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Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Senior Mental Health Practitioner

The closing date is 05 October 2025

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Job summary

The Wokingham Older Adult Mental Health Service is looking for an enthusiastic, caring and highly motivated Band 6 Senior Mental Health Practitioner (Social Worker, Mental Health Nurse or Occupational Therapist) to join our friendly and innovative Home Treatment Team (HTT).

The Home Treatment Team is a multi-disciplinary team with specialist skills in caring for older people with mental health needs in the community. The successful candidate will have a shared responsible for managing the HTT caseload and tasks which are shared between the HTT practitioners on shift. You will also hold a community case load, monitoring the mental health needs of patients and working alongside their carers.

Your base would be Wokingham Community Hospital where we have access to free parking facilities, staff room and a friendly and welcoming team.

Main duties of the job

  • The successful candidate will have a shared responsible for managing the HTT caseload and tasks which are shared between the HTT practitioners on shift.

  • Hold their own community case load, monitoring the mental health needs of patients and working alongside their carers.

  • To undertake initial, comprehensive assessments in a range of settings, taking into account the person's physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs.

  • To identify and select from a range of health, social and voluntary agencies which could assist and improve the care of individuals and their families.

  • To have knowledge of a variety of therapeutic interventions including short term problem solving, crisis intervention and basic CBT techniques.

There may be an opportunity to work remotely once or twice a week in line with service and caseload needs.

About us

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.

Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:

  • Caring for and about you is our top priority
  • Committed to providing good quality, safe services
  • Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions

Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:

  • Flexible working options to support work-life balance
  • 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
  • Generous NHS pension scheme
  • Excellent learning and career development opportunities
  • 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
  • Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
  • Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
  • Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
  • Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
  • Free parking across Trust sites

Details

Date posted

26 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£40,617 to £48,778 a year per annum (inc. of HCAS)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

371-MHS868

Job locations

Wokingham Hospital

Wokingham

RG41 2RE


Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will take responsibility for the assessment and implementation of intensive care and treatment in the homes of people with functional mental health problems, as well as people with dementia.

The successful candidate will have a passion and understanding of older adults experiencing mental health difficulties. You will have the relevant experience gained over a minimum of 3 years acquired in a range of clinical settings.

The normal rota hours are either 9-5pm or 11-7pm, including weekend shifts which are 9-3pm usually once a month (Appropriate supervision will be provided for weekend cover). We would also welcome candidates who may wish to work long days / and or work their shifts flexibly across the week. There will be the opportunity for NHSP overtime to cover sickness and leave.

The must haves for this role:

  • Hold a current and relevant professional qualification (Social Worker, Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist)
  • Have the relevant 3 years clinical mental health experience
  • Be highly motivated, compassionate and demonstrate an understanding for working with older adults
  • Have excellent interpersonal skills
  • Hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a car for work purposes, including carrying patients and carers as passengers

For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.

We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.

Were committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please dont hesitate to call: Clare Bailey (Service Manager) on 0118 904 7200 or email: clare.bailey@berkshire.nhs.uk wholl be delighted to help.

Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will take responsibility for the assessment and implementation of intensive care and treatment in the homes of people with functional mental health problems, as well as people with dementia.

The successful candidate will have a passion and understanding of older adults experiencing mental health difficulties. You will have the relevant experience gained over a minimum of 3 years acquired in a range of clinical settings.

The normal rota hours are either 9-5pm or 11-7pm, including weekend shifts which are 9-3pm usually once a month (Appropriate supervision will be provided for weekend cover). We would also welcome candidates who may wish to work long days / and or work their shifts flexibly across the week. There will be the opportunity for NHSP overtime to cover sickness and leave.

The must haves for this role:

  • Hold a current and relevant professional qualification (Social Worker, Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist)
  • Have the relevant 3 years clinical mental health experience
  • Be highly motivated, compassionate and demonstrate an understanding for working with older adults
  • Have excellent interpersonal skills
  • Hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a car for work purposes, including carrying patients and carers as passengers

For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.

We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.

Were committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please dont hesitate to call: Clare Bailey (Service Manager) on 0118 904 7200 or email: clare.bailey@berkshire.nhs.uk wholl be delighted to help.

Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Person Specification

Education Qualifications Training

Essential

  • RMN or equivalent Professional Qualification (OT, SW)
  • Mentorship or equivalent.
  • Completion of post-graduate courses related to specialism e.g. Advanced Dementia Care, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Communicating & Caregiving in Dementia etc
  • Evidence of Statutory & Mandatory Courses

Experience

Essential

  • Broad experience, gained over a minimum of 3 years, acquired by caring for Older People with mental health needs in a range of clinical setting.
  • Experience in multidisciplinary working
  • Experience in the use of evidence based interventions and provision of training of these to others within the wider primary and secondary team

Desirable

  • Experiences of working in groups

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Current Government policies concerning the provision of Mental Health Care
  • CPA and Risk assessment
  • Therapeutic intervention
  • Ability to demonstrate effective team working and ability to work autonomously
  • Advanced assessment & clinical reasoning skills
  • Skilled in identifying and differentiating between a wide range of diagnoses
  • Confident to recommend treatment approaches appropriate to patients' psychological needs
  • Thorough knowledge of the network of support services for patients and carers, and the means of accessing them

Competences

Essential

  • Leadership Abilities
  • Teaching & group facilitation skills
  • Time management & workload prioritisation skills
  • Basic Computer skills

Additional Requirements

Essential

  • Valid UK licence
  • Use of Car
Person Specification

Education Qualifications Training

Essential

  • RMN or equivalent Professional Qualification (OT, SW)
  • Mentorship or equivalent.
  • Completion of post-graduate courses related to specialism e.g. Advanced Dementia Care, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Communicating & Caregiving in Dementia etc
  • Evidence of Statutory & Mandatory Courses

Experience

Essential

  • Broad experience, gained over a minimum of 3 years, acquired by caring for Older People with mental health needs in a range of clinical setting.
  • Experience in multidisciplinary working
  • Experience in the use of evidence based interventions and provision of training of these to others within the wider primary and secondary team

Desirable

  • Experiences of working in groups

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Current Government policies concerning the provision of Mental Health Care
  • CPA and Risk assessment
  • Therapeutic intervention
  • Ability to demonstrate effective team working and ability to work autonomously
  • Advanced assessment & clinical reasoning skills
  • Skilled in identifying and differentiating between a wide range of diagnoses
  • Confident to recommend treatment approaches appropriate to patients' psychological needs
  • Thorough knowledge of the network of support services for patients and carers, and the means of accessing them

Competences

Essential

  • Leadership Abilities
  • Teaching & group facilitation skills
  • Time management & workload prioritisation skills
  • Basic Computer skills

Additional Requirements

Essential

  • Valid UK licence
  • Use of Car

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

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Address

Wokingham Hospital

Wokingham

RG41 2RE


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

Address

Wokingham Hospital

Wokingham

RG41 2RE


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Joint Service Manager

Clare Bailey

clare.bailey@berkshire.nhs.uk

07917326761

Details

Date posted

26 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£40,617 to £48,778 a year per annum (inc. of HCAS)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

371-MHS868

Job locations

Wokingham Hospital

Wokingham

RG41 2RE


Supporting documents

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