Mental Health Practitioner

Mental Health Practitioner

Band 6. 12 month secondment opportunity.

Forensic Outreach Liaison

Service for people with learning disabilities and/or Autism (FOLS LD/A)

Are you a nurse or allied

health professional interested in forensic community care?

Are you passionate about

supporting individuals with a learning disability and/or autism to live safer,

fuller lives?

Do you have experience or an

interest in supporting individuals who present with behaviours that could

result in contact with the criminal justice system?

Would you like the opportunity

to transfer your skills and develop in community forensics.

If that sounds like you, we

would love to welcome you to FOLS LD/A.

Since launching in 2019, as a

tertiary service, FOLS has continued to grow into a forward-thinking,

specialist service, supporting adults with learning disabilities and/or autism

who are at risk of entering, or already involved in, the criminal justice system.

This is a role where your work

will have real impact - helping individuals, families, and systems come

together to reduce risk, build strengths, and create meaningful change.

As an MHP in FOLS you would

hold a caseload of individuals with needs across our six core functions:

forensic risk assessment, risk focused intervention, case management of the

most complex cases, training and support, advice and consultation, and transition

support from secure settings.

FOLS is a 9-5, Monday to

Friday service.

Main duties of the job

You will have a passion for working with adults

whose life experiences have often led to the development of harmful coping

styles, including causing significant harm to others.

You will be able to hold empathy whilst also

objectively assessing risk, and being able to communicate this sensitively with

the person themselves, and their professional and personal network

You will have access to meaningful supervision

and robust MDT structures, whilst working autonomously with your diary and

caseload management. You will be supported in your continuous professional

development via formal training and joint working / skill sharing with our

experienced MDT members.

Curious? Lets have a conversation

We know roles like this are unique, so I would

really encourage an informal chat if you're interested.

Nicola Hanlon - Team Manager, FOLS LD/A

Nicola.Hanlon@swyt.nhs.uk. Mobile - 07901

520635

As this is a 12-month secondment opportunity

please seek authorisation from your current manager before applying.

At

the time of advertising, this role does meet the minimum requirements set by UK

Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. We look forward

to receiving your application.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to

have their up-to-date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients.

About us

We

are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health

and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale,

Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are

the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is

to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this

by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ

staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a

difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage

diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Being

a foundation Trust means were accountable to our

members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people

(including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join

us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving

the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and

help each year.

We

are committed

to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and

vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this

commitment.

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Details

Date posted

06 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£39,959 to £48,117 a year

Contract

Secondment

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time,

Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-F0731

Job locations

Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital

Ouchthorpe Lane

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF1 3SP

United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

Has continuing responsibility for the provision of skilled interventions to people with mental health needs within a community setting. Works within a multi-disciplinary team as a member of the

Forensic Community Team and wider Forensic pathway.

Key Result Areas:

Management of own caseload in line with C.P.A. procedures and risk management protocols.

Provision of leadership to the Forensic Community Team in respect of psycho-social interventions to people and their carers in line with national and local practice standards e.g. NICE

• Supervision and support of other team members.
• Participation in service development and clinical governance structures.

Professional:

Assesses needs and identifies problems relevant to the care of people referred.

Devises a plan of care in partnership with the person and carers.

Implements the planned programme of care to ensure a high standard is achieved.

Reviews the effectiveness of the care provided and where appropriate initiates any action.

Advises and supports the person and carers to promote health and well-being and to prevent illness.

Recognises situations that may be detrimental to the health and well-being of the person and initiates action that may be required.

Establishes and maintains satisfactory communication with all agencies involved in the persons care in both hospital and community.

Functions as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

Management of enquiries and direct referrals of people in accordance with Enhanced team operational Policy and participates in the team duty rota.

Maintain professional registration and demonstrate commitment to statutory codes of practice and continued professional development requirements.

Responsible for acting up in the absence of the team leader

Administrative:

1. Maintains accurate patient care records in accordance with professional codes of conduct and trust procedures and ensures records are made available when required by the appropriate agency.

2. Participates in the formulation of policies at unit level.

3. Maintains accurate mileage records.

4. Manages caseload with due economy of cost and time.

5. Ensures safe carriage, storage and administration of drugs prescribed (registered nurses only).

6. Responsible for the ordering of stock with due economy.

7. Produces monthly statistics in line with trust directives.

8. Keeps the Management Team and colleagues informed of developments relevant to the area of responsibility.

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

Has continuing responsibility for the provision of skilled interventions to people with mental health needs within a community setting. Works within a multi-disciplinary team as a member of the

Forensic Community Team and wider Forensic pathway.

Key Result Areas:

Management of own caseload in line with C.P.A. procedures and risk management protocols.

Provision of leadership to the Forensic Community Team in respect of psycho-social interventions to people and their carers in line with national and local practice standards e.g. NICE

• Supervision and support of other team members.
• Participation in service development and clinical governance structures.

Professional:

Assesses needs and identifies problems relevant to the care of people referred.

Devises a plan of care in partnership with the person and carers.

Implements the planned programme of care to ensure a high standard is achieved.

