DESCRIPTION

Service: Criminal Justice Approved Premises (AP) Mental Health Service
Location: North London
Reports to: Service Manager
Salary: £39,383 (GA Incl)
Job Purpose

The Senior Forensic Mental Health Practitioner (FMHP) will hold a caseload across two Approved Premises (APs) located in Camden and Tulse Hill. They will provide psychologically informed assessments and interventions, drawing on approaches such as:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Mindfulness
• Psychoeducation

The goal is to equip service users with practical tools to better manage their mental health.

The job holder will work collaboratively with AP staff, probation practitioners, and wider partners to deliver holistic, coordinated support. This includes:

• Facilitating case consultations to enhance colleagues’ confidence and skills in supporting individuals with mental health needs
• Actively contributing to team meetings to inform decision-making and support planning
• Leading workshops for AP staff on topics such as mental health awareness, trauma-informed practice, and engaging effectively with healthcare partners

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE

• Mental health assessment and intervention skillsAbility to conduct psychological assessments and deliver evidence-based interventions (e.g., CBT, ACT, DBT, psychoeducation).
• RISK MANAGEMENT AND SAFEGUARDING KNOWLEDGEUnderstanding of safeguarding protocols and dynamic risk assessment in forensic settings.
• COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATIONStrong interpersonal skills to work effectively with AP staff, probation officers, and external agencies.
• RECORD KEEPING AND DATA MANAGEMENTCompetence in maintaining accurate records and using data systems for reporting.
• TRAINING AND FACILITATIONAbility to deliver workshops and case consultations to professionals.
• EXPERIENCE WORKING IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICESAt least 2–3 years in a mental health or forensic setting, ideally with experience supporting individuals with complex needs or dual diagnoses.
• EXPERIENCE IN MULTI-AGENCY ENVIRONMENTSPrior work in settings involving collaboration with criminal justice, social care, or healthcare professionals.
• EXPERIENCE DELIVERING PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONSDemonstrated ability to apply therapeutic techniques in practice, even at low intensity.
• RELEVANT DEGREE OR EQUIVALENTDegree in psychology, mental health nursing, social work, or a related field.
• PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION (IF APPLICABLE)Registration with a relevant body (e.g., HCPC, NMC, BACP) may be required or preferred depending on the employer.
• ENHANCED DBS CLEARANCEMandatory for working with vulnerable individuals in criminal justice settings.

JOB-SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to the development and promotion of the service and Together by attending relevant forums
• Creation and delivery of relevant information sessions to professionals
• Work in partnership with other stakeholders
• Facilitate learning in groups through presentations and activities both within Together and external agencies
• Assess mental health and social care needs and provide a bespoke holistic support package
• Understand and adhere to relevant safeguarding and risk management protocols
• Empower people to lead on their support plan
• Provide low intensity support interventions of psychoeducation using techniques such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and Compassion Focused Therapy
• Support and deliver interventions to service users with complex needs and dual diagnosis
• Contribute to the prevention and management of harmful and violent behaviour
• Help people build self-esteem and increase motivation
• Enable people to discover and access appropriate services and facilities
• Support people to navigate and access services available to them as part of the bespoke care plan
• Assist people whose care is being transferred between services/agencies by liaising as appropriate
• Dynamically assess and manage risk, sharing need-to-know information with relevant agencies
• Report back on outcomes directly to referrers and/or via clinical and multidisciplinary group meetings
• Record keep, evidence work done, and ensure data is entered promptly and effectively onto relevant data management systems
• Work with integrity within the service delivery model, ensuring consistency and quality of service provision
• Maintain regular communication and updates with the wider team via phone, text, and emails
• Develop and sustain effective working relationships with staff in other agencies
• Develop a significant understanding of Together and its value system to present Together in a positive light
• Advise statutory agencies about the needs of service users in the relevant geographical area(s) and identify gaps in the service
• Research, prepare, and supply information to monitor the effectiveness of the service and produce statistical data as required to the service manager
  This job description may change over time, by negotiation with the post holder, to reflect service needs and does not form part of a contract of employment.