SHSCT Primary Mental Health Practitioner Band 6

Advertised role location: Bocombra-Bocombra Lodge
Official document: Job Description / Personnel Specification (docx)
Primary Mental Health Practitioner Step 2 CAMHS
Primary Mental Health Practitioner Step 2 CAMHS


JOB DESCRIPTION


JOB TITLE

Primary Mental Health Practitioner Step 2 CAMHS

BAND

Band 6

DIRECTORATE

Children and Young Peoples Services

INITIAL LOCATION

Bocombra Lodge, Portadown

REPORTS TO

Line Manager

ACCOUNTABLE TO

HOS CAMHS

JOB SUMMARY
The post holder is a member of specialist community based CAMHS responding to identified service needs. They will play a key role in CAMHS and have responsibility for clinical work of their own caseload of children and young people with emotional and mental health difficulties. The post holder will have a level of skills, knowledge and competencies to provide assessments, planning, and interventions to children and young people within best practice guidelines. The post holder will work in linking, supporting and integrating across CAMHS in meeting the needs of children and young people.

KEY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

CLINICAL

Provide initial and individualised assessment, care planning, treatment and therapeutic programmes to children / young people, families, groups and/or their parents or carers in accordance with best practice guidelines, current legislation, NICE guidelines and recommendations of professional bodies.

Be skilled, competent and knowledgeable in sensitively engaging in therapeutic work with vulnerable children / young people and families.

Prioritise and manage a caseload appropriately under the direction and supervision of their Line Manager.

Be competent in assessing and managing risk in all aspects of the post, including clinical as well as generic risk assessment and management.

To act as a second practitioner in co-working the undertaking of mental health risk assessments, until such time that knowledge, skill and competence is evidenced to undertake such assessments with access to consultation and supervision as needed.

Be flexible and adaptable in responding to service needs for children and young people, for example generic clinical work, community initiatives, evening / weekend provision, in agreement with Line Manager.

Provide treatment in a range of settings as determined by need, working collaboratively across specialist community CAMHS, as per the CAMHS Stepped Care Service Model.

Utilise a range of theoretical perspectives in best understanding and responding to the emotional and mental health needs of children, young people and their families (e.g. individual, multidimensional, systemic, etc).

Participate in devising and delivering therapeutic programmes to children and young people in accordance with best practice guidelines, current legislation, NICE guidelines and recommendations of professional bodies.

Involve users / carers where appropriate in aspects of treatment programmes.

Work in collaboration with other practitioners in providing the established services and in new developments. This will include multi agency working, providing advice and guidance to others on the management of children and young people who have been referred to CAMHS.

Report response to treatment and other relevant clinical issues to the Line Manager and/or Clinical Supervisor.

Engage in on-going evaluation of care plans and communicate according to Policies & Procedures and update others accordingly.

Attend case planning meetings, case conferences, paediatric, psychiatric wards, or school based meetings as required.

Possess an effective understanding of the Trust’s Lone Working Policy and procedure.

Provide advice and consultation to users and carers, and other professionals where appropriate.

Adhere to the Regional Child Protection Policy and Procedures seeking support, advice and making child care / safeguarding referrals accordingly.

PROFESSIONAL

Comply with the Professional Codes of Conduct and regulatory governing bodies standards of practice and guidelines (NMC, NISCC, HCPC).

Adhere to established policies, procedures, protocols within CAMHS and Trust.

Appropriately and without undue delay seek support and consultation regarding individual cases.

Liaise with and develop positive partnerships and relationships with other professionals across CAMHS.

