Primary Care Mental Health Practitioner

JOB SUMMARY

Provide clinical expertise and support to GPs and practice clinicians to manage patients with mental health problems in primary care. From urgent presentations to longer term management, including the review of pre-existing mental health plans and medication to the formulation of diagnosis, treatment planning and prescribing. You will work in collaboration with a range of practice clinicians, fellow mental health practitioners, social prescribers, community health and wellbeing workers, secondary care, talking therapies and third sector organisations. The post holder will always work to promote the safety and the wellbeing of these patients and their families/carers. Support to undertake non-medical prescribing is available. The role may evolve to include education and training of clinical and non-clinical staff and trainees as a leadership role.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the post holder are detailed below, although the precise accountabilities of any job may be expected to change over time. Job holders would be contacted over any proposed changes before implementation. Triage and assessment of patients presenting with mental health problems Proactive follow-up of adult patients with low level and serious mental illness both in terms of mental and physical health Annual medication reviews for those on longer term antidepressants and antipsychotics Non-medical prescriber or opportunities to undertake prescribing course or other education programmes Active signposting to third sector organisations/ engage with in-house social prescribing team Attend fortnightly mental health meetings with local CMHT and Cornwall Talking Therapies. Help where appropriate to co-ordinate support for the more vulnerable groups of patients experiencing mental health problems e.g. the homeless, substance misuse, learning difficulties Consultations to be undertaken with patients both in surgery, over the telephone, video or home visits. Capable of working independently and proactively Active management of flexible caseload with awareness of dependency Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. To promote and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Develop links and foster a culture of partnership between the practice and CPFT Adult Mental Health Services Promote and follow treatment protocols and care pathways leading to increased integration of service users within the primary care setting Takes professional responsibility with high-level decision making and clinical reasoning skills to assess, diagnose and triage of patients Manages and contributes to service delivery and the development of the practice Accountable for decisions and actions supported by a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice Streamlines pathway of care by providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care Ensures care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention Energetic individual capable of working effectively within MDT Provides care which is tailored to the individual needs. This would include, appraising the impact of individuals' clinical status on their general health, well-being, employment status Supports patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management Communicates effectively and appropriately with patients and carers complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology and prognosis. Provides learning opportunities for the whole multi professional team within primary care. Works with MDT to develop more effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services Exercises professional judgement, making, justifying and taking responsibility for decisions in unpredictable situations, including in the context of incomplete/contradictory information Manages interactions in complex situations, including with individuals with particular psychosocial and mental health needs and with colleagues across the primary care team, sectors and settings To follow the operational systems and procedures required by the organisation. To represent the organisation in a positive and professional manner at all times. Leadership Operate as a full member of the primary care team, including contributing to leadership, service evaluation/improvement and research activity Manage and co-ordinate the care that individual patients receive, including through liaising with other members of the MDT and with patients' carers Contribute to the use of healthcare technologies to optimise the integration of service delivery (across teams, sectors and settings) and patients access and continuity of care Contribute to the development of primary care teams, including through contributing to others' learning Engagement with Patients, Internal and External Stakeholders Initiate, develop and maintain excellent third party relationships