Practice Lead (Social Work)

Service Design and Improvement Responsible for development and monitoring of the assigned care pathway quality and improvement plans. The post-holder, in conjunction with Senior Clinical Lead & Operational Manager and relevant other teams, will ensure clinical effectiveness systems are embedded within CMHS and sustainable (based on audit and evidence based care) Participate in, and lead where required, the development, implementation and evaluation of strategies, service innovations whereby the service evolves to meet the needs of the individuals and their carers. Fully participate in quality assurance initiatives and advances including any resulting audit of these initiatives. Demonstrate the ability to engage with different stakeholders including medical staffing regional forensic services and third party sector providers in developing the service Service Delivery and Resource Management Ensure governance and assurance systems are in place for care pathways/clinical teams Provide expert professional advice regarding clinical care, incidents and complaints. Ensure services are delivered by practitioners with appropriate knowledge, skills and competencies. In conjunction with Senior Clinical Lead & Operational Manager, CMHS Consultant Psychiatrist, Practice Lead and Team Manager, ensure that care is provided within the service resource Practice Quality and Workforce Development Take the lead, in consultation with the Team Manager and Practice lead, in being responsible for the coordination of multi-disciplinary team working and engagement in service delivery in line with practice standards. Ensure the safety and effectiveness of the service through implementation of effective risk management, governance and assurance systems Support the Team Manager and Practice lead in the development of the workforce. Act as a role model in providing a service for people with mental health problems for all staff within CMHS and other stakeholders. Help monitor and improve quality through the following: - Team compliance to national guidelines including NICE guidelines through audit and other means - Developing care pathways which improve clinical care Line Management/Practice Supervision Responsibility Support the Team Manager and Practice lead in the delivery of line management to the team. Ensure the team access clinical supervision and Continuous Professional Development Provide appropriate cross-cover as required for other CMHS Band 7 staff. Additional Responsibilities All Practice Leads will hold a portfolio of responsibilities. These will include but will not be limited to: responsibility for updating and monitoring risk registers, infection prevention and control, NICE compliance within the team They will also take shared responsibility with other CMHS team members for key practice development projects across the service. Practice Leads will hold a service portfolio based on individual job planning e.g. safeguarding, complaints. Personal Professional Duties Role model clinical leadership Practice in a way that actively minimises dependency and promotes recovery. Communicate information in a way that makes it relevant and understandable for service users and carers, working to the principles of the functions policy implementation guidelines and practice in line with the standards and values set out in them. Ensure a duty of care to service users who are entitled to receive safe and competent care. The service users wishes, feelings, values and beliefs should be taken into consideration as well as the views of the people close to them. Take personal accountability for your own practice. This means that you are answerable for your actions and omissions, regardless of advice or directions from another professional. Ensure you remain professionally competent by participating in your own and others clinical supervision. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and skills, not only relating to the care of mental health patients, but also in depth knowledge of the roles and functions of other professionals across the services. This may be enhanced by a relevant qualification at an appropriate level. Clinical Responsibilities Accountable for the direct patient care provided by the CMHS at all times. Ensure there are appropriately skilled clinicians available to take a lead in rapid crisis assessments and the continuous assessment of patients on the caseload, monitoring effectiveness of the treatments provided. Where necessary the post holder will take a lead in assessments. Work as part of the team in a clinical capacity where appropriate Take a lead role in supporting the team in the identification of risk and the formulation of risk management plans. Take a lead role in clinical decision-making, including maintaining the safety of patients, staff and the public in challenging, potentially violent situations ensuring that communication of decisions is circulated to other agencies and action plans followed. Always ensuring the Senior Managers and Directors are briefed as and when required. Ensure the team plan aftercare, making appropriate agreed referrals for longer term treatment. Collaborate with other Teams and Services in the provision of patient care. Assess and monitor the effect of medication and report observations to medical staff. Provide education to patients and Carers to enhance their knowledge, therefore, improving longer term concordance. Provide education to patients and Carers in line with current policy and good practice guidelines. Promote RECOVERY within the service and the services that interface with it. Maintain high standards of clinical care of patients. PLEASE VIEW ATTACHED FULL JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FURTHER REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ROLE.