About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Primary Care Mental Health Practitioner (Independent Prescriber) to join our multidisciplinary team within our Primary Care Network (PCN). This is an exciting opportunity to provide high-quality mental health assessment, treatment, and prescribing support for patients with a range of common and complex mental health needs.
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities
Undertake comprehensive mental health assessments and risk assessments of adult patients. Develop and implement evidence-based treatment plans. Prescribe and review mental health medications Manage a caseload of patients. Provide medication reviews. Deliver brief therapeutic interventions and psychoeducation. Support patients with anxiety, depression, PTSD and other conditions Work closely with GPs and wider PCN teams to provide integrated care. Facilitate referrals to specialist mental health services where appropriate. Participate in safeguarding, clinical governance, and quality improvement initiatives.
About us
Newton & Haydock Primary Care Network: About Us
Newton and Haydock Primary Care Network consists of 4 NHS GP practices in Newton-le-Willows and Haydock, across several sites. The Network enables NHS staff to work across the practices to help deliver services to 50,000 patients.
The Practices:
Newton Practice
Patterdale Lodge
Vista Road Surgery
Haydock Medical Centre
Job description Job responsibilities
Job Title: Primary Care Mental Health Practitioner (Independent Prescriber or ACP)
Contract: 30-37.5 hrs per week
Employer: NHS Primary Care Network
Salary: £49,000-60,000 WTE (depending on qualifications, experience, and scope of practice, the PCN aligns to the ARRS budget and does not align formally to Agenda for Change)
The successful candidate will work collaboratively with other GPs, and highly experienced Mental Health ACP, pharmacists, social prescribers, and other healthcare professionals to improve access to timely, person-centred mental health care.
Salary will be determined based on experience, qualifications, prescribing responsibilities, and leadership expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Undertake comprehensive mental health assessments and risk assessments of patients over the age of 18. Develop and implement evidence-based treatment plans. Prescribe and review mental health medications which can be prescribed in primary care according to local guidance medication within professional competence and excluding antipsychotics. Manage a caseload of patients presenting with mild, moderate, and severe mental health conditions. Provide medication reviews and monitor treatment effectiveness and side effects. Deliver brief therapeutic interventions and psychoeducation. Support patients with anxiety, depression, PTSD, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental health conditions including a knowledge of memory and dementia issues. Work closely with GPs and wider PCN teams to provide integrated care. Facilitate referrals to specialist mental health services where appropriate. Participate in safeguarding, clinical governance, and quality improvement initiatives. For Band ACP applicants: provide clinical leadership, supervision, mentorship, and service development support.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Registered healthcare professional (e.g., Mental Health Nurse or ACP) with relevant professional registration including on the NMC Mental Health Register. Independent Prescribing Qualification. Significant post-registration experience in mental health services. Experience conducting mental health and risk assessments. Knowledge of psychotropic medications and evidence-based mental health treatments. Excellent communication and multidisciplinary working skills. Ability to work autonomously and manage a complex caseload.
Desirable
Experience working within primary care or community mental health settings. Non-Medical Prescribing experience in mental health. CBT, brief intervention, or psychological therapy training. Experience supervising staff or students. Leadership and service development experience (particularly for Band 8a applicants).
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Newton & Haydock Primary Care Network
Address Haydock Medical Centre
Woodside Road
Haydock
St. Helens
Merseyside
WA11 0NA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.newtonhaydockpcn.com/ (Opens in a new tab)