Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Senior Mental Health Practitioner-OPMH

The closing date is 30 November 2025

Job summary

Join Our Older Persons Mental Health Team in Beautiful Torbay!

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults? Our well-resourced, multidisciplinary team in Torbayone of the UKs most stunning coastal locationsis looking for dedicated professionals to help deliver exceptional care to patients with both organic brain disorders and functional mental health conditions. With a strong support network of experienced clinicians and a collaborative culture, youll have the tools, time, and team to truly make an impact. Come work where your expertise is valued, your development is supported, and your surroundings inspire.

We have two 30 hour per week posts avaliable

Main duties of the job

A SMHP in an Older Persons Mental Health Community Team plays a vital role in ensuring personalised, integrated, and effective care for elderly patients with mental health needs.

Core Responsibilities

Coordinate holistic care for older adults with both functional mental health conditions and organic brain disorders.

Develop and maintain personalised care plans that reflect the patients needs, preferences, and goals.

Point of contact for patients, families, carers, and professionals across health and social care services.

Connect patients to appropriate services, including GPs, social workers, therapists, and voluntary sector support.

Review care plans regularly, adapting them as patients conditions or circumstances change.

Collaborative and Clinical Duties

Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists and social care professionals.

Conduct mental health assessments, especially for patients with complex needs or cognitive impairments.

Support patients in managing their conditions, promoting independence and wellbeing through education and engagement.

Ensure continuity of care, especially during transitions between services or after hospital discharge.

Maintain accurate records and documentation

Conduct home visits to assess needs and provide support.

This role is ideal for professionals who are compassionate and committed to improving the lives of older adults

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.

Details

Date posted

06 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

C9369-25-0874

Job locations

Chadwell Centre

Torquay Road

Paignton

Devon

TQ32DW


Job description

Job responsibilities

Join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team dedicated to supporting older adults with functional mental health conditions and organic brain disorders such as dementia. Based in the beautiful coastal area of Torbay, youll work collaboratively to deliver compassionate, person-centred care in the community. This role involves assessment, care planning, coordination, and ongoing supportensuring continuity and quality of care across health and social services. Ideal for professionals who thrive in a supportive team and are passionate about improving the lives of older people.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team dedicated to supporting older adults with functional mental health conditions and organic brain disorders such as dementia. Based in the beautiful coastal area of Torbay, youll work collaboratively to deliver compassionate, person-centred care in the community. This role involves assessment, care planning, coordination, and ongoing supportensuring continuity and quality of care across health and social services. Ideal for professionals who thrive in a supportive team and are passionate about improving the lives of older people.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • - Minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience working as a Registered Mental Health Nurse or Occupational Therapist
  • - Familiarity with multidisciplinary working and integrated care pathways

Desirable

  • - Proven ability to work independently and manage a caseload within a community mental health setting
  • - Experience supporting older adults with complex mental health needs, including dementia and functional disorders

Qualifications

Essential

  • - Registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • - Degree in Mental Health Nursing or Occupational Therapy
  • - Experience working in mental health settings, ideally with older adults
  • - Knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding procedures
  • - Ability to conduct comprehensive assessments and develop care plans
  • - Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • - Proficient in using electronic patient records and digital tool

Desirable

  • - Experience in Community Mental Health
  • Demonstrated ability to work autonomously in community settings, including home visits and liaising with primary care.
  • - Caseload Management Skills
  • Proven experience managing a complex caseload, prioritizing needs, and delivering timely interventions.
  • - Non-Medical Prescribing Qualification (for nurses)
  • Independent or supplementary prescribing certification, or willingness to undertake training.
  • - Knowledge of Older Adult Mental Health Conditions
  • Familiarity with both functional and organic disorders, including dementia, depression, and anxiety in later life.
  • - Crisis Management and Risk Assessment
  • Ability to respond to urgent situations, assess risk, and implement safety plans.
  • - Experience with Multidisciplinary Teams
  • Comfortable working across professional boundaries to deliver integrated care.
  • - Commitment to Professional Development
  • Evidence of ongoing learning, reflective practice, and engagement with supervision
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • - Minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience working as a Registered Mental Health Nurse or Occupational Therapist
  • - Familiarity with multidisciplinary working and integrated care pathways

Desirable

  • - Proven ability to work independently and manage a caseload within a community mental health setting
  • - Experience supporting older adults with complex mental health needs, including dementia and functional disorders

Qualifications

Essential

  • - Registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • - Degree in Mental Health Nursing or Occupational Therapy
  • - Experience working in mental health settings, ideally with older adults
  • - Knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding procedures
  • - Ability to conduct comprehensive assessments and develop care plans
  • - Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • - Proficient in using electronic patient records and digital tool

Desirable

  • - Experience in Community Mental Health
  • Demonstrated ability to work autonomously in community settings, including home visits and liaising with primary care.
  • - Caseload Management Skills
  • Proven experience managing a complex caseload, prioritizing needs, and delivering timely interventions.
  • - Non-Medical Prescribing Qualification (for nurses)
  • Independent or supplementary prescribing certification, or willingness to undertake training.
  • - Knowledge of Older Adult Mental Health Conditions
  • Familiarity with both functional and organic disorders, including dementia, depression, and anxiety in later life.
  • - Crisis Management and Risk Assessment
  • Ability to respond to urgent situations, assess risk, and implement safety plans.
  • - Experience with Multidisciplinary Teams
  • Comfortable working across professional boundaries to deliver integrated care.
  • - Commitment to Professional Development
  • Evidence of ongoing learning, reflective practice, and engagement with 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.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Chadwell Centre

Torquay Road

Paignton

Devon

TQ32DW


Employer's website

https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Chadwell Centre

Torquay Road

Paignton

Devon

TQ32DW


Employer's website

https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Community Team Manager

Andrea Leonard

andrea.leonard2@nhs.net

07812111048

Details

Date posted

06 November 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

C9369-25-0874

Job locations

Chadwell Centre

Torquay Road

Paignton

Devon

TQ32DW


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Devon Partnership NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)