The successful candidate will work within a supportive multidisciplinary team and is expected to demonstrate compassion and a strong interest in the intersection of mental and physical health in older adults. The role requires participation in professional meetings and collaboration with patients, families, and caregivers. Working hours are Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and an informal visit to the service is encouraged for interested applicants. The organisation is committed to equal opportunities and supports flexibility in the application process.
This is a role within the Psychological Medicine Service older adults team at Royal Berkshire Hospital. The role would suit an experienced practitioner from a mental health nursing background or other similar profession who is looking to further their experience in an acute clinical setting.
The post holder will be joining a well-established and supportive team working with older adults admitted to Royal Berkshire Hospital. The team supports patients on all medical wards across the hospital as well as the emergency department, and is patient centred. Patients present with mental health or cognitive difficulties in the context of declining physical health and/or neurological or neurodegenerative conditions. The work is dynamic and there are many opportunities to develop close working relationships with specialist departments within Royal Berkshire Hospital as well as with other mental health services.
- The role will be to provide specialist mental health care to patients who are in Royal Berkshire Hospital
- You will undertake initial assessments of older adults who have been referred by Royal Berkshire Hospital and will focus on their mental health needs but adopting a holistic approach
- You will offer continued mental health support of patients when necessary while on their journey within Royal Berkshire Hospital
- You will use your skills to formulate a working diagnosis and relevant risk and management plan
- The cases will be complex at times, and you will participate in and lead professionals meetings
- A collaborative approach will be used included the view of the patients, family, and carers.
About us
The "must haves" for this role:
- RMN or equivalent Professional Qualification
- Broad experience gained over a minimum of two years , acquired by caring for older people with mental health needs in a range of community/inpatient settings
- Minimum 2 years as Band 6 grade in older peoples mental health services
- Evidence of on-going professional development
The post is within a supportive multidisciplinary team of mental health practitioners, including mental health nurses, psychologists, and a full-time consultant psychiatrist. The older adult service (65+) is a small team and works alongside the adult team within the Psychological Medicine Service at Royal Berkshire Hospital. The overall service is an established Core24 provision, and is PLAN accredited with the Royal College of Psychiatrists. We are looking for someone who is passionate about providing mental health care for older people and has an approach that displays compassion. A strong interest in mental health in the context of physical health in old age is essential for this role.
An informal visit to the service is encouraged.
The working hours are Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm.
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.
We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call: Sue Barclay on , or email: who'll be delighted to help.
Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
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