Senior Mental Health Liaison Practitioner

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Job overview

Job Summary
The mental health liaison service offers a comprehensive range of mental health specialties within one multi-disciplinary team so that all patients with a suspected or actual mental health problem within the general hospital can be assessed, treated, signposted or referred appropriately regardless of age, presenting complaint, time of presentation or severity of condition.
The service puts an emphasis on the facilitation of early but effective discharge from the acute hospital site.
The service operates , 7 days a week and posts will be on rotational
shift basis. Mental Health Liaison is delivered from a Specialist Mental Health Trust with teams located within the Acute Hospital setting.

Main duties of the job

Main Duties and Responsibilities
Work as part of the multi-disciplinary Mental Health Liaison team to deliver an effective and efficient response to referrals from the acute trust, providing clinical assessments and interventions focusing on relapse prevention, early discharge and improved quality of life for patients referred.
Be expected to undertake mental health assessments for people attending the Emergency Department, offering highly developed clinical and risk assessments and managements plans
Provide a service to the wards within the general hospital, assessing individuals with a range of complex physical and mental health needs. This would include both functional and organic illnesses of later life in addition to younger people
Provide support and training to acute hospital staff regarding recognising mental health conditions and appropriate management and onward referral pathways
Provide information and clinical support to police and ambulance staff in order to help them make appropriate pathway decisions

Provide support and care for individuals brought to an identified Place of Safety under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act and co-ordinate the assessment process.

Working for our organisation

We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.

Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We're really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we're a great place to work.

All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.

If you come and work for us we will offer a range of benefits and opportunities, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement for Agenda for Change and Medical and Dental staff.
• Flexible working opportunities to support your work/life balance
• Access to Continued Professional Development
• Involvement in improvement and research activities
• Health and Wellbeing activities and access to an excellent staff wellbeing service
• Access to staff discounts across retail, leisure and travel

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Assessment and Treatment

To provide in-reach into the Emergency Department and general hospital wards and competently undertake comprehensive mental health and risk assessments to identify the needs of individuals referred.
To have an understanding of physical health conditions and the impact they can have on mental health
To work in close liaison with staff within the Acute Trust and Health & Social Care Services in upholding and implementing clinical standards for the care of people with mental health needs within the Acute Trust.
To be able to engage and establish and empathic rapport with individuals with a wide spectrum of mental health conditions in difficult settings
To possess the knowledge of the different components of mental health
assessments for a range of conditions including robust risk assessments and
management of risk following assessment
To ensure the timely and comprehensive completion of specialist mental health assessments for individuals within the general hospital to support discharge planning and funding of ongoing care
To have up to date knowledge of, and practice in a wide range of psychosocial and psychological interventions and be able to apply these to a varied patient group

To ensure appropriate patient and carer involvement in care

To support best interest meetings as required
To have an up to date knowledge of a range of clinical pathways within the
mental health and acute trust setting
To be able to competently make clinical decisions, particularly in relation to
referring patients on to other services, admitting for treatment and discharging individuals.
To possess a sound knowledge of issues surrounding the management of
violence and aggression and to be able to diffuse potentially difficult and volatile situations.
Be able to effectively support non-mental health colleagues from a range of
disciplines
Communication and Record Keeping
To have a high level of competency in relation to communication skills including the ability to negotiate and provide professional and assertive challenge in a difficult environment.

To be able to promote and develop communication, interpersonal and self-
awareness skills in non-mental health settings.

Create and maintain effective systems of written and verbal communication including competent use of electronic patents records
Maintain own standards of record keeping and inputting to information systems.
To be able to prepare comprehensive documentation following assessment and treatment
To be able to complete detailed and accurate comprehensive specialist reports
Work in collaboration with patients and carers to resolve any concerns /
complaints in relation to their care
Contribute to data collection and inputting to support service evaluation and reporting, working within established and developing outcome frameworks.
The post holder must work to the requirements of data protection laws as
applicable to the UK, which includes the General Data Protection Regulations(GDPR).
Supporting discharge / Signposting
To have a comprehensive knowledge of the Statutory and Voluntary services in the local area to be able to refer / signpost individuals to appropriate discharge support

