The successful applicant will be joining an enthusiastic and passionate multi-disciplinary team who work creatively to support young people and adults (14-65 years old) experiencing a first episode of psychosis, providing assessment, case management, in reach, outreach, psychoeducation and liaison for people with first episode psychosis in the locality in order to reduce the duration of untreated psychosis.

National drivers support the implementation of Early Intervention in Psychosis Services and the successful applicant will be involved in supporting STEP staff to deliver the Early Intervention Access and Waiting Time standards which includes timely assessment and delivery of a NICE concordant package of care.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is a trailblazer for the NHS Community Mental Health Framework and as such we are dismantling the traditional barriers to accessing interventions, treatment and support. We have greatly expanded our mental health staffing in the Trust, working from within community settings through to specialist NHS mental health settings, to enable people to access the right interventions, at the right time and in the right place.

Main duties of the job

• To act as an initial point of contact, triaging referrals for people with first episode psychosis in the area and to provide specialist advice in relation to the care of people with psychosis and their families/carers. This may involve the provision of information/advice regarding psychosis, its management and pathways into mental health and related services.
• To provide a specialist community outreach service for people with suspected psychosis who may have difficulties engaging with primary or secondary care and their families. This will require highly developed persuasive, motivational, empathic and reassurance skills due to the lack of understanding/insight commonly associated with psychotic symptomatology in the client group.

About us

As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.

The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!

Job description Job responsibilities

To conduct specialist clinical assessments including the use of standardised assessment measures to identify people experiencing early psychosis and those at risk of making the transition to a first episode psychosis. This will require judgements involving a range of facts or situations which require analysis or comparison of range of options.

To provide Family Interventions to people with first episode psychosis as part of the locality Family Support Service.

To provide individual therapy/support to young people with first episode psychosis utilising advanced counselling skills incorporating motivational interviewing, solution-focused and cognitive-behavioural techniques.

To develop programmes of care/care packages and take on the role of case manager for complex cases.

To use highly developed/persuasive, negotiating and education skills to liaise with mental health/other professionals/agencies as required to ensure that optimal interventions are provided for people with first episode psychosis.

See Job Description attached for further information.

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• Registered healthcare professional

Desirable

• Experience working with clients in the community
• Experience working with clients with serious mental illness

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

184-CW4369243