CAMHS Single Point of Access Practitioner – Band 5 to 6 Development

To provide a quality specialist service to clients (and their families/carers) referred to CAMHS across all sectors of care

To promote the reputation of CAMHS

Effectively assess and prioritise clinical complexity and risk, liaising with senior colleagues as required

Liaise with referrers and professionals in relation to clinical concerns and queries

Be a clinical point of contact for children, young people and families.

Effectively liaise with referrers, professionals, partners and agencies in relation to referrals and/or assessments

Triage referrals into CAMHS, including the assessment and prioritisation of clinical complexity and risk.

To contribute towards referral and triage pathways and processes within CAMHS

To provide specialist assessment and intervention for complex mental health needs and to work autonomously within professional guidelines and exercise systematic governance of practice within CAMHS.

To contribute to the proposal, development and implementation of policy and procedures for CAMHS and wider children and family services.

To support in the provision of specialist systematic processes for the assessment of children and young people referred into CAMHS. To assess, triage and prioritise referrals ensuring an equitable system and that those with urgent needs are clearly identified and needs are addressed in a timely manner.

To consider the appropriateness of CAMHS referrals in relation to agreed referral criteria and organise safe signposting as appropriate to the needs of the child/young person referred.

To work collaboratively with other disciplines/voluntary agencies.

To undertake risk assessments as appropriate.

To participate and facilitate where appropriate in person centred planning for children and adolescents with a mental health need.

To work in liaison with adult mental health services and other agencies to ensure transitional arrangements are meeting individual needs and are person centred.

To provide written and verbal reports for meetings and reviews as appropriate.

To work in liaison with trust safeguarding leads and other agencies regarding child and adult protection and ensure that policies and procedures are adhered too.

To actively participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal.

To attend such courses and training as indicated by the needs of the service and within the limitation of the service as required by the post.

To communicate effectively and professionally with patients, families/carers, health and social care professionals and other agencies to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated multi-disciplinary service.

To apply highly developed interpersonal skills in order to deal with potential aggression or with patients who may be distressed, suicidal or lack capacity.

To communicate complex and emotionally sensitive information to patients and their families/carers regarding their mental health needs, plans of care and interactions with outside agencies demonstrating honest and transparent practice.

To assist in on-going audit and evaluation of policies within the SPA in consultation with other members of the multi-disciplinary team(s), service heads/professional managers.

We currently employ over 3,000 members of staff and just like the population we serve, we are made up of diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Whatever your background or education, working in a healthcare setting like ours is a demanding yet extremely rewarding experience. We offer exciting and rewarding career opportunities in a variety of fields, from nursing, psychiatry, counselling and pharmacy to admin and support roles such as IT, estates and facilities and human resources.

We take pride in supporting, developing and engaging with our workforce. Staff engagement, recognition and wellbeing are vital to the success of our organisation, and we strive to provide a setting in which our staff can showcase their skills, innovative solutions and dedication to healthcare.

Qualifications

Essential: - Core profession and full registration with a recognised professional body

Desirable: - Experience in mental health or young people's services