To have an understanding of social care issues that may impact on mental health and an ability to address these issues through appropriate signposting
Support discharge planning from the acute hospital wards, promoting therapeutic risk taking and the personalisation agenda for individuals and their carers'.
Where required refer individuals for on-going secondary care mental health services input ensuring the involvement and agreement of individuals and their carers'.
Take a lead role in facilitating transfer to mental health inpatient services when required.
Leadership / Professional
To have the ability to manage own caseload and work autonomously
To have the ability to recognise and work within your own limitations and raise any concerns to senior staff
To be able to prioritise workload, completing the necessary tasks within the
available time

To participate in service planning, evaluation and development
To comply with Trust Uniform Policy including the principle of 'bare below the elbows'
In the absence of the clinical lead, act as shift co-ordinator and take responsibility for referral triaging and management, planning and allocating the workload on a day to day basis.
To deal appropriately with clinical incidents, complaints etc from patients,
relatives and members of the public, via line manager, in accordance with Trust policy

To participate in the rota planning for the Service and ensure that the Team
Manager is informed of any gaps in service provision.
Adhere to relevant professional codes of conduct
Multidisciplinary Working
Work collaboratively within the multi-disciplinary team across organisations providing a team approach to service delivery

To be able to manage conflict and consider other professionals perspectives in the best interests of individuals referred to the service
To participate in professionals meetings in relation to complex cases
To act as a conduit between the mental health trust and acute hospital in relation to patient care
Policies and Procedures
To participate and contribute to the development of clinical policies, procedures and guidelines for the Mental Health Liaison service.
To ensure that Trust policies and where required acute trust polices are adhered to.
To observe and practice within the legal requirements of the Mental Health Act 1983 and Mental Capacity Act.
Training and Personal Development
To utilise resources and incorporate research into evidence based practice where applicable
To participate in Trust wide initiatives to improve practice
Have the ability to use a range of clinical and managerial supervision and to
provide supervision to junior members of staff
Lead on providing support and training to acute hospital staff across a range of topics in relation to mental health
To maintain an up to date professional portfolio and personal development plan
To participate in the induction process of staff
To participate in team and service meetings and teaching sessions
Contribute to ongoing audit and service development.
To provide mentorship, education and training to learners from a range of
professional backgrounds.
This job description is not exhaustive, but is intended to give an overall picture of the role. Other duties within the general scope of the post may be required from time to time. The duties of the post and job description can be reviewed through the agreed process.

General Duties of all post holders
To undertake any other reasonable duty, which is appropriate to the band,
when requested by Senior Staff.
To be familiar with and comply with all Trust and departmental policies,
procedures, protocols and guidelines.

To be aware of and work towards the Trusts strategic goals.
Standards of Business Conduct
The post holder will be required to comply with the organisations standing
order and standing financial instructions and at all times, deal honestly with
the organisation with colleagues and all those who have dealing with the
organisation including patients, relative and suppliers.
The post holder must ensure that their behaviour and interests inside and
outside work do not conflict with their Trust position, duties and/or
responsibilities.
The post holder must comply with and support the development of the
performance standards within the service/department to ensure the service is responsive to and meets the needs of its customers.
The post holder will be required to develop and maintain good working
relationships with all patients, service users, staff, contractors and where
appropriate, members of the public.
The Trust aims to maintain the good will and confidence of its own staff,
patients, service users, NHS contractors and the general public. To assist in
achieving this objective it is essential that at all times, the post holder carries out their duties in a courteous, sympathetic and professional manager.
All post holders who are members of a professional body must comply with standards of professional practice / conduct. It is the post holders'
responsibilities to ensure they are both familiar with and adhere to these
requirements and maintain their professional membership to the relevant
body.
Equality and Diversity and Equal Opportunities
The post holder must carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in
accordance with the Trust's Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity
policies, avoiding unlawful discriminatory behaviour and actions when dealing with colleagues, service users, members of the public and all other
stakeholders.

The post holder must promote awareness of and respect for equality and
diversity in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
The post holder is responsible for treating all staff, patients, service users,
NHS contractors and the general public with dignity and respect at all times.

Safeguarding
Appointments to regulated and controlled activities require an enhanced DBS disclosure.
All staff have a responsibility to promote the welfare of any child, young
person or vulnerable adult they come into contact with and in cases where
there are safeguarding concerns, to act upon them and protect the individual from harm.
All staff should refer any safeguarding issues to their manager and escalate
accordingly in line with the Trust Child and Adult Safeguarding Policies.
All staff should familiarise themselves with the NICE Guidelines "when to
suspect child maltreatment 2009."

