Primary Care Graduate Mental Health Worker
What is the work like?
As a primary care graduate mental health worker you would provide treatment and support to people with common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. You would offer a variety of therapeutic treatments and self-help support to individuals and groups. With some employers you would be known as an assistant psychologist.
You could specialise in certain therapies, for example, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). You would typically work with adults, however, some job roles may involve work with a range of client groups including children and young people.
Your work would include assessing individuals with specific mental health needs and designing treatment plans for them. You would also offer practical help and encourage patients to access other support services and be active in the community.
You might also:
- design and run group therapy sessions
- promote good mental health in the community, making sure information is accurate and available in key locations
- signpost people to relevant services, including voluntary and other community resources
- keep accurate and up-to-date patient care records
- support and train other healthcare professionals working with clients with mental health issues.
You may also be involved in developing and setting up new mental health support services and making sure that your clients have access to the care available.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will need a qualification in a relevant subject, such as psychology – many employers will expect you to have a degree, and some will prefer you to have a postgraduate certificate.
You will also need paid or extensive voluntary experience working with people with mental health needs; contact the voluntary services coordinator or manager at your local NHS Trust for details. And for more advice, why not read our article on Volunteering in the health sector?
You may be able to move into this role with a degree-level qualification and a background in a related area, such as mental health nursing, occupational therapy, social work, psychology, counselling and psychotherapy.
You will often be expected to have a full, clean driving licence.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are in the job role, you may receive training on:
- issues specific to the local community
- therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive behavioural therapy.
Many employers will also encourage you to work towards a postgraduate certificate in mental health, for example on a part-time basis.
You would be expected to continue training throughout your career and keep up to date with developments in the field of mental health.
Where can I go for more information?
33-37 Moreland StreetLondon
EC1V 8HA
Tel: 020 7505 3000
Broad Plain
Bristol
BS2 0JP
Tel: 0117 922 1155
London
W1B 1PZ
Tel: 020 7637 7181
Registration contacts
Overseas: 020 7333 6600
General: 020 7333 9333
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be between £16,800 and £20,300 a year.
- With experience this can rise to around £25,000 to £31,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You could work within a range of settings in the community, including patients' homes, local health clinics and GP surgeries. Working with clients who are distressed and upset is part of the job and the work can be emotionally demanding.
You would generally work 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Part-time and flexible working hours are often available.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- skills in a range of therapeutic techniques in mental health
- knowledge of mental health problems
- good communication skills and the ability to explain patient choices
- good team working skills and the ability to work alone
- the ability to put people at ease and inspire their trust and confidence
- excellent listening skills
- the ability to manage a caseload of clients with a variety of needs
- excellent time management skills
- the ability to meet deadlines.
What opportunities are there?
As you progress in your role, you will develop experience and competence, perhaps taking on greater responsibility and working with less supervision. There may be opportunities for you to lead a team and/or develop new mental health services. With further training, you could move into a related career, for example, in clinical psychology (see Related profiles).
Job prospects are good and expected to improve due to the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies initiative, which may boost demand for trained psychological therