delivering innovation and quality in clinical practice in a range of specialties, demonstrating leadership skills, change management expertise and the delivery of clinical developments that have tangible results for patients
  • Experience of Consultancy on complex cases and service improvement
  • Will have experience of promoting clinical effectiveness & standards setting via audit & governance frameworks
  • Will also be able to demonstrate training and teaching expertise in applied settings
  • Will be service user focused with a track record that includes examples of clinical practice that have required collaborative interdisciplinary work to improve adult services
  • Will require an in-depth knowledge of clinical care with significant evidence of post-registration development activity
  • Must be able to demonstrate a commitment to service user involvement
  • Be able to work autonomously in a self-motivating style
  • Computer literate with a working knowledge of standard formats including spreadsheets and data management

Values

Essential

  • Continuous Improvement
  • Accountability
  • Respectfulness
  • Enthusiasm
  • Support
  • High professional standards
  • Responsive to service users
  • Engaging leadership style
  • Strong customer service belief
  • Transparency and honesty
  • Discreet
  • Change oriented

Skills

Essential

  • Ability to exercise a high degree of personal and professional autonomy and critical judgement
  • Ability to undertake research and record of scholarship
  • Ability to disseminate in a professional manner to a range of professionals at regional and national level as evidenced by presentations at conference and/or publications in peer reviewed journals
  • Will possess excellent leadership and communication skills
  • oHighly effective interpersonal skills and will be a recognisable role model for staff and patients

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

Address

North East & Yorkshire region

Home address

Home town

L31 1HW


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

Address

North East & Yorkshire region

Home address

Home town

L31 1HW


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Associate Director for the HOPE(S) Programme

Danny Angus

danny.angus@merseycare.nhs.uk

01514732993

Details

Date posted

30 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£64,455 to £74,896 a year per annum

Contract

Secondment

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

350-TWS7554556

Job locations

North East & Yorkshire region

Home address

Home town

L31 1HW


Supporting documents

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