Job summary
It is national
policy to diversify Approved Clinician practice, according to the most
appropriate knowledge, skills and experience set for Service-Users.
The promotion
of Multi-Professional Approved Clinician (MPAC) practice also improves staff
well-being, recruitment and retention throughout the senior clinicians
workforce.
There are
currently seven MPACs within DPT, with the current five Trainee MPACs expected
to obtain DHSC approval in the very near future.
We are planning
a third cohort of trainees commencing 31.3.2025. We are pleased to confirm that
one of these posts will be based at the new regional Learning Disability and
Autism in-patient service. The Brook is due to open in summer 2025, alongside
our sister service within Avon and Wiltshire (with whom we share a single front
door).
Given the type
of psychologically informed interventions and the wider developmental role within
this service, we are (only) inviting applications from psychologists who wish
to train as an Approved Clinician.
This training
contract is for a period of up to two years. This is with a view to developing
consultant level practice and successfully submitting a portfolio for initial
Approved Clinician approval, to the DHSC.
There are
comprehensive governance and CPD frameworks in place, which supports the
training, approval and deployment of Multi-Professional Approved Clinicians.
Main duties of the job
During the
training period, there will be clinical/line management supervision, 1:1
mentoring; monthly group mentoring, action learning sets and specific
support/advice viz portfolio development.
Post approval
support includes dedicated monthly Approved Clinician clinical supervision,
plus two days of dedicated CPD per year.
The post holder
will be an integral member of the Medical Advisory Committee. Post approval,
they will also be encouraged to apply to join the DHSCs England South MHA
Approvals Panel.
In addition to the job
description, for more information please contact:
Dr Magnus
Cormack, Clinical Psychologist and Developmental Lead, Learning Disability and
Autism Service, Specialist Directorate: mcormack@nhs.net
Tracey Allis,
Consultant Nurse and Approved Clinician, Learning Disability and Autism
Service, Specialist Directorate: tracey.allis@nhs.net
Dr Alex
Hartley, Consultant Psychiatrist, Learning Disability and Autism Service,
Specialist Directorate: alexander.hartley@nhs.net
Closing date: Monday 13/01/2025
Interview date: Thursday 24/01/2025
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full
Job Description and Person specification attached to this advert which will
provide further information on this role.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the full
Job Description and Person specification attached to this advert which will
provide further information on this role.
Person Specification
Planning and Organisational Skills
Essential
- Able to work flexibly and co-operatively as part of a team
- Able to use own initiative and make decisions independently
- Use multimedia materials for presentations in professional, academic and public settings
- IT literate standard keyboard skills
- Time management skills
- Teaching and presentation skills
- Influencing skills
- Analytical and problem solving skills
- Team work skills
Experience
Essential
- Have at least 1 years current experience in the clinical area where the AC role will be developed
- Liaison and joint working with statutory, voluntary and private sector agencies.
- Working with patients as covered by the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, MHA Code of Practice
- Providing clinical and professional leadership to other qualified and non-qualified members of the profession.
- Managing multi-agency service delivery models.
- Autonomous clinical decision making
- Experience of managing change e.g. implementing new models of care, new pathways, service development activities
- Undertaking research activity
- Goal setting and delivery of targets within deadlines. Working well under pressure, within tight deadlines, and producing good quality results
- Undertaking mental health assessments incorporating biological, psychological, cultural and social perspectives
- Leading formulation, review and treatment within the context of the multidisciplinary team
- Assessing capacity to consent to treatment
Desirable
- Developing and delivering training programs and clinical supervision
- Project management of quality and service improvement initiatives.
Knowledge
Essential
- Expert clinical knowledge at advanced practice level in the area of care delivery for service users with complex psychiatric, physical and social co-morbidity, severely challenging behaviors
- Substantial evidence- based practice relevant to the role
- Ability to assess all levels of risk within an evidence based framework
- In-depth applied knowledge in undertaking mental health assessments incorporating biological, psychological, cultural and social perspectives
- Clinical governance and its application in practice
- Applied knowledge of relevant legislation in relation to the client group Human Rights Act Mental Capacity Act
- Applied knowledge of relevant guidance e.g. NICE
- Principles of managing change.
- Social Inclusion agenda
Desirable
- Advanced, in-depth knowledge of research, audit and quality improvement methodologies and their application.
- In-depth applied knowledge of the Approved Clinician role, responsible for the care and treatment of mentally disordered patients (compulsorily detained under the Mental Health Act).
- In-depth applied knowledge of the Mental Health Act, including statutory documentation and legal requirements of written RC reports
- Quality improvement methodology
Qualifications
Essential
- A Practitioner Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council
- A First Level Nurse, registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as practicing within the mental health or learning disability fields
- An Occupational Therapist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council
- A Social Worker, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council
- Minimum of 5 years post professional qualifying clinical experience in their current profession at a senior position (Band 6 and above) and seven years post-registration experience within a dedicated mental health service.
- A postgraduate certificate or diploma, within the candidates professional field or related therapy discipline or equivalent, such as the Higher Specialist Award in Social Work.
- Commitment to undertake AC training including attendance at AC Portfolio Workshops and Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Law: Mental Health (Approved Clinician Preparatory Programme)
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Recognised teaching qualification
- A masters degree or doctoral degree qualification, within the candidates professional field or related therapy discipline.
- Be prepared to undertake a specific qualification in service areas where the role is required. For this particular post, it is not essential to be an independent prescriber, or to become an independent prescriber prior to achieving AC approval.
Communication and Working Relationship Skills
Essential
- Abilities to communicate effectively at all levels, especially in respect of decisions taken and the reasons for these.
- Ability to keep appropriate records and to be aware of the legal requirements with regard to this.
- To understand and manage the competing requirements of confidentiality and information sharing.
- Compile and complete statutory documentation.
- Write reports in role of AC/RC as required.
- Communicates in a way which recognises difference and ensures that people feel included and their individual communication needs are met
Desirable
- Demonstrated ability to present evidence to courts, tribunals and managers hearings.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
Essential
- Provide effective clinical leadership skills that are capable of establishing direction and purpose and lead others within a complex organisational structure
- Adapt creatively the evidence base for interventions in mental health for clients with communication difficulties / learning disabilities.
- Provide consultation to other professionals and non-professional groups
- Undertake complex multiagency working and liaise with multiple systems
- Identify, provide and promote appropriate interventions / means of support for carers and staff exposed to highly distressing situations and challenging behaviours
- Utilise appropriate clinical governance mechanisms within own work.
Physical Skills and Other
Essential
- Use approved breakaway techniques
- Ability to travel independently in accordance with Trust policies and service need.
- An Enhanced CRB Check will be required for this role.
- Able to engage with vulnerable people and work effectively in highly distressing and challenging circumstances
- Self-aware and committed to professional and personal development. Able to accept and respond positively to feedback from supervision
Person Specification
Planning and Organisational Skills
Essential
- Able to work flexibly and co-operatively as part of a team
- Able to use own initiative and make decisions independently
- Use multimedia materials for presentations in professional, academic and public settings
- IT literate standard keyboard skills
- Time management skills
- Teaching and presentation skills
- Influencing skills
- Analytical and problem solving skills
- Team work skills
Experience
Essential
- Have at least 1 years current experience in the clinical area where the AC role will be developed
- Liaison and joint working with statutory, voluntary and private sector agencies.
- Working with patients as covered by the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, MHA Code of Practice
- Providing clinical and professional leadership to other qualified and non-qualified members of the profession.
- Managing multi-agency service delivery models.
- Autonomous clinical decision making
- Experience of managing change e.g. implementing new models of care, new pathways, service development activities
- Undertaking research activity
- Goal setting and delivery of targets within deadlines. Working well under pressure, within tight deadlines, and producing good quality results
- Undertaking mental health assessments incorporating biological, psychological, cultural and social perspectives
- Leading formulation, review and treatment within the context of the multidisciplinary team
- Assessing capacity to consent to treatment
Desirable
- Developing and delivering training programs and clinical supervision
- Project management of quality and service improvement initiatives.
Knowledge
Essential
- Expert clinical knowledge at advanced practice level in the area of care delivery for service users with complex psychiatric, physical and social co-morbidity, severely challenging behaviors
- Substantial evidence- based practice relevant to the role
- Ability to assess all levels of risk within an evidence based framework
- In-depth applied knowledge in undertaking mental health assessments incorporating biological, psychological, cultural and social perspectives
- Clinical governance and its application in practice
- Applied knowledge of relevant legislation in relation to the client group Human Rights Act Mental Capacity Act
- Applied knowledge of relevant guidance e.g. NICE
- Principles of managing change.
- Social Inclusion agenda
Desirable
- Advanced, in-depth knowledge of research, audit and quality improvement methodologies and their application.
- In-depth applied knowledge of the Approved Clinician role, responsible for the care and treatment of mentally disordered patients (compulsorily detained under the Mental Health Act).
- In-depth applied knowledge of the Mental Health Act, including statutory documentation and legal requirements of written RC reports
- Quality improvement methodology
Qualifications
Essential
- A Practitioner Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council
- A First Level Nurse, registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as practicing within the mental health or learning disability fields
- An Occupational Therapist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council
- A Social Worker, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council
- Minimum of 5 years post professional qualifying clinical experience in their current profession at a senior position (Band 6 and above) and seven years post-registration experience within a dedicated mental health service.
- A postgraduate certificate or diploma, within the candidates professional field or related therapy discipline or equivalent, such as the Higher Specialist Award in Social Work.
- Commitment to undertake AC training including attendance at AC Portfolio Workshops and Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Law: Mental Health (Approved Clinician Preparatory Programme)
- Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
- Recognised teaching qualification
- A masters degree or doctoral degree qualification, within the candidates professional field or related therapy discipline.
- Be prepared to undertake a specific qualification in service areas where the role is required. For this particular post, it is not essential to be an independent prescriber, or to become an independent prescriber prior to achieving AC approval.
Communication and Working Relationship Skills
Essential
- Abilities to communicate effectively at all levels, especially in respect of decisions taken and the reasons for these.
- Ability to keep appropriate records and to be aware of the legal requirements with regard to this.
- To understand and manage the competing requirements of confidentiality and information sharing.
- Compile and complete statutory documentation.
- Write reports in role of AC/RC as required.
- Communicates in a way which recognises difference and ensures that people feel included and their individual communication needs are met
Desirable
- Demonstrated ability to present evidence to courts, tribunals and managers hearings.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
Essential
- Provide effective clinical leadership skills that are capable of establishing direction and purpose and lead others within a complex organisational structure
- Adapt creatively the evidence base for interventions in mental health for clients with communication difficulties / learning disabilities.
- Provide consultation to other professionals and non-professional groups
- Undertake complex multiagency working and liaise with multiple systems
- Identify, provide and promote appropriate interventions / means of support for carers and staff exposed to highly distressing situations and challenging behaviours
- Utilise appropriate clinical governance mechanisms within own work.
Physical Skills and Other
Essential
- Use approved breakaway techniques
- Ability to travel independently in accordance with Trust policies and service need.
- An Enhanced CRB Check will be required for this role.
- Able to engage with vulnerable people and work effectively in highly distressing and challenging circumstances
- Self-aware and committed to professional and personal development. Able to accept and respond positively to feedback from supervision
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
