Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Perinatal Mental Health Practitioner - developmental post

The closing date is 16 November 2025

Job summary

We are looking for an experienced and self-motivated mental health practitioner to work in our busy North Devon Perinatal Team.

The Community Perinatal Service has been going through an exciting period of expansion in order to meet the commitments of the NHS Long Term Plan. We are commissioned to work with women/birthing people pre-conceptually, in pregnancy and postnatally where there are mental health concerns. With the increase in a number of clinical roles across the service, we will be in a position to extend our offer for women/birthing people from 12-24 months as well as offering fathers/co-parents screening and sign posting for their own mental health needs. We will also be increasing our psychological intervention offer to those using our service.

This service development will not only create valuable interventions for women/birthing people and families, but will also offer valuable opportunities for career progression to staff within a variety of professional groups.

Main duties of the job

We are seeking an individual who is open to learning & developing their skills in perinatal mental health. We are committed to supporting them by offering a comprehensive induction with ongoing support, supervision and professional development from our established and passionate MDT. This also includes access to our monthly Continuous Professional Development where we offer case discussion and learning as well as often inviting external speakers to develop our skills and knowledge.

You will be offering assessments of those that are experiencing a severe perinatal mental health presentation, developing management plans whilst offering information and support to those that use the service, referrers and families. You will have your own caseload of families, supported by a rich MDT to offer interventions that are evidenced based within the perinatal period; such as birth planning, risk management, emotional regulation and compassion focused thinking interventions.

As a Band 5 practitioner, you will be working toward a set of competencies set out by NHS England Competency Framework for perinatal mental health, and once completed, you will then be established as a Senior Perinatal Mental Health Practitioner at Band 6 NHS agenda for change pay scale.

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.

Date posted

03 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9369-25-0855

Job locations

West Pilton Health and Wellbeing Centre

Youings Drive

Barnstaple

EX31 1QL

Job description

Job responsibilities

This is a development role in North Devons perinatal service. The post holder will be part of a multi-disciplinary Community Perinatal Team, contributing to the effective provision of Perinatal Mental Health Services to a caseload of pre-conceptual, pregnant or postnatal women.

To ensure the delivery of high standards of care, in accordance with evidence based professional practice and trust policies. Work within the multi-disciplinary team, with partners, carers, relatives, other services and agencies to promote positive mental health and wellbeing of women.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

An understanding of the NSF and Mental Health Act/Mental Health Capacity Act requirements.
An understanding of CPA Process
Completion of post qualification preceptorship
Evidence of post preceptorship experience in mental health setting
Managing a caseload of clients with a range of mental health problems.
Demonstrates sound theoretical knowledge of mental health practice;

Desirable

Understanding of recovery principles in Mental Health
Working within a community setting in either the statutory or voluntary sector.
Providing clinical supervision.
Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency environment.
Demonstrates experience of, and relevant professional practice qualification in mentoring/assessing students and learners

Qualifications

Essential

An appropriate up to date professional mental health qualification eg RMN, OT or Social Worker of the appropriate professional body register and hold current registration with no restrictions.
Training to level 2 in Safeguarding children and young people: roles and competencies for Health Care staff

Desirable

Post registration training in relevant field

Communication skills

Essential

Excellent communication skills including the ability to engage with clients experiencing a wide range of mental health problems.
Ability to communicate with a wide range of professionals from various settings.

Desirable

Group work skills

Planning & Organising Skills

Essential

Able to prioritise work to reflect changing needs.
Able to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to manage own time.
Ability to work flexibly.
Ability to work to deadlines

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

An understanding of the NSF and Mental Health Act/Mental Health Capacity Act requirements.
An understanding of CPA Process
Completion of post qualification preceptorship
Evidence of post preceptorship experience in mental health setting
Managing a caseload of clients with a range of mental health problems.
Demonstrates sound theoretical knowledge of mental health practice;

Desirable

Understanding of recovery principles in Mental Health
Working within a community setting in either the statutory or voluntary sector.
Providing clinical supervision.
Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency environment.
Demonstrates experience of, and relevant professional practice qualification in mentoring/assessing students and learners

Qualifications

Essential

An appropriate up to date professional mental health qualification eg RMN, OT or Social Worker of the appropriate professional body register and hold current registration with no restrictions.
Training to level 2 in Safeguarding children and young people: roles and competencies for Health Care staff

Desirable

Post registration training in relevant field

Communication skills

Essential

Excellent communication skills including the ability to engage with clients experiencing a wide range of mental health problems.
Ability to communicate with a wide range of professionals from various settings.