Mental Health Practitioner (First Contact)NHS
Job summary
Horizon Healthcare is looking for an experienced and compassionate Mental Health Practitioner (First Contact) to join our multidisciplinary primary care team.
You will act as the first point of contact for patients presenting to general practice with mental health concerns. The role will focus on prompt assessment, early intervention, appropriate signposting and referral to relevant services. Working alongside GPs and other members of the practice team, you will help improve access to mental health support, enhance patient outcomes and reduce pressure on GP services.
22.5 hours per week over three days, Monday, Thursday & Friday.
Salary dependent on experience. We are not A4C but the salary will be equivalent to mid-Band 6/7.
SystmOne experience preferred
GP Practice experience preferred
Main duties of the job
- Provide timely mental health assessments for patients presenting in primary care.
- Undertake risk assessments, including suicide risk and safeguarding concerns.
- Develop and implementing person-centred care plans.
- Deliver brief interventions, including psychoeducation and guided self-help.
- Identify patients who require escalation to secondary care or specialist services.
- Support access to NHS Talking Therapies, crisis teams, social prescribing and voluntary sector organisations.
- Provide holistic, recovery-focused care that promotes independence and self-management.
- Offer advice and guidance to patients, carers and practice colleagues.
- Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, pharmacists, social prescribers etc.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case discussions.
- Respond appropriately to acute mental health presentations and safeguarding concerns.
- Maintain accurate and contemporaneous clinical records in accordance with GDPR and NHS standards.
Job description
The following are the core responsibilities of a First Contact Mental Health Practitioner in delivering health services, noting that there will be additional roles and expectations dependent on the qualifications and experiences.
Clinical Duties
Provide timely mental health assessments for patients presenting in primary care.
Undertake risk assessments, including suicide risk and safeguarding concerns.
Develop and implement person-centered care plans.
Deliver brief interventions, e.g. psychoeducation, guided self-help.
Identify patients requiring escalation to secondary care or specialist services.
Facilitate access to services such as IAPT/Talking Therapies, crisis teams, social prescribing, and voluntary sector organisations.
Patient Care & Support
Offer holistic, recovery-focused care that promotes independence and self-management.
Provide advice and guidance to patients and carers regarding mental health and wellbeing.
Work collaboratively with families, carers, and external agencies where appropriate.
Multidisciplinary Working
Work closely with GPs, nurses, pharmacists, social prescribers, and other PCN staff.
Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and case discussions.
Provide mental health advice and support to practice staff.
Safeguarding & Risk Management
Identify and act upon safeguarding concerns in accordance with local policies.
Manage acute mental health presentations, escalating where necessary.
Maintain accurate risk assessments and safety plans.
Administration & Record Keeping
Maintain accurate, contemporaneous clinical records in line with GDPR and NHS standards.
Document all patient interactions on the relevant clinical system.
Contribute to audits, data reporting, and service evaluation.
Professional Development
Maintain professional registration (e.g. NMC, HCPC, Social Work England).
Engage in continuous professional development (CPD) and reflective practice.
Participate in regular supervision and appraisal.
About us
Horizon Healthcare are a friendly City centre practice with a diverse population of 29,000+ patients.
We are a three GP Partnership supported by dedicated teams of Salaried GPs, Urgent Care Practitioners, Clinical Pharmacists, Mental Health Practitioners, Practice Nursing Team. We are backed up by an excellent management and administration team.
We have a branch surgery in Mackworth.