Participate in regular shared learning activities and developmental experiences across CAMHS.
Administration
1. Ensure all records and documentation are completed and maintained in line with relevant regulations and appropriately shared to facilitate decision making.
2. Ensure that the agreed procedures for the referral of clients into the Intensive Support Service are adhered to.
3. Submit to the Clinical Coordinator / Operational Manager all statistical data and information required by Trusts and Commissions for service evaluation/review and further service delivery.
4. Be cost effective in the use of resources including self-management and goods and services.
5. Adhere to the reporting requirements related to incidents/accidents/near misses/complaints involving clients/staff/others using the organisation’s systems.
6. Complete appropriate records and contribute to the analysis of such occurrences to prevent reoccurrence.
7. Participate in the Trust’s Governance, Risk Management arrangements, Complaints, Health and Safety and Fire Prevention arrangements.
Education
1. Plan and deliver educational and awareness sessions on a multi-disciplinary basis to a range of partners and stakeholders.
2. Take a proactive approach to ensuring personal and professional learning and development needs are met.
3. Promote and encourage continuous learning and development amongst team members.
4. Promote and encourage a culture of practice which is research and evidence based.
5. Ensure professional registration and training requirements are updated.
6. Participate in supervision as and when required with Clinical Services Manager. Avail of peer supervision with Multi-disciplinary Team at Clinical Meetings.
7. Contribute to learning arrangements for students across professional groups accessing specialist practice experience within the Intensive Support Service.
8. Contribute to learning arrangements for students across professional groups accessing specialist practice experience within the Intensive Support Service.
9. Provide placements for students and undertake role of mentor/ on-site facilitator or practice teacher
RAISING CONCERNS – RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency.
2. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with the Trust’s ‘Your Right to Raise a Concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.
ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Work collaboratively within CAMHS, fostering good communication and team spirit across all of CAMHS.

Work collaboratively with service users, carers and providers within the voluntary, private and statutory sectors.

Adhere to legislation e.g. The Children Order NI (1995), Mental Health Order (1986), and Human Rights Legislation.

Provide and participate in appraisal and development activities.

Participate in team meetings, student mentorship, training of others, selection and recruitment process, and professional development, as directed by Line Manager.

Adhere to Supervision Policy and Procedures, providing clinical, management and professional supervision to other practitioners in agreement with Line Manager.

Keep Line Manager / Clinical Supervisor informed of clinical, management and professional issues.

Be directly responsible and accountable to the Line Manager for their part in the provision of an effective and efficient CAMHS.

Adhere to all SHSCT policies and procedures e.g. absenteeism, incidents/accidents/near misses, complaints, record keeping, etc.

Contribute to the on-going development of working practices and procedures within the area of CAMHS.

Ensure all records and documentation is completed and maintained in line with professional practice guidelines, CAMHS and Trust policies.

Complete statistical recording of activity, caseload, outcomes, etc for auditing, statistical returns and capacity planning purposes.

Initiate and participate in all relevant audit and research activities.

Participate in the Trust’s Social and Clinical Care Governance arrangements.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The post holder will be required to:
1. Assist the organisation in fulfilling its statutory duties under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to promote equality of opportunity and good relations and under the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. Staff are also required to support the organisation in complying with its obligations under Human Rights Legislation.
2. Ensure the Organisation’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.
3. Co-operate fully with the implementation of The Organisation's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.
4. Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example:
a. Smoke Free policy
b. IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct
c. standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour
5. Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work.
6. Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.
7. Take responsibility to minimise the Trust’s environmental impact wherever possible. This will include recycling, switching off lights, computers, monitors and equipment when not in use. Helping to reduce paper waste by minimising printing/copying and reducing water usage, reporting faults and heating/cooling concerns promptly and minimising travel.
8. All employees of the Organisation are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the [org name] including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the [org name] policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.
9. Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.
10. Represent The Organisation’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.
This Job Description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within The Organisation's area, as needs of the service demand.
April 2026





PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE AND BAND Primary Mental Health Practitioner
Step 2 CAMHS

DEPARTMENT / DIRECTORATE Children and Young Peoples Services

HOURS 30 hours

Ref No: April 2026

Notes to applicants:
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

Waiting list information
Following interviews for the above post a waiting list may be created for future Permanent, Temporary and Full-time posts across the Southern Health & Social Care Trust. This waiting list may be held for a period of 9-12 months from the date of interview

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA


SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor
Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience

Two years post qualifying working experience which must be work within mental health services or services related to children and adolescents or CAMHS.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications/ Registration
One of the professional qualifications below:
a) Level 1 Registered Nurse (1, 3, 5, or 8; Adult, Mental Health, Learning Disabilities or Children’s) on the NMC Register;
OR
b) A professional social work qualification and registered on the appropriate part of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) register, without condition;
OR
c) Hold BSc/BSc Hons or Diploma in Occupational Therapy and Registered with the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC).

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other
Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment.

Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities / Knowledge
Excellent communications skills to meet the needs of the post in full
Commitment to training and development relevant to CAMHS

Interview / Test


As part of the Recruitment & Selection process it may be necessary for the Trust to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure Check through Access NI before any appointment to this post can be confirmed.
Successful applicants may be required to attend for a Health Assessment

THE TRUST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times