Locum Mental Health Practitioner

Summary

Join Doctor Care Anywhere as a DCA - Mental Health Practitioner and be the first point of contact for patients needing mental health support via digital platforms. You will conduct assessments, provide evidence-based treatment, manage crises, and liaise with clinical leadership. This role requires independent work with regular clinical supervision and involves managing a caseload. While prescribing isn't current, future opportunities exist. The position demands strong communication, digital proficiency, and a commitment to patient-centered care.

Requirements

• NMC Registered Mental Health Nurse
• Minimum of two years experience as a Mental Health Nurse within in Primary Care or General Practice, practicing at Band 8a or above
• Independent prescribing qualification
• Broad autonomous scope of practice per the Core Capabilities Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice
• Experience managing a caseload in a mental health setting
• Proficiency in care planning and risk assessment
• Experience working within multi-disciplinary mental health services
• Experience working in primary care settings
• Demonstrated proficiency in using digital health platforms and technologies
• Evidence of ongoing professional development, such as relevant training
• Proficiency with clinical IT systems (ideally with Jira and Teams/Slack)
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage deadlines
• Commitment to patient-centred care and ongoing professional development
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to proficiently document patient consultations according to organizational policy and national guidelines
• Ability to recognize individual learning needs and actively seek professional development opportunities in line with local and national frameworks (e.g., NMC revalidation requirements)
• Ability to act as a professional role model, demonstrating organizational values and behaviours
• Ability to build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
• A patient-centred approach ensuring high levels of patient satisfaction and clinical care
• Significant post-registration experience in a mental health setting

Responsibilities

• Conducting initial remote assessments of patients with mental health concerns
• Performing holistic assessments of health, social, and well-being needs
• Using evidence-based, patient-centered principles to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate interventions
• Providing health promotion and self-care advice
• Escalate care according to need and complexity
• Liaising with clinical leadership to ensure high quality care
• Serving as a key point of contact for patients regarding health and well-being concerns
• Supporting and managing patients in crisis, making appropriate referrals when necessary
• Signposting patients to the most appropriate services or care settings
• Keeping up to date with current clinical practices and mental health developments
• Participating in and contributing to regular clinical supervision
• Identifying potential vulnerable patients, recognizing signs of abuse or neglect, and completing safeguarding referrals in accordance with local and national policies

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting remote patient assessments (phone and video)
• Up-to-date knowledge of national prescribing policies and guidelines, and an understanding of working within the scope of professional practice
• Knowledge of clinical governance principles as applied to remote working and digital healthcare
• Skill in sharing knowledge and evidence-based insights to support team development and quality care