Forensic Mental Health Practitioner

linical Practice, including professional development: To be a core member of the team, using specialist health assessments. To provide a highly specialised range of clinical interventions relevant to the service and have knowledge of evidence-based models of practice. To deliver care under the Care Programme Approach (CPA), taking on the role of care co-ordinator/lead practitioner and working within the CPA policy delivering standards set out in the Trust CPA policy. To manage a caseload of service users with complex health needs.

To work in partnership with the individual service user and their families and carers as appropriate to ensure the delivery of the care plan, and to enable the development of a plan to facilitate their safety, promote their well-being and support their independence And inclusion in the community, by using recognised age-appropriate self-management tools where applicable. This may include working closely with partner agencies such as voluntary sector agencies, schools and colleges which may be able to more appropriately help the service user complete these tools. To develop holistic care plans that meet the needs of the individual and their family/carers as appropriate and that are focused on strengths and are outcome based. To plan and implement service-user centred individual, family and group interventions, using graded activity to achieve therapeutic goals.

To monitor, evaluate and modify treatment to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention. To be aware of prescribed medication for each service user. Refer to medical and nursing professionals for advice/treatment as appropriate. To discuss with the service user and when appropriate, with their carers, their health problems and how they see and understand them, facilitating a process of developing their understanding and maintaining their hope for the future.

To promote the empowerment of individual service users to manage their health as much as possible and use Self Directed Support / direct payments as indicated. To work with carers and family members, offering carers assessments and providing support and information to them as indicated. Signposting to third sector agencies to ensure they receive appropriate advice and support. Advising them about the triggers around risk factors relating to the service user, within the boundaries of confidentiality.

To assertively engage with service users, always striving to develop good therapeutic relationships. To monitor risk, progress and where necessary compliance including the service users views to their care and treatment and when appropriate to work in partnership with the service user's family and carers. To carry out assessments of client's work/educational / vocational and housing needs/aspirations and ensure that these are met were appropriate. To carry out carers assessments and implement a plan of care accordingly, where appropriate.

To work closely and in partnership with colleagues in the team and other services within the Trust in a collaborative way, ensuring that decisions are made that ensure the best care for service users and that there is a seamless pathway. To know how to access appropriate services and develop effective networks and channels of communication. To keep abreast of local resources; third sector partners, primary care, housing, education, social care and other statutory organisations to ensure that the service user is able to navigate the full health and social care system. To establish robust communication networks with clients carers and other health workers and agencies.

To attend meetings and case conferences as relevant to the job description and role. To promote awareness of the professional role within the team and across the service. To demonstrate effective communication skills with people in an age-appropriate way and those whose understanding may be impaired. Communicate effectively with junior staff on a timely basis ensuring systems exist so that staff are informed.

To apply highly specialist skills and knowledge to establish professional competence and fitness to practice. To demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, recording learning outcomes in a portfolio. Practice Development, including professional development of others Ensure best practice is promoted and disseminated appropriately. Support a team-based learning culture.

Facilitate local multi-disciplinary learning groups and practice development initiatives. Contribute to the induction, training of students and other staff both within or external to the Trust. Be responsible for the supervision and written assessment of students, on placement within the Trust, as appropriate. Act as a Practice Supervisor/Assessor/ Mentor/Preceptor with the relevant experience/training.

To fully participate in the Trusts performance review, appraisal and personal development planning process on a regular basis. To achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales. Review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal in line with local guidelines. To provide effective guidance, supervision and appraisal for junior staff.

To assist in the selection of staff and participate in their induction as required. To provide effective leadership within the team, speciality groups and at professional networks. To represent the professional lead/senior manager at meetings as required. Research and Development To undertake research and/or audit projects relevant to the service, disseminating findings at local level.

To broaden research and development skills through participation in local audit and research projects. To participate in the operational planning, implementation of policy and service development within the team, leading on delegated projects. To participate in the delivery of the Trust strategy, and your professional strategy within Forensic Healthcare, and development plan and care group strategies. To use research in practice and developing research work from one's own practice.

Governance including quality, standards, documentation & ethics To ensure that up to date written and electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards and to provide specialist reports relevant to the service. To keep accurate and timely electronic record of each contact, using Care Notes and other software programmes used by the Trust. Complete outcome measures as required. To adhere to the Code of Conduct, and Professional Standards and Ethics, for the post holder's profession and comply with local and national standards of practice.

To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of service users and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs. To contribute in the Trust and professional clinical and social care governance arrangements and quality agenda, including the setting and monitoring of practice standards. To apply national guidelines/ legislation relating to health and social care in mental health service provision. To participate in clinical and social care governance care group forums as required.

To ensure performance targets and standards are met. To complete clinical outcome measures as required e.g. HoNOS To ensure that professional standards of practice are maintained within the clinical setting. To ensure that professional standards of practice are maintained amongst junior staff.