Job summary A 6 month secondment / fixed term post opportunity has become available to join the Care Home Education and Support Service (CHESS) in Tavistock as a Mental Health Practitioner. We are based in Tavistock and our role is to support the residential and Nursing Homes in our local area in meeting the mental health needs of their residents who have a diagnosis of dementia and present with the associated behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPSD) of the condition. We are a multi-disciplinary team that comprises of Nursing staff, Occupational Therapists and Social Care Workers. Main duties of the job We use a biological/psychological/social approach to care which is person centred and holistic. Our focus is on the investigation and identification of acute physical health variables that may be contributing to distress and highlight these to our primary care colleagues where appropriate. We look for any relevant social and environmental factors that and make non-pharmacological recommendations to the care home about their approach and how to provide optimal care to improve mental health and wellbeing of their residents. We also provide medication optimisation and pharmacological intervention as part of this process where required. 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 19 May 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,970 to £36,483 a year Contract Fixed term Duration 6 months Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number C9369-25-0389 Job locations Plymouth Road Older People’s Community Mental Health Team – South Hams and West Devon The Quay Tavistock Devon PL19 8AB Job description Job responsibilities Please refer to the full Job Description and Person specification attached to this advert which will provide further information on this role. Job description Job responsibilities Please refer to the full Job Description and Person specification attached to this advert which will provide further information on this role. Person Specification Experience Essential Mentoring students in line with professional requirements Desirable Substantial experience of managing an extensive and complex caseload of clients with a range of complex mental health presentations. Working within a community mental health setting in either the statutory or voluntary sector. Providing clinical supervision. Qualifications Essential A professional mental health qualification and registration, RMN, Social Work Degree or equivalent, BSc/Diploma in OT, SROT Desirable Chartered Clinical Psychologist, ENB 811/812 or Community Nursing Degree Non-Medical Prescriber and/or another recognised therapy qualification Post graduate qualification relevant to specialism Clinical Supervision qualification Training to level 3 in Safeguarding Adults and children and young people: roles and competencies for Health Care staff Skills & Abilities Essential Excellent communication skills including the ability to engage with clients experiencing a wide range of mental health presentations. Ability to be mobile across a geographical area in a timely manner and in accordance to service need. Good clinical assessment skills Knowledge Essential An understanding of the Mental Health Act / Mental Health Capacity Act requirements. An understanding of community structures and Health and Social Care Desirable Understanding of recovery principles in Mental Health Understanding of Health and Social Care Agenda for Older Adults Understanding of Organic Presentations in Older Adults Person Specification Experience Essential Mentoring students in line with professional requirements Desirable Substantial experience of managing an extensive and complex caseload of clients with a range of complex mental health presentations. Working within a community mental health setting in either the statutory or voluntary sector. Providing clinical supervision. Qualifications Essential A professional mental health qualification and registration, RMN, Social Work Degree or equivalent, BSc/Diploma in OT, SROT Desirable Chartered Clinical Psychologist, ENB 811/812 or Community Nursing Degree Non-Medical Prescriber and/or another recognised therapy qualification Post graduate qualification relevant to specialism Clinical Supervision qualification Training to level 3 in Safeguarding Adults and children and young people: roles and competencies for Health Care staff Skills & Abilities Essential Excellent communication skills including the ability to engage with clients experiencing a wide range of mental health presentations. Ability to be mobile across a geographical area in a timely manner and in accordance to service need. Good clinical assessment skills Knowledge Essential An understanding of the Mental Health Act / Mental Health Capacity Act requirements. An understanding of community structures and Health and Social Care Desirable Understanding of recovery principles in Mental Health Understanding of Health and Social Care Agenda for Older Adults Understanding of Organic Presentations in Older Adults 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 Plymouth Road Older People’s Community Mental Health Team – South Hams and West Devon The Quay Tavistock Devon PL19 8AB Employer's website https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab) Employer details Employer name Devon Partnership NHS Trust Address Plymouth Road Older People’s Community Mental Health Team – South Hams and West Devon The Quay Tavistock Devon PL19 8AB Employer's website https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab). Location : Plymouth Road, Older People’s Community Mental Health Team – South Hams and West Devon The Quay, PL19 8AB Tavistock, Devon, United Kingdom