Mental Health Practitioner
Employer: Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT)
Location: Radlett, England, United Kingdom
Work Visa: Skilled Worker (subject to eligibility)
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Flexible working – 30 hours per week
Salary: £40,617 – £48,778 per annum, pro rata (inclusive of 5% HCAS)
Job Reference: 367-LD&F-9945
Site: Kingsley Green, Radlett
Closing Date: 29 December 2025 (23:59)
Overview
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) is seeking a skilled Mental Health Practitioner to provide specialist community mental health input within the Community Forensic Team (CFT) in Hertfordshire.
The role involves working closely with Consultant Forensic Psychiatrists and the wider multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, implement, and review care and risk management for individuals with complex mental health needs. Many service users have forensic histories, and care is focused on recovery, public safety, and effective risk management.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide specialist mental health assessment and care planning within the Community Forensic Team
- Take a lead role in the Care Programme Approach (CPA) process
- Act as key professional for individuals with complex and challenging needs
- Coordinate care alongside Consultant Forensic Psychiatrists and MDT colleagues
- Undertake and contribute to risk assessments and risk management planning
- Provide specialist advice to partner agencies, including participation in MAPPA processes
- Prepare written reports for Mental Health Tribunals as required
- Act as Social Supervisor for individuals subject to Mental Health Act restrictions
- Contribute to case conferences, ward rounds, and review meetings
- Support, supervise, and provide professional advice to staff within the team
- Administer medication, including intramuscular injections, where professionally appropriate and in line with Trust policy
- Liaise with community, statutory, non-statutory, and inpatient services
Person Specification
Qualifications / Education / Training
Essential:
- Current professional registration with an approved professional body
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Desirable:
- Postgraduate Diploma
- Training relevant to specialist practice
- Training in family work or psychological approaches
Experience
Essential:
- Significant experience working with individuals with acute psychiatric disorders and complex needs
- Experience managing a caseload
- Experience supervising staff and providing mentorship
Desirable:
- Experience working with forensic populations
- Experience with learning disability and/or neurodevelopmental disorders
- Experience in assertive outreach, crisis, or home treatment services
- Lived experience of mental health challenges
Skills and Abilitie
- Ability to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate treatment plans
- Strong risk assessment and risk management skills
- Excellent verbal, written, and IT communication skills
- Ability to prioritise workload and work flexibly
- Commitment to recovery-focused and socially inclusive practice
- Ability to advocate for service users
- Ability to supervise and support the training of other staff
Desirable:
- Specialist therapeutic skills (e.g. CBT, DBT, family work)
- Experience facilitating group work
Essential:
- Thorough understanding of CPA
- Knowledge of physical healthcare needs
- Evidence-based practice and NICE guidance
- Strong understanding of relevant legislation, including:
- Mental Health Act
- Mental Capacity Act
- Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
- Care Act
- Children’s Act
- Equality Act 2010
- Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities
Desirable:
- Knowledge of the Ministry of Justice and criminal justice agencies
Working for HPFT
HPFT is rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission and is one of the UK’s leading providers of mental health and learning disability services. The Trust supports over 400,000 people across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Norfolk and is recognised nationally for its compassionate, values-driven culture.
Trust Values: Welcoming · Kind · Positive · Respectful · Professional
HPFT offers strong career development, wellbeing support, and flexible working to help staff achieve a healthy work-life balance.
Additional Information
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Flexible and part-time working welcomed
- Role subject to DBS clearance
- Compliance with Infection Prevention and Control policies required
- Applicants must hold appropriate UK professional registration
- Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be available subject to eligibility
