Community Mental Health Nurse - Central Beds OPCMHTNHS AfC: Band 6

Job overview

The post holder will work as an autonomous practitioner within the Central Bedfordshire Older People’s Community Mental Health Team, managing a defined caseload and delivering high-quality, person-centred care in line with the service operational policy. They will be responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care, working collaboratively with service users, carers, multidisciplinary colleagues and partner agencies to support positive outcomes. The post holder will provide clinical leadership, supervision and support to junior staff, contribute to the achievement of service standards and targets, maintain accurate clinical records, and promote service user involvement, equality, diversity and inclusion. They will be competent in the administration of IM medication, adhere to medicines management policies, and maintain ongoing professional development, including contributing specialist knowledge and skills within an area of enhanced mental health practice. The postholder will be based in Dunstable but there may be occasions when they will need to support the service and service users in the Mid Beds area of the county.

Main duties of the job

Manage a defined caseload and deliver person-centred, evidence-based care. Coordinate day-to-day clinical activity and support effective team functioning. Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and professional standards. Work collaboratively with service users, carers, primary care, and partner agencies. Participate in audit, quality improvement, and service development activities. Promote culturally competent, inclusive, and recovery-focused practice. Support integrated working and service delivery responsive to local population needs.

Working for our organisation

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive – so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will work as an autonomous practitioner within the Older People’s Community Mental Health Team (CMHT), managing a defined caseload of service users with complex mental health needs. They will provide comprehensive assessment, care planning, intervention, risk management and ongoing review, working in partnership with service users, carers, primary care, social care and other agencies to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.

The post holder will contribute to the effective day-to-day functioning of the multidisciplinary team, ensuring that care is delivered in line with professional standards, evidence-based practice, relevant legislation, Trust policies and national guidance. They will be responsible for maintaining accurate clinical records, undertaking risk assessments, coordinating care, and promoting recovery, wellbeing and independence.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and coordinating a defined caseload, ensuring safe, effective and timely delivery of care.
• Undertaking comprehensive mental health assessments, risk assessments, care planning and reviews.
• Delivering evidence-based interventions and monitoring treatment outcomes.
• Working collaboratively with service users, carers, primary care, social care, voluntary sector organisations and other partner agencies.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, including the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and Care Act.
• Administering and monitoring medication, including depot/IM injections where required, in accordance with medicines management policies.
• Providing clinical leadership, advice and support to colleagues, students and junior staff as appropriate.
• Participating in audit, service evaluation, quality improvement and service development initiatives.
• Promoting equality, diversity, inclusion and culturally competent practice.
• Contributing to the achievement of service objectives, quality standards and performance targets.
• Maintaining continuing professional development and contributing specialist knowledge within the multidisciplinary team.

The post holder will be expected to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service and support the delivery of safe, responsive and recovery-focused care for older adults experiencing mental health difficulties.

Person specification

Education/ Qualification/ Training

Essential criteria

• Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) with current Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and commitment to maintaining professional competence.

Experience

Essential criteria

• Significant post-registration experience in mental health services, including assessment, care planning and management of complex mental health needs
• Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team and collaboratively with health, social care, and other agencies.
• Experience of managing an allocated caseload, prioritising workload, and coordinating care for service users with complex needs.

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Thorough understanding and working knowledge of mental disorder and the treatment options.
• A thorough working knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983 and subsequent amendments
• Ability to assess manage complex and high risk situations effectively and to the benefit of service users and carers
• Highly developed organisational skills, able to prioritise workload and delegate effectively.
• Well-developed communication skills, able to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences

Personal Qualities

Essential criteria

• Able to work independently with initiative but to seek appropriate guidance and supervision when required
• Car driver essential with access to car and full UK driving license with the ability to travel between Trust sites throughout the County