Visa Note for International Applicants
While this position offers a certificate of sponsorship, all international candidates must verify their eligibility with the employer before applying. Visa requirements and processes can change, and it’s essential to confirm that your qualifications and experience meet UK standards for this role.
About the Role
We’re seeking a qualified Band 6 Mental Health Practitioner to join our team at South Bristol PCN. This is an exciting opportunity to work in Primary Care as part of a General Practice team. The role will be primarily based at Downton Road Surgery in South Bristol, though there may be an expectation to work in other SWIFT PCN practices.
Working Hours and Schedule
The successful candidate will work Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at the surgery. This is a part-time position with flexible working hours, perfect for those seeking a healthy work-life balance while making a significant impact in mental healthcare.
About Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
AWP is a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care. We provide services to approximately 1.8 million people across multiple regions including Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire, and parts of Dorset.
Our Commitment to Diversity
At AWP, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities, and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, and knowledge to our organisation.
Your Key Responsibilities
As a Mental Health Practitioner, you will facilitate early mental health access and support via face-to-face and telephone appointments based in the GP surgery. You’ll work alongside communities and local authorities with patients and their families, addressing issues such as housing, debt, employment, and addictions alongside mental health problems.
Collaborative Approach
You’ll work with a range of other professionals including care navigators and peer support workers to combine existing services and provide a one-team approach. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of local service provision in South Bristol.
Professional Development Opportunities
AWP values its staff and makes investment in their development a priority. We offer development pathways for registered staff in bands 5, 6, 7, and 8, leadership programs, coaching and mentoring, access to training via the Workforce Development Fund, and tailored induction programs with strong onboarding and a buddy system.
Employee Benefits Package
As an AWP member of staff, you’ll have access to discounts from retailers, UK hotels, and main attractions often up to 15% savings. You’ll also be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme, have access to the cycle to work scheme, and flexible working options will be considered. A relocation package may be available for the right candidate.
Essential Qualifications
To be considered for this role, you must hold a professional qualification in mental health equivalent to Registered RMN, Registered Social Worker, or Registered Therapist. You must also have current registration with a professional body and demonstrate commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Essential Experience and Knowledge
You need detailed working knowledge of secondary specialist mental health services and the wider health and social care community, including the third sector. Significant skills and experience in educating and training the mainstream workforce, particularly non-specialist mental health workers, is also required.
Essential Skills and Abilities
You must demonstrate substantial experience of assessing risk and developing risk management strategies. Strong diplomatic skills and the ability to engage effectively with people at all levels are essential, even when a more assertive approach is needed.
Legal and Policy Knowledge
Conversance with policies and national drivers influencing service development, plus a detailed understanding of relevant legislation including CPA process, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, and Safeguarding procedures is required for this role.
Requirements for International Candidates
International candidates must have current UK professional registration and be eligible for a Certificate of Sponsorship. You’ll need to present a criminal record certificate from each country you have resided in continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Application Process
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and submit your application before the closing date of 04 January 2026. For questions about the job or the sponsorship process, contact Aliya Javed (BNSSG ARRS Team Manager) at [email protected] or call 07874882711.
Newly Qualified Social Workers
This post is open to newly qualified social workers. In line with AWP trust policy, all newly qualified social workers (NQSW) will be recruited initially at Band 5 level, regardless of advertised role banding. All NQSWs are expected to successfully complete their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) within 2 years of employment.
Progression Opportunities
If you’re appointed to a Band 5 post as a newly qualified social worker, you’ll be eligible to apply for a subsequent Band 6 vacancy upon successful completion of your ASYE. This represents an excellent career progression pathway for those starting their professional journey.
Supporting Documents
Please ensure you review all supporting documents including the Job Description and Person Specification, Key Local Information Sheet, and information specifically for newly qualified social workers. These documents provide comprehensive information about the role and our expectations.
Commitment to Equality
We are committed to providing high-quality care for our population and work collaboratively to reduce health inequalities. We are equally committed to being good employers, where staff have the right to be treated fairly in recruitment and career progression. We expect all staff to treat patients and colleagues with respect.
How to Apply
Apply via the NHS Jobs website before 04 January 2026. International applicants should verify visa eligibility first, prepare required documentation including professional qualifications and criminal records, and contact Aliya Javed for sponsorship clarification before submitting your application.