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Professional registration in health or social care with up to date accreditation / CPD - RMN, Dip SW, BSc Occupational Therapy or equivalent.
• Short course(s) and experience to post graduate diploma level.

Desirable criteria

• Educated to degree level
• Accredited skills based training
• raining related to management skills, teaching, staff development and supervision
• Non-medical prescriber
• AMHP

Experience

Essential criteria

• Proven experience across a range of acute mental health services in any specialism CYP Adults Older adults
• Demonstrate a working experience of a range of assessment tools for a range of mental health conditions
• Previous experience of working effectively with other disciplines

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working within liaison services
• Experience of working across multiple age ranges CYP Adults Older adults
• Experience of delivering training / teaching to other professionals
• Experience of service development / managing change
• Experience in identifying and management of delirium
• Experience of supporting individuals who misuse alcohol or drugs

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Sound knowledge of evidence based contemporary mental health practice
• Sound knowledge base of holistic risk assessment and management.
• Good understanding of the impact of physical and mental health co- morbidities.
• Sound working knowledge of Mental Heath Act and Mental Capacity Act Legislation and DOLS.

Desirable criteria

• Have knowledge of the range of services available for individuals locally.
• Awareness of a range evidence based interventions
• Awareness of the value of research / audit and quality improvement

Skills

Essential criteria

• Skills in Assessment / Care Management and planning
• Ability to supervise staff, set standards, monitor performance and promote staff development
• Ability and skills to undertake comprehensive risk assessment and formulation of risk management plans including supporting patients who self harm or are in a neglectful state.
• Ability to undertake Bio / Psychosocial assessments across a range of patient groups and age profiles A
• Ability to formulate clear discharge plans across a range of patent groups and age profiles
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a wide range of people including patients carers and other professionals
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritise and manage own workload
• Good organisational, problem solving and time management skills and an ability to work under pressure
• Have IT literacy skills
• Be able to work as an effective member of the multidisciplinary team
• Possess a positive attitude to change and commitment to service development

Desirable criteria

• Leadership skills / abilities Ability to use IT systems across PCFT
• Ability to use IT systems across PCFT

Hints and tips for completing your application can be found here.

Sponsorship - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the government website.

What happens after your application has been received?

You will be informed about the progress of your application following shortlisting via email. Only applicants who clearly demonstrate the criteria listed in the person specification will be shortlisted for interview. Interview invites will be sent out via email.

What happens if I am offered the position after interview?

The hiring manager will make contact with you to verbally offer you the position. The hiring manager will then inform Recruitment of the decision and provide relevant paperwork. You will be sent a formal conditional offer via email.

What pre-employment checks will I need to complete?

By conducting pre-employment checks, the recruitment team will verify that you meet the pre-conditions of the role you have been offered. Pre-employment checks will be carried out according to NHS Employment Check Standards. The checks are:

• Identity verification
• Right to work check
• Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
• Professional registration and/or qualification check
• Occupational health assessment
• Employment history and reference validation

All applicants external to NHS will be required to provide HMRC employment history to cover the most recent three years. This information will used to validate employment history and references as part of pre-employment checks.

If you are offer a position with is and you require sponsorship to support your right to work, we will review your eligibility in line with government guidance. If the role you have been offer is not eligible for sponsorship, and you are not able to evidence your right to work, your conditional offer could be withdrawn.

What happens when pre-employment checks are complete?

Recruitment will liaise with you and the hiring manager to arrange a start date for your new position. You will then be booked on to a Trust Welcome Session and be sent your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.

Other important information

• We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and recognise the importance of ensuring our diverse service user population is reflected within our workforce. Unfortunately, we know that, at present, there is underrepresentation of our communities in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from diverse communities to help us grow, learn, be better and consider brilliant innovation diverse people bring.
• If you would like to be considered under the disability confident scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria on the person specification for the post.
• If you require reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process please phone us on 0161 716 3181 at the earliest opportunity. We will support you to complete your application.
• Unfortunately we are not able to guarantee the transfer of lease cars, or cover the costs of early termination charges.
• We have a strict policy on unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Please do not contact our hiring managers directly.

We reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if a sufficient number of applications have been received. To ensure you application is considered, please submit at the earliest opportunity.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

• Job Description (PDF, 137.1KB)
• Person Specification (PDF, 115.6KB)
• Policy Statement on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders (PDF, 117.0KB)