Clinical Lead

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 7 Clinical Lead to join the newly formed Clinical Access Line. The Clinical Access Line is a new service, that is central to the delivery of the 111 Mental health option national requirement. NHS England require all trusts to have a '24/7 open access telephone lines for urgent NHS mental health support, advice and triage, and through which people of all ages can access the NHS mental health pathway/further support if needed’ By April 2024.

The Clinical Access Line works closely at times of mental health crisis, with our crisis resolution teams and our partner organisations from across the public and private sectors, to direct people to services most able to aid their recovery. The team provides advice and guidance through a triage process, where the urgency of care required is assessed.

You will be part of a team that consists of qualified clinicians and recovery workers, supported by a team leader who are knowledgeable about different services and options. This helps callers to be directed to the most appropriate service to meet their needs.

Relevant training will be provided upon successful recruitment to the post. This post includes shift work and covers a 24/7 rota.

Main duties of the job

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Band 7 Clinician to provide clinical leadership and oversight of the clinical access line. As a clinical lead, you will provide guidance regarding the management of referrals and assessments, supporting a ‘no wrong door approach’.

The Clinical access line consists of 5 clinical leads (one per shift) who will work alongside the team leader to provide supervision and support to the band 6 clinicians and recovery workers during the shift. The clinical lead will also be responsible for overseeing crisis services during the night and will be expected to undertake gatekeeping assessments for those who may require admission to hospital.

The post holder will exercise advanced clinical expertise, levels of judgement, discretion and decision making in clinical care whilst working within the Clinical Access Line Team. In collaboration with the team leader, monitor and lead improvements to standards of care through, supervision of practice, clinical audit, evidenced based practice, teaching and supporting professional colleagues and the provision of skilled professional leadership.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To provide comprehensive specialist assessments using highly developed skills, including the risk assessment and management of individuals who present in mental health crisis. To work as autonomous senior practitioner who is accountable for their own professional activities, providing clinically effective and where possible evidence based therapeutic interventions, utilising specialist analytical and interpretive skills for adults and their carers presenting with complex needs. To demonstrate expertise in analysing and reflecting upon their own clinical practice and that of others in all aspects of care given to patients in crisis and their families/carers. To work effectively with colleagues from other disciplines as appropriate throughout the assessment and treatment process. To have highly developed report writing skills. Be responsible for providing and receiving highly complex, sensitive distressing and emotional information in relation to health issues. Communicate sensitive complex information about their condition to patients and their carers. Developed knowledge of safeguarding procedure and experience in how to manage these situations including advising colleagues where necessary. To work within professional and ethical frameworks established by national bodies such as the Department of Health and the NMC.