Reviews the effectiveness of the care provided and where appropriate initiates any action.

Advises and supports the person and carers to promote health and well-being and to prevent illness.

Recognises situations that may be detrimental to the health and well-being of the person and initiates action that may be required.

Establishes and maintains satisfactory communication with all agencies involved in the persons care in both hospital and community.

Functions as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

Management of enquiries and direct referrals of people in accordance with Enhanced team operational Policy and participates in the team duty rota.

Maintain professional registration and demonstrate commitment to statutory codes of practice and continued professional development requirements.

Responsible for acting up in the absence of the team leader

Administrative:

1. Maintains accurate patient care records in accordance with professional codes of conduct and trust procedures and ensures records are made available when required by the appropriate agency.

2. Participates in the formulation of policies at unit level.

3. Maintains accurate mileage records.

4. Manages caseload with due economy of cost and time.

5. Ensures safe carriage, storage and administration of drugs prescribed (registered nurses only).

6. Responsible for the ordering of stock with due economy.

7. Produces monthly statistics in line with trust directives.

8. Keeps the Management Team and colleagues informed of developments relevant to the area of responsibility.

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Person Specification

Special Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Specialist Knowledge across a range of areas relevant to practise underpinned by theory.
• Current philosophy underpinning mental illness/learning disability community care provision.
• Experience of supporting and supervising colleagues/students/trainees.
• Experience of using IT systems to support, record and monitor clinical activity.
• Can demonstrate skills in assessing and managing risk in a variety of settings.
• Proven ability in assessing the needs and strengths of people and their carers Experience of delivering a range of therapeutic interventions.
• Working within an integrated multi-disciplinary environment and co-working with other teams and professions within team meetings, case conferences and professional meetings.
• Ability to support colleagues with day-to-day caseload management including prioritisation of responsibilities in times of high clinical demand.
• Ability to promote and develop links with other professionals for e.g practitioners within long term conditions, primary care.
• Evidence of knowledge and application in practice of national guidance and standards, e.g. NICE, CQC, CQUINs.
• Experience of working holistically with older adults in a bio psycho-social model of care with emphasis on physical ill health that impacts on mental wellbeing.
• Planning and organising skills.
• Health promoting/facilitation.
• Working knowledge of recent government legislation e.g. Mental Health Act, Health & Safety, Care Programme Approach.
• Able to work incorporating principles of Clinical Governance.
• Proven skills in partnership working with people who use services and their carers.
• Shows awareness of equality and diversity and is able to incorporate this into care planning and the delivery of care. Ability to act up in the absence of the team manager.
• Knowledge of using IT systems to record clinical activity.
• Knowledge of audit processes.
• Knowledge of carer services/ issues.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of cultural and diversity issues.
• Mental Health.
• Challenging Behaviour.
• Complex health needs.
• Teaching practice.

Physical Attributes

Essential

Experience

Essential

• Substantial post qualifying experience in care of people with complex mental illness/learning disability.
• Contributed to and Worked as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

Desirable

• Managing Care.
• Service Development.
• Working with families and carers.
• Care Management.

Qualifications

Essential

• RNLD / RMN.
• Mentorship.

Desirable

• Evidence of additional academic study at Diploma /Degree level.

Training

Essential

• Assessment and care planning skills.
• Risk assessment and risk management.
• Relevant post-registration qualifications and / or training.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable

• Further training in areas relevant to practise eg, autism, challenging behaviour, long term conditions.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Self Motivated.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enthusiasm.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability).

Person Specification

Special Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Specialist Knowledge across a range of areas relevant to practise underpinned by theory.
• Current philosophy underpinning mental illness/learning disability community care provision.
• Experience of supporting and supervising colleagues/students/trainees.
• Experience of using IT systems to support, record and monitor clinical activity.
• Can demonstrate skills in assessing and managing risk in a variety of settings.
• Proven ability in assessing the needs and strengths of people and their carers Experience of delivering a range of therapeutic interventions.
• Working within an integrated multi-disciplinary environment and co-working with other teams and professions within team meetings, case conferences and professional meetings.
• Ability to support colleagues with day-to-day caseload management including prioritisation of responsibilities in times of high clinical demand.
• Ability to promote and develop links with other professionals for e.g practitioners within long term conditions, primary care.
• Evidence of knowledge and application in practice of national guidance and standards, e.g. NICE, CQC, CQUINs.
• Experience of working holistically with older adults in a bio psycho-social model of care with emphasis on physical ill health that impacts on mental wellbeing.
• Planning and organising skills.
• Health promoting/facilitation.
• Working knowledge of recent government legislation e.g. Mental Health Act, Health & Safety, Care Programme Approach.
• Able to work incorporating principles of Clinical Governance.
• Proven skills in partnership working with people who use services and their carers.
• Shows awareness of equality and diversity and is able to incorporate this into care planning and the delivery of care. Ability to act up in the absence of the team manager.
• Knowledge of using IT systems to record clinical activity.
• Knowledge of audit processes.
• Knowledge of carer services/ issues.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of cultural and diversity issues.
• Mental Health.
• Challenging Behaviour.
• Complex health needs.
• Teaching practice.

