Job summary
Physicians Associates (PAs) are medically trained, generalist healthcare professionals who work alongside doctors and other members of the multidisciplinary team to provide medical care. They can play a valuable role supporting the mental health multidisciplinary team in healthcare delivery. Although BSMHFT already employs a few PAs, their role is not always clearly defined and there is limited awareness within clinical services.
Main duties of the job
The Project Lead will undertake a programme of work over a two-year period to develop a workforce strategy for the employment and practice standards of PAs. This will involve engaging with a broad range of stakeholders to develop and promote a PA competency framework for PAs working in Mental Health supporting their clinical practice.
The Post holder will lead a project to deliver:
o A recruitment plan for expansion of the PA workforce
o A competency framework for PAs
o A rolling CPD programme
o Regional meetings - academic and operational
o A business case for further PA roles in relevant sub-specialties of Psychiatry
About us
Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4000 clinical and support staff help us to improve mental health wellbeing and meet the needs of the 70,000 people we serve each year. We provide a range of mental healthcare services across Birmingham and Solihull, as well as specialised services nationally. We also offer medical, nursing and psychology training and are proud of our international reputation for both research and innovation.
Our population is culturally diverse, characterised in places by high levels of deprivation which create an increasing demand for our services and a necessity for us to make sure everyone can access the help they need. We are a team of compassionate, inclusive and committed people working together to provide excellent care to support our community. If you are looking for a place to belong, where you can make a real difference to people's lives, join our team where our warm welcome is waiting for you.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for the main duties and responsibilities.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for the main duties and responsibilities.
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- Masters degree in Physician Associate Studies or equivalent
- Project management qualification
Desirable
- Management qualification
- Educational qualification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Experience, knowledge and understanding of current issues / themes affecting the NHS workforce locally and nationally
- Significant experience in a healthcare environment
- Project management experience
- Previous experience in workforce development, initiating and implementing change
- Experience in report writing and delivering presentations.
- Experience of working across networks, communicating and influencing a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Knowledge of the challenges associated with Physicians Associates and Physician Associate training.
- Understanding of the national PA agenda, policies, frameworks etc including understanding of CPD framework requirements.
- Experience in developing teaching programmes
Desirable
- Clinical experience as a Physician Associate
Skills and Personal Qualities
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills:
- Excellent organisation and planning skills:
- Ability to prioritise own workload and meet deadlines without supervision
- Ability to understand differing service needs and use diplomacy when collaborating with stakeholders with conflicting objectives.
- Advanced keyboard skills
- Working as part of a team: Flexible approach to work, providing support to others, treating other team members with respect
- Capable of liaising with staff at all levels within all disciplines across the organisation
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- Masters degree in Physician Associate Studies or equivalent
- Project management qualification
Desirable
- Management qualification
- Educational qualification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Experience, knowledge and understanding of current issues / themes affecting the NHS workforce locally and nationally
- Significant experience in a healthcare environment
- Project management experience
- Previous experience in workforce development, initiating and implementing change
- Experience in report writing and delivering presentations.
- Experience of working across networks, communicating and influencing a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Knowledge of the challenges associated with Physicians Associates and Physician Associate training.
- Understanding of the national PA agenda, policies, frameworks etc including understanding of CPD framework requirements.
- Experience in developing teaching programmes
Desirable
- Clinical experience as a Physician Associate
Skills and Personal Qualities
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills:
- Excellent organisation and planning skills:
- Ability to prioritise own workload and meet deadlines without supervision
- Ability to understand differing service needs and use diplomacy when collaborating with stakeholders with conflicting objectives.
- Advanced keyboard skills
- Working as part of a team: Flexible approach to work, providing support to others, treating other team members with respect
- Capable of liaising with staff at all levels within all disciplines across the organisation
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).
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).
