Job summaryHorizon Healthcare is looking for an experienced and compassionate
Mental Health Practitioner (First Contact) to join our multidisciplinary primary care team.
You will act as the first point of contact for patients presenting to general practice with mental health concerns. The role will focus on prompt assessment, early intervention, appropriate signposting and referral to relevant services. Working alongside GPs and other members of the practice team, you will help improve access to mental health support, enhance patient outcomes and reduce pressure on GP services.
22.5 hours per week over three days, Monday, Thursday & Friday.
Salary dependent on experience. We are not A4C but the salary will be equivalent to mid-Band 6/7.
SystmOne experience preferred
GP Practice experience preferred
Main duties of the jobProvide timely mental health assessments for patients presenting in primary care.
Undertake risk assessments, including suicide risk and safeguarding concerns.
Develop and implementing person-centred care plans.
Deliver brief interventions, including psychoeducation and guided self-help.
Identify patients who require escalation to secondary care or specialist services.
Support access to NHS Talking Therapies, crisis teams, social prescribing and voluntary sector organisations.
Provide holistic, recovery-focused care that promotes independence and self-management.
Offer advice and guidance to patients, carers and practice colleagues.
Work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, pharmacists, social prescribers etc.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case discussions.
Respond appropriately to acute mental health presentations and safeguarding concerns.
Maintain accurate and contemporaneous clinical records in accordance with GDPR and NHS standards.
About usHorizon Healthcare are a friendly City centre practice with a diverse population of 29,000+ patients.
We are a three GP Partnership supported by dedicated teams of Salaried GPs, Urgent Care Practitioners, Clinical Pharmacists, Mental Health Practitioners, Practice Nursing Team. We are backed up by an excellent management and administration team.
We have a branch surgery in Mackworth.
DetailsDate posted: 11 August 2026
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £44,000 to £50,000 a year
Salary based on experience
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: A1623-26-1000
Job locations: Horizon Healthcare, 3-5 Burton Road, Derby, DE1 1TH, United Kingdom
Job responsibilitiesThe following are the core responsibilities of a First Contact Mental Health Practitioner in delivering health services, noting that there will be additional roles and expectations dependent on the qualifications and experiences.
Clinical Duties- Provide timely mental health assessments for patients presenting in primary care.
- Undertake risk assessments, including suicide risk and safeguarding concerns.
- Develop and implement person-centered care plans.
- Deliver brief interventions, e.g. psychoeducation, guided self-help.
- Identify patients requiring escalation to secondary care or specialist services.
- Facilitate access to services such as IAPT/Talking Therapies, crisis teams, social prescribing, and voluntary sector organisations.
Patient Care & Support- Offer holistic, recovery-focused care that promotes independence and self-management.
- Provide advice and guidance to patients and carers regarding mental health and wellbeing.
- Work collaboratively with families, carers, and external agencies where appropriate.
Multidisciplinary Working- Work closely with GPs, nurses, pharmacists, social prescribers, and other PCN staff.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings and case discussions.
- Provide mental health advice and support to practice staff.
Safeguarding & Risk Management- Identify and act upon safeguarding concerns in accordance with local policies.
- Manage acute mental health presentations, escalating where necessary.
- Maintain accurate risk assessments and safety plans.
Administration & Record Keeping- Maintain accurate, contemporaneous clinical records in line with GDPR and NHS standards.
- Document all patient interactions on the relevant clinical system.
- Contribute to audits, data reporting, and service evaluation.
Professional Development- Maintain professional registration (e.g. NMC, HCPC, Social Work England).
- Engage in continuous professional development (CPD) and reflective practice.
- Participate in regular supervision and appraisal.
Person SpecificationSkillsEssential- Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
- Strong IT skills
- Clear, polite telephone manner
- Effective time management (Planning & Organising)
- Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
- Good interpersonal skills
- Ability to follow clinical policy and procedure
QualificationsEssential- Holds a professional qualification at diploma or degree level in mental health nursing or equivalent occupational therapist qualification and has a valid registration with the governing body.
- Holds a recognised qualification in counselling or therapy and/or holds a recognised membership of a relevant professional body such as BACP / PTUK / UKCP / NCS / BPS.
Personal qualitiesEssential- Polite and confident
- Flexible and cooperative
- Motivated
- Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
- High levels of integrity and loyalty
- Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
- Ability to work under pressure / in stressful situations
- Effectively able to communicate and understand the needs of the patient
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
- Effectively utilises resources
- Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort
ExperienceEssential- Experience working with mental health patients in a community or primary care setting
- Skilled in assessment and risk management
- Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Understanding / familiarity with mental health related medication
- Clinical assessment and decision making
- Risk assessment and management
- Ability to prioritise workload effectively
- Strong communication and engagement
Desirable- Primary care or PCN experience
- Knowledge of local mental health pathways and services
- Training in brief psychological interventions
- Knowledge of SystmOne clinical system
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer detailsEmployer name: Horizon Healthcare
Address: Horizon Healthcare, 3-5 Burton Road, Derby, DE1 1TH, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.horizonhealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact: Lead Mental Health Practitioner, Chris Kirk, chriskirk1@nhs.net
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Applicants must have current UK professional registration. 
