ARMS Mental Health Practitioner | Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

The post holder will work in our South West ARMS (At Risk of Mental State) Service which is aimed at identifying and supporting those at high risk of developing psychosis and preventing transition to psychosis and secondary mental health services. Working closely with the already established ESTEP , Essex Support and Treatment for Early Psychosis service

The main purpose of this role is to support service users to establish greater control over their lives, helping to identify aspects of life that give meaning, hope, value and purpose whilst recognizing that each individual’s recovery is a distinctive and deeply personal process. You will be an integral and valued member of a highly skilled multi-disciplinary team working in South West Essex. You will be responsible for Care Co-ordination of high level At Risk Mental State clients within the ARMS Service to provide high quality evidence-based care as per NICE guidelines and National EI Access & waiting time standards

• To undertake care co-ordination of a caseload of clients in higher need within the service.
• To participate in the initial assessment of clients using Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental State tool (CAARMS) , to determine appropriateness for ARMS service and to liaise with referring agencies to identify alternative agencies as appropriate to meet the client’s needs.
• Support service user and family to manage their risk and wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP) with the allocated peer worker and local social prescribers
• Empower service users to maintain their social networks
• Work closely with the ESTEP teams to ensure transitions for patients who have made transition to psychosis happens within national guidelines on timescales
• Undertake initial health and social needs assessments and participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings to look at appropriate selection and allocation of clients to care coordination and regular reviews.
• Following analysis of client assessments , plan creatively to meet their needs including the provision of evidence based interventions with colleagues
• Undertake risk assessments with clients on their caseload and plan effectively to manage this plan within MDT.
• Prioritise and manage workload to ensure the effective management of a defined group of clients with complex needs.

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
• Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

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Job share

Applications for job shares are welcomed.

• Responsible for working with colleagues in seeking to improve the quality of services provided to our clients/patients. Using quality outcome measures HONOS/ HONOSCA/ QPR and Dialog
• To work flexibility and participate in the ARMS Service operating outside of core hours where required to meet service user and family need The pattern is subject to change to meet client’s needs and the guidelines of the National Service Framework.
• The post holder will be fully conversant and uphold their professional code of conduct.
• Ensure that all interventions are undertaken within established time scales and according to standards of best evidence based practice and operational policy.
• Keep oneself updated in all legislative government initiatives. Particularly those relevant to ARMS and Early Intervention in Psychosis
• Act as a role model at all times, able to demonstrate excellent leadership skills.
• Instruct and supervise staff, identifying training needs and actively participating in staff development programmes. This includes induction programmes for new staff.
• Undertake and be proactive in clinical and managerial supervision in accordance with Trust procedures at regular intervals with the Team Lead; discussing the overall nature of the caseload, work methods and techniques and evaluate clinical effectiveness and practice.

This advert closes on Friday 12 Jun 2026