Physical Attributes

Essential

Experience

Essential

• Substantial post qualifying experience in care of people with complex mental illness/learning disability.
• Contributed to and Worked as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

Desirable

• Managing Care.
• Service Development.
• Working with families and carers.
• Care Management.

Qualifications

Essential

• RNLD / RMN.
• Mentorship.

Desirable

• Evidence of additional academic study at Diploma /Degree level.

Training

Essential

• Assessment and care planning skills.
• Risk assessment and risk management.
• Relevant post-registration qualifications and / or training.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable

• Further training in areas relevant to practise eg, autism, challenging behaviour, long term conditions.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Self Motivated.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enthusiasm.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability).

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 .

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 .

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital

Ouchthorpe Lane

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF1 3SP

United Kingdom

Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital

Ouchthorpe Lane

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF1 3SP

United Kingdom

Employer's website

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

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

Has continuing responsibility for the provision of skilled interventions to people with mental health needs within a community setting. Works within a multi-disciplinary team as a member of the

Forensic Community Team and wider Forensic pathway.

Key Result Areas:

Management of own caseload in line with C.P.A. procedures and risk management protocols.

Provision of leadership to the Forensic Community Team in respect of psycho-social interventions to people and their carers in line with national and local practice standards e.g. NICE

• Supervision and support of other team members.
• Participation in service development and clinical governance structures.

Professional:

Assesses needs and identifies problems relevant to the care of people referred.

Devises a plan of care in partnership with the person and carers.

Implements the planned programme of care to ensure a high standard is achieved.

Reviews the effectiveness of the care provided and where appropriate initiates any action.

Advises and supports the person and carers to promote health and well-being and to prevent illness.

Recognises situations that may be detrimental to the health and well-being of the person and initiates action that may be required.

Establishes and maintains satisfactory communication with all agencies involved in the persons care in both hospital and community.

Functions as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

Management of enquiries and direct referrals of people in accordance with Enhanced team operational Policy and participates in the team duty rota.

Maintain professional registration and demonstrate commitment to statutory codes of practice and continued professional development requirements.

Responsible for acting up in the absence of the team leader

Administrative:

1. Maintains accurate patient care records in accordance with professional codes of conduct and trust procedures and ensures records are made available when required by the appropriate agency.

2. Participates in the formulation of policies at unit level.

3. Maintains accurate mileage records.

4. Manages caseload with due economy of cost and time.

5. Ensures safe carriage, storage and administration of drugs prescribed (registered nurses only).

6. Responsible for the ordering of stock with due economy.

7. Produces monthly statistics in line with trust directives.

8. Keeps the Management Team and colleagues informed of developments relevant to the area of responsibility.

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Special Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Specialist Knowledge across a range of areas relevant to practise underpinned by theory.
• Current philosophy underpinning mental illness/learning disability community care provision.
• Experience of supporting and supervising colleagues/students/trainees.
• Experience of using IT systems to support, record and monitor clinical activity.
• Can demonstrate skills in assessing and managing risk in a variety of settings.
• Proven ability in assessing the needs and strengths of people and their carers Experience of delivering a range of therapeutic interventions.
• Working within an integrated multi-disciplinary environment and co-working with other teams and professions within team meetings, case conferences and professional meetings.
• Ability to support colleagues with day-to-day caseload management including prioritisation of responsibilities in times of high clinical demand.
• Ability to promote and develop links with other professionals for e.g practitioners within long term conditions, primary care.
• Evidence of knowledge and application in practice of national guidance and standards, e.g. NICE, CQC, CQUINs.
• Experience of working holistically with older adults in a bio psycho-social model of care with emphasis on physical ill health that impacts on mental wellbeing.
• Planning and organising skills.
• Health promoting/facilitation.
• Working knowledge of recent government legislation e.g. Mental Health Act, Health & Safety, Care Programme Approach.
• Able to work incorporating principles of Clinical Governance.
• Proven skills in partnership working with people who use services and their carers.
• Shows awareness of equality and diversity and is able to incorporate this into care planning and the delivery of care. Ability to act up in the absence of the team manager.
• Knowledge of using IT systems to record clinical activity.
• Knowledge of audit processes.
• Knowledge of carer services/ issues.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of cultural and diversity issues.
• Mental Health.
• Challenging Behaviour.
• Complex health needs.
• Teaching practice.

Physical Attributes

Essential

Experience

Essential

• Substantial post qualifying experience in care of people with complex mental illness/learning disability.
• Contributed to and Worked as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

Desirable

• Managing Care.
• Service Development.
• Working with families and carers.
• Care Management.

Qualifications

Essential

• RNLD / RMN.
• Mentorship.

Desirable

• Evidence of additional academic study at Diploma /Degree level.

Training

Essential

• Assessment and care planning skills.
• Risk assessment and risk management.
• Relevant post-registration qualifications and / or training.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable

• Further training in areas relevant to practise eg, autism, challenging behaviour, long term conditions.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Self Motivated.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Enthusiasm.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability).