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

Posting date:	29 July 2025
Salary:	Not specified
Additional salary information:	Negotiable
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	15 August 2025
Location:	Bloxwich, Walsall, WS3 3AZ
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	C9285-25-0261

Summary

Upon appointment: 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. Ensure pathways into CAMHS are accessible for children, young people and families with additional needs e.g., a learning disability. To gather comprehensive information from a range of community children/young peoples services and to liaise with services around assessment outcomes and safeguarding concerns. To practice within the guidelines as set out by appropriate professional bodies. To be responsible for the maintenance of accurate records and documentation. To participate and contribute to service development and to ensure trust policies are adhered to. To liaise with other agencies/disciplines to contribute to the provision of a comprehensive service for children and adolescents with a mental health needs including advocacy and signposting where appropriate. To be responsible for setting the highest standards of care in line with clinical governance. To demonstrate good professional practice. To be a professional role model and provide clinical supervision, where agreed, in line with trust policies and standards. To complete specialist assessments, outcome measures and care plans for specific diagnoses associated with child and adolescent mental health. To encourage positive health education and promotion with children and adolescents who have mental health needs and their families/carers to reduce ill health. 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 participate in all relevant team, staff, departmental and organisational meetings. To participate in clinical audit service evaluation and research. Initiate, assist or co-operate with research. To undertake outcome measurement and evaluation of own practice through evidence based practice projects, audits and outcome measures. Record work using the appropriate information technology system. It is vital that events are promptly recorded in order to facilitate effective management of unstable situations. Supply information on workload as required by the team leader. Maintain all appropriate records as required by the Black Country Partnership Foundation Trust (NHS) in accordance with local policy. Ensure that there is effective liaison between the multi-professional team concerning patient care. To attend and participate in clinical/ departmental and team meetings as required by the service. To effectively manage own time in relation to clinical and non-clinical activities. To review and reflect on own practice and performance through regular participation in professional/clinical/management supervision and appraisal In line with local guidelines, review and reflect on own practice and performance through effective use of professional supervision and appraisal. To develop areas of knowledge and skill to assist in dealing with complex situations. To complete and maintain all mandatory training within timescales identified by the Trust. Continue personal and professional development and be prepared to undertake relevant training as appropriate to post. To respect the individuality, values, sexual preference, and cultural and spiritual diversity of patients, and contribute to the provision of a service that is sensitive to their needs. Communicate and promote the visions, values, objectives and priorities of the Trust effectively to staff, partners and the public. To undertake any other duties of a similar nature consistent with the responsibilities of this post in order to provide a quality CAMHS service. In addition to above, progressing to: To provide specialist systematic process 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. The post will require independent management of caseload with appropriate supervision and professional management, as per professional body guidelines. To provide highly specialist assessments of clients referred to CAMHS based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex information from a variety of sources including self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations and semi-structured interviews with clients and their families/carers. To provide effective and safe assessment of safeguarding concerns. Liaising and reporting to other agencies where appropriate, including the completion of safeguarding referrals and safety planning. To exercise professional responsibility for the assessment, treatment, signposting and discharge of clients. To undertake risk assessment and risk management for individual clients and their families/carers. To communicate in a skilled and sensitive manner in both written and verbal form, information concerning the assessment and treatment plans of clients referred to CAMHS. To provide post-qualification training (CPD) and clinical professional supervision to junior staff, students or trainees in relevant profession. To provide advice, consultation and training to staff working with the client group across a range of agencies and settings, where appropriate. To participate as a clinician in the development of a high quality, responsive and accessible service, including advising both service and professional management on those aspects of the service where professional and/or organisational matters need addressing. To exercise responsibility for the systematic governance of professional practice within the SPA. 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. To undertake any other duties of a similar nature consistent with the responsibilities of this post in order to provide a quality Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.