Assistant Practitioner

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

The principal purpose of the job is to improve the health & wellbeing of people with a range of mental health difficulties. This will be achieved by:

1.

Active involvement in the delivery of high quality, safe and compassionate mental health services as an effective member of the multi-disciplinary team.

July 2014 Updated April 2025

2.

Implementing specific assessment, review and care packages to individuals and groups within standard protocols, integrated care pathways and Recovery principles.

3.

Providing evidence based advice and consultancy to patients, family members/ Carers within standard protocols for care co-ordination/ care management.

4.

Organising and managing a defined caseload under distant guidance and work as lone workers where appropriate. The post holder will be accountable for their own actions within the delivery of this care.

5.

Seeking advice and expertise of a registered practitioner when required through the use of regular managerial and clinical supervision in accordance with Trust policy.

Duties and Responsibilities

Communication and Working Relationship Skills

To communicate in a skilled and respectful manner with clients, families and carers who may have specific difficulties in understanding and/or communicating and who may be distressed / present with challenging behaviour.

To participate in clinical meetings and to work collaboratively with other colleagues in the multi-disciplinary team.

To maintain appropriate professional boundaries whilst recognising abilities and limitations of own competence

To communicate complex and sensitive condition related information concerning the assessment, treatment and risk factors in relation to a range of mental health difficulties.

To establish and maintain clear and professional relationships with others at all times.

To liaise and work collaboratively with a range of other professionals in statutory and non-statutory organisations agencies.

Provide a high standard of written and verbal communication that is clear and in line with Trust documentation standards.

Analytical and Judgemental Skills

Recognise own clinical competencies, knowledge base and experience, and ensure that you practice within this and seek support as required.

To make informed and well-reasoned decisions, recognising when to seek further advice from a registered practitioner.

Undertake risk assessments and determine the appropriate course of action, which has taken into consideration a range of possible options. Where necessary, ensure that consultation with senior colleagues is undertaken

Recognise and take action to deal with any situations which may provide a conflict of interest.

Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy

To promote and uphold the privacy, dignity, rights, health and wellbeing of clients and their care givers at all times.

Responsible for the delivery of specific care packages including assessing, planning, intervention and evaluation within standard protocols and accountable for their own actions within the delivery of this care

To comply with Trust policies and procedures and the Code of Conduct for Health Care Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England.

Be able to implement a range of mental health assessments and interventions consistent with a Recovery approach where the needs of the individual and their Carers are held as central and their involvement is proactively encouraged.

Provide evidence based clinical advice in relation to the individuals in the care of the team.

Ensure that appropriate action is taken for safeguarding adults and children under the guidance of a Senior Mental Health Practitioner.

Under the direction of and upon successful completion of any required additional training, can assist (in accordance with NMC delegated authority guidance) a registered nurse to ensure that recommended physical health and other monitoring requirements of mental health medication (in line with relevant trust policy, standards and guidelines ) is completed, recorded and if necessary escalated for further action.

Under the direction of and upon successful completion of any required additional training, can assist (in accordance with NMC delegated authority guidance) a registered nurse and /or the individual in the administration of certain topical and oral medicines as per an individuals care and treatment plan. E.g. creams, eye drops, inhalers, assist in observing successful administration of medicines being administered covertly.

Maintain up to date clinical records in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with Trust policy

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience working in a range of different mental health care settings
• Working with people with challenging behaviour and complex health needs

Qualifications

Essential

• Must already hold or obtain the Care Certificate within the first 3 months of employment.
• Level 3 QCF in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification
• GCSE in Maths and English (Grade C or above) OR Level 2 Key Skills / Functional Skills in Maths and English
• If a Foundation Degree or equivalent qualification is not already obtained, to complete within 2 years of commencing employment. While undertaking the foundation degree you will be placed on a trainee contract and salary for the duration of study

Desirable

• Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care or qualification to diploma level or equivalent

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Tiverton & District Hospital

Kennedy Way

Tiverton

Devon

EX16 6NT

Employer's website

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