Person Specification

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• Either a minimum NVQ level 3 supplemented by additional training equivalent to diploma level, or the ability to demonstrate significant relevant prior experience and on-the-job training working in a therapeutic environment equivalent to diploma level
• Holds an active NMC Nursing associate Pin Number

Desirable

• Honours degree (or equivalent) in psychology, or other subject relevant to the professional discipline.
• Training in delivering brief therapeutic interventions
• Further post-graduate training in relevant areas of professional psychology, Occupational therapy, speech, language & communication therapy or mental health practice

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Evidence of working with people who have experienced a mental health difficulty
• Demonstrates high standards in written communication
• Able to write clear reports and letters
• An ability to empathise with people with Mental Health Problems and treat them with dignity and respect
• Ability to work on own and use initiative
• Able to manage time effectively
• Ability to develop working relationships with both staff and clients

Desirable

• Experience of working in primary care services
• Experience of working in secondary care services
• Experience of working in a secure/prison environment
• Experience of managing own caseload and time
• Some knowledge of psychotherapeutic approaches and issues for working with people with mental health problems in prison

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

Essential

• Excellent IT skills, verbal and written communication skills, including telephone skills
• Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients
• To be able to communicate effectively under pressure and maintain a high degree of professionalism at all times
• To be able to provide and receive complex, sensitive, or contentious information in a potentially highly emotive atmosphere. To be able to work with resistance to ideas

Desirable

• Received training (either formal of through experience) and carried out risk assessments within the scope of practice
• Demonstrates a knowledge of the issues surrounding ‘being in prison’ and the impact it can have on mental and physical health
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and how it relates to people in prison
• Knowledge of the CPA, Mental Health Act, MAPPA, legislation, and policies relevant to prison mental health.
• Knowledge of the New Model of Care in prison settings

Attitudes, aptitudes, and personal characteristics

Essential

• High level of enthusiasm and motivation
• Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships
• Ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively
• Ability to work under pressure
• Regard for others and respect for individual rights of autonomy and confidentiality
• Ability to be self-reflective, whilst working with service users, in own personal and professional development and in supervision

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).