An exciting opportunity has arisen for an assistant practitioner to join the CAMHS Single Point of Access Team.



The successful candidate will part of a multi-disciplinary team in the Single Point of Access, supporting to gather information, liaise with referrers and professionals and offer support and advice to families and young people who have been referred into CAMHS.

Main duties of the job

Job Purpose

• To provide a quality specialist service to clients (and their families/carers) referred to CAMHS across all sectors of care

• To promote the reputation of CAMHS

• To support the specialist assessment and intervention for complex mental health needs and to work autonomously within professional guidelines and exercise systematic governance of practice within CAMHS

• Effectively assess and prioritise clinical complexity and risk, liaising with senior colleagues as required

• Liaise with referrers and professionals in relation to clinical concerns and queries

• Be a clinical point of contact for children, young people and families

• Effectively liaise with referrers, professionals, partners and agencies in relation to referrals and/or assessment

About us

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist mental health, learning disability, and community healthcare services for the population of the Black Country.

Across the whole of the region we provide:

• Adult and older adult mental health services.
• Specialist learning disability services.
• Mental health services for children and young people.
• Community healthcare services for children, young people and families in Dudley.

Job description Job responsibilities

Main Duties/Responsibilities

• To support in the provision of specialist systematic processes for the assessment of children and young people referred into CAMHS. To assess, triage and prioritise referrals ensuring an equitable system and that those with urgent needs are clearly identified and needs are addressed in a timely manner.

• To consider the appropriateness of CAMHS referrals in relation to agreed referral criteria and organise safe signposting as appropriate to the needs of the child/young person referred.

• Ensure pathways into CAMHS are accessible for children, young people and families with additional needs e.g., a learning disability.

• To gather comprehensive information from a range of community children/young peoples services and to liaise with services around assessment outcomes and safeguarding concerns.

• To practice within the guidelines as set out by appropriate professional bodies.

• To be responsible for the maintenance of accurate records and documentation.

• To participate and contribute to service development and to ensure trust policies are adhered to.

• To liaise with other agencies/disciplines to contribute to the provision of a comprehensive service for children and adolescents with a mental health needs including advocacy and signposting where appropriate.

• To be responsible for setting the highest standards of care in line with clinical governance.

• To demonstrate good professional practice. To be a professional role model and provide clinical supervision, where agreed, in line with trust policies and standards.

• To complete specialist assessments, outcome measures and care plans for specific diagnoses associated with child and adolescent mental health.

• To encourage positive health education and promotion with children and adolescents who have mental health needs and their families/carers to reduce ill health.

• To work collaboratively with other disciplines/voluntary agencies.

• To undertake risk assessments as appropriate.

• To participate and facilitate where appropriate in person centred planning for children and adolescents with a mental health need.

• To work in liaison with adult mental health services and other agencies to ensure transitional arrangements are meeting individual needs and are person centred.

• To provide written and verbal reports for meetings and reviews as appropriate.

• To work in liaison with trust safeguarding leads and other agencies regarding child and adult protection and ensure that policies and procedures are adhered too.

• To actively participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal.

• To attend such courses and training as indicated by the needs of the service and within the limitation of the service as required by the post.

• To communicate effectively and professionally with patients, families/carers, health and social care professionals and other agencies to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated multi-disciplinary service.

• To apply highly developed interpersonal skills in order to deal with potential aggression or with patients who may be distressed, suicidal or lack capacity.

• To communicate complex and emotionally sensitive information to patients and their families/carers regarding their mental health needs, plans of care and interactions with outside agencies demonstrating honest and transparent practice.

• To participate in all relevant team, staff, departmental and organisational meetings.

• To participate in clinical audit service evaluation and research. Initiate, assist or co-operate with research.

• To undertake outcome measurement and evaluation of own practice through evidence based practice projects, audits and outcome measures.

• Record work using the appropriate information technology system. It is vital that events are promptly recorded in order to facilitate effective management of unstable situations.

• Supply information on workload as required by the team leader.

• Maintain all appropriate records as required by the Black Country Partnership Foundation Trust (NHS) in accordance with local policy.

• Ensure that there is effective liaison between the multi-professional team concerning patient care.

• To attend and participate in clinical/ departmental and team meetings as required by the service.

• To effectively manage own time in relation to clinical and non-clinical activities.

• To review and reflect on own practice and performance through regular participation in professional/clinical/management supervision and appraisal

• In line with local guidelines, review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional supervision and appraisal. To develop areas of knowledge and skill to assist in dealing with complex situations.

• To complete and maintain all mandatory training within timescales identified by the Trust.

• Continue personal and professional development and be prepared to undertake relevant training as appropriate to post.

• To respect the individuality, values, sexual preference, and cultural and spiritual diversity of patients, and contribute to the provision of a service that is sensitive to their needs.

• Communicate and promote the visions, values, objectives and priorities of the Trust effectively to staff, partners and the public.

• To undertake any other duties of a similar nature consistent with the responsibilities of this post in order to provide a quality CAMHS service.

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• Professional registration

Desirable

• Experience in mental health setting/children's services

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

285-8271A-CYPF