Job Summary
Patients with severe and enduring mental illness are known to have poorer physical health outcomes than the general population. For this reason, North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is providing support to patients around their physical health needs.
The post holder will work together with team members conducting supervised specialist assessments of patients, focusing on their Physical health needs. They will lead on ensuring that patients with enduring mental health conditions are not discriminated by virtue of their mental illness in terms of their physical health. The post holder will lead on supporting patients carrying out physical health checks as specified in the Lester tool, health screening, health promotion and lifestyle advice.
This information will support in identifying referral to the appropriate physical health care settings as well as monitoring health conditions. Patients may also be facilitated with active support from the Physical Health Practitioner to access their GP if necessary.
The post holder will be expected to develop an understanding of the physical health needs of patient group.
The post holder will be responsible for participating and assisting in the delivery of care/services to patients as part of a Mental Health Care Team, in this case the Community Mental Health service, working under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
Main duties of the job
MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direction of the Physical Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, undertake a range of duties which involve patient care independently.
Assist in the coordination of care delivery for patients with mental health conditions in the community teams, including those with severe and enduring mental illness under the supervision of a registered nurse, in close collaboration with the psychiatric multidisciplinary team, patients and other stakeholders.
Work under the supervision of qualified nurse, but they work independently with patients.
Have informed basic knowledge and understanding in the psychological, social, physical, and spiritual needs of all patients.
Support health promotion and physical health groups as per the co designed care plan.
Actively participate in the physical healthcare and rehabilitation of patients.
Maintain clear, timely, comprehensive, and contemporaneous written clinical records on all patients in accordance with Trust policies.
Utilise IT skills and knowledge to access and input physical health data collected onto the Trust Electronic System (Rio).
Use the strength-based assessment / trauma informed care, assess patient’s physical health needs.
Person Specification
Essential and Desirable
Essential
Education/ Qualifications:
- A Nursing Associate Graduate/Degree holder (Adult Nursing)
- NMC registration
- Knowledge: Awareness of patient care within the wider context of the organisation, in particular around health inequalities Have an understanding of the importance of user/carer involvement. Awareness of treatment outcomes, recovery tools, care planning, assessment of risk
Experience:
Experience in a health and social care setting. Experience of liaising with other health agencies
Skills and Abilities:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to assess clinical situations quickly and use initiative. Able to work on own initiative. Able to work as part of a team. Well-developed interpersonal skills
Personal Attributes:
Motivated and enthusiastic. Adaptable to change. Committed to equal opportunities. Able to work using a non-judgmental attitude. Contribute to improving the quality of life for patients.
Desirable
- Evidence of recent study and oNVQ Level IV in healthcare or equivalent OR oTwo years (minimum) working experience in adult/mental health setting.
- Knowledge of the roles within the multi-professional team.
- An understanding and positive regard for the needs and rights of people with mental health conditions and their carers.
- Ability to travel across a geographical area and various locations within the trust. Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
- Ability to work closely and form good working relationships with a wide range of people Interested in further professional development.
- Ability to adapt to changing environments, needs and demands of the service.
- Have an understanding of the importance of user/carer involvement.
- Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
Essential
Essential
- Work Related circumstances:Ability to travel across a geographical area and various locations within the trust. Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
Essential
Essential
- Personal Attributes: Motivated and enthusiastic. Adaptable to change. Committed to equal opportunities. Able to work using a non-judgmental attitude. Contribute to improving the quality of life for patients.
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).
Closing Date: 29 June 2025
