About this role
Job summary
To deliver community mental health support, symptom management, triage and care navigation to clients through PCNs in Leeds.
The post-holder will be required to carry out assessment and formulation of mental health needs in order to assist patients towards increased self-management of anxiety and depression symptoms and better tolerance of distress. The role will also involve identifying opportunities to support individuals with their mental health by helping them to access appropriate community support, encourage behavioural and lifestyle changes, and enable and empower patients to become actively involved in their own wellbeing.
The role combines the skills of triage/assessment/care navigation/psychological support. Key to the role will be the ability to utilise psychological formulation (i.e. construct meaning out of mental distress) and build trusting relationships quickly whilst motivating individuals to make sustained changes.
Main duties of the job
The role includes the following duties. These may change as the post evolves, however will be within the level of responsibility for this role.
Referrals, triage and assesment, including
Accepting patient referrals with common mild to moderate mental health problems (such as anxiety, depression and OCD) via agreed protocols within the GP practice.
Using SystmOne and EMIS patient management systems (after training) to record referrals, assessments and outcomes.
Identify and manage cases where complexity is present, including triaging referrals and signposting to appropriate mental health and crisis support.
Using therapeutic skills where appropriate to help patients to manage acute emotional distress, where it does not pose a risk.
Caseload management and interventions, including
Working with a caseload of individuals with chronic mental health needs, offering a set number of appointments per week with each patient.
Managing a full caseload and reaching agreed activity levels set within the service and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient.
Using a range of techniques and interventions to support patients with mental health needs to self manage their symptoms, and encourage behavioural and lifestyle change, whilst working within boundaries of professional training and competence.
Responding to unpredictable situations of risk and managing these in a safe, professional and holistic manner, utilising appropriate risk assessment, relapse prevention interventions and risk management plans.
Professional practice, including
Ensuring the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating, professional and accrediting bodies (such as BACP, UKCP, BPS), and remain informed of new recommendations and guidelines set by the Department of Health (such as NHS plan, National Service Framework, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence).
Ensuring patient confidentiality is protected at all times, in line with Northpoint and GP practice policies.
Ensuring clear professional objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with the Service Manager, on a regular basis as part of continuing professional development.
General Support, including
Actively combatting mental health inequalities, appling knowledge of the social determinants of mental health in Leeds, and how some communities are at greater risk of poorer mental health.
Conducting audits of service performance, including service user surveys and evaluations, to collate and disseminate the results for feedback.
Working with managers and colleagues to identify, manage and minimise risks within overarching risk management frameworks.
About us
Northpoint is part of the primary care mental health service, LMWS, commissioned by Leeds CCG. Launched in November 2019, this integrated service provides support for people experiencing common mental health problems. Together, our partnership helps thousands of people in Leeds to increase their resilience and live their best lives within their community.
This Service covers all the PCNs across Leeds. PCNs bring together a group of neighbouring GP practices to cover a population of 30,000 to 50,000 patients. Member GP practices benefit from economies of scale as they collaborate to provide services with an expanded primary care team - including these Mental Health practitioner roles – taking pressure off GPs.
Job description Job responsibilities
Mental Health Practitioner (Primary Care)
Do you want to be part of the change we’re bringing to mental health support?
We have a unique opportunity for a Mental Health Practitioner to join our team at Northpoint as part of the Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS). This role will see you working across GP surgeries, supporting people with their mental health in a way that is practical, compassionate, and rooted in community.
You will play a key part in helping individuals better understand and manage their mental health, offering assessment, support and guidance to enable people to take positive steps towards wellbeing.
You will join us on a permanent basis, full-time basis (35 hours per week) on a salary of £32,073 – £39,043 per annum - Agenda for Change Band 5.
We offer:
35-hour full time working week
28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
Up to 3 discretionary leave days at Christmas
Auto-enrolment pension scheme
Enhanced leave policies that support you when it matters most
Regular supervision and development opportunities
A supportive, inclusive and values-led working environment
Why choose Northpoint?
Northpoint is a leading regional provider of mental health services forchildren, youngpeopleand adults across West Yorkshire We work in partnership with local services and we are committed to delivering accessible, high-quality support that meets people's needs at the right time.
Joining us means being part of a team that values collaboration, flexibility and wellbeing, and where your work will make a real difference to people’s lives every day.
What you will be doing as our Mental Health Practitioner
Work alongside GP practices as part of a Primary Care Network to support people with common mental health difficulties
Carry out assessments, triage and care navigation to ensure people get the right support at the right time
Provide practical, short-term support to help individuals manage anxiety, depression and distress
Help people build confidence, resilience and skills to improve their mental wellbeing
Support people to access wider community services, peer support and wellbeing resources
Manage a caseload, offering structured sessions and maintaining clear, accurate records
Please note, this is an office-based role atThe Small Mill, Leeds, due to the nature of the work and the need for regular in-person support.
What are we looking for in our ideal Mental Health Practitioner
Minimum of 2 years of experience working with people with mental health needs, including assessment and support
An understanding of common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression
Ability to build trusting relationships and communicate clearly and sensitively
A proactive, organised approach with the ability to manage a caseload
A commitment to inclusivity, empowerment and supporting people to take an active role in their wellbeing
If you have the skills, knowledge and experience we are looking for to be our Mental Health Practitioner, and are passionate about making a difference, please click ‘Apply’. We’d love to hear from you. More information about Leeds PCNs can be found at: https://www.leedsgpconfederation.org.uk/primary-care-networks-member-practices/
We recognise the value of using digital tools to optimise our work. You can use AI to support your application, but please make sure it reflects your own individuality, experience, and approach.
Please note, we review applications regularly and may close adverts early if we receivea high levelof interest or find a suitable candidate.
Closing date: Sunday 23 August 2026
Interviews dates will be held in person on: Thursday 10 September 2026
We may utilise digital interview methods.
We aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working opportunities.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
It'simportant to us that our recruitment process is inclusive and person-centred. If you require any support or adjustments to access any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment Team [email protected] discuss how we can support you.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
A relevant qualification at NVQ Level 3 (e.g. NVQ Level 3 in Mental Health & Social Care) or equivalent (psychology graduate), and/or significant experience in mental health support work.
Desirable
N/A
Knowledge and Understanding Essential
An understanding of anxiety and depression, and how this may present in Primary Care services. An understanding of the work of secondary care mental health services and complex mental health presentations. An understanding of the relationship between employment and unemployment and mental health problems. A working knowledge of medication used in anxiety and depression and other common mental health problems
Desirable
An understanding of the principles underlying the Stepped Care model of mental health treatment. Knowledge of existing services within the area.
Experience Essential
At least two years of experience of working in a mental health setting with clients presenting with multiple and complex issues. Experience of undertaking specialist mental health and risk assessments and formulation. Experience of delivering appropriate therapeutic, risk management and relapse prevention interventions in a time-limited manner. Experience of managing own caseload and time to meet service targets.
Desirable
Relevant experience in Primary or Secondary Care mental health services. Experience of working within a Third Sector organisation. Experience of working in a service with agreed targets for outputs and clinical outcomes. Experience of SystmOne, EMIS or similar IT systems for outcomes and case management recording.
Skills and Competencies Essential
Ability to deliver a range of mental health support appropriate to the needs and capacities of the client group, including those with complex mental health issues. Sound clinical skills and ability to make clinical decisions, in line with professional standards, NICE guidelines and service protocols. Ability to develop and sustain meaningful relationships with clients. Ability to organise self, meet deadlines and work on own initiative within set parameters. Ability to manage safeguarding issues safely and appropriately. Ability to be self-reflective, while working with service users and in own personal and professional development, and to use supervision positively and effectively. Creative, flexible and imaginative approach to working with people with mental health problems. Demonstrate a commitment to enabling and empowering clients to become actively involved in their own wellbeing. High standards of written and verbal communication, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely at all levels, including producing accurate records and professional correspondence to referrers. Commitment to the principles of coproduction and supporting others to deliver according to these principles.
Ability to plan and organise workload in line with targets. Able to work according to organisational policies and procedures. Actively committed to personal and professional development. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office packages including Word and Outlook, and video conferencing such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Able to build and maintain relationships with others, both internal and external to the organisation, whilst maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Desirable
N/A
Qualities and Values Essential
An understanding and sensitivity towards mental health issues. Evidenced positive and proactive attitude, motivated and solution focused. Commitment to the principles of inclusivity, equality and diversity, demonstrated in practice. Values consistent with those of Northpoint.
Desirable
N/A
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.
Employer details Employer name Northpoint Wellbeing Ltd
Address The Small Mill
Chadwick Street
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS10 1LJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://northpoint.org.uk (Opens in a new tab)