EIP Community Mental Health Practitioner inColchester inColchester PUBLISHED MON 18 NOV 2024

The Community Mental Health Practitioner in an Early Intervention Psychosis (EIP) Team is a key clinical role responsible for providing high-quality, patient-centred care to individuals aged 14-65 who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), the practitioner will play an essential role in the assessment, treatment, and support of patients during the critical early stages of psychosis, with a focus on recovery-oriented care.

We are seeking either a mental health nurse or social worker with previous experience of working in community mental health settings and who is confident and competent in effectively managing a caseload of patients.

• Assessment & Care Planning
• Intervention & Support
• Case Management (Care Coordination)
• Collaboration with MDT
• Family & Carer Support
• Crisis Management & Risk Reduction
• Education & Training

About us

• Assessment & Care Planning: Conduct assessments (predominantly using the Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental States (CAARMS) tool) of individuals presenting with symptoms of psychosis, including mental state examinations, risk assessments, and formulation of recovery-focused care plans.
• Intervention & Support: Deliver evidence-based (NICE) interventions, including psychoeducation, monitoring treatment efficacy and adverse side effects, and crisis management, reducing the risk of relapse, and enhancing functional outcomes. If registered mental health nurse - administer long-acting anti-psychotic depot injections in office and community settings.
• Case Management: Take on a caseload of patients in the role of Care Coordinator underpinned by the Care Program Approach (or any alternative framework introduced in the future). Providing ongoing support and consistent monitoring throughout the patients treatment pathway, ensuring continuity of care and advocating for the needs of the individual. Completing and maintaining up to date person-centred, recovery-focused care plans in collaboration with the patient, family, and MDT.
• Collaboration with MDT: Work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, employment specialists, and support workers to deliver integrated care, attend MDT meetings, and lead on care reviews and discharge planning.
• Family & Carer Support: Provide education, emotional support, and practical advice to families and carers to help them understand psychosis and the recovery process, empowering them to be actively involved in the care of the patient. Engage family and carers to access specialist family interventions and carers support from the team.
• Crisis Management & Risk Reduction: Continually assess risk, monitor for early warning signs of relapse or crisis situations, and provide timely interventions to minimize risk, including facilitating access to urgent care when necessary. Completing and maintaining up to date person-centred safety (risk) plans. Identify any possible safeguarding concerns and be responsible for the completion of safeguarding enquires/processes.
• Education & Training: Contribute to the training and development of junior staff, students, and peers, sharing knowledge on psychosis, recovery principles, and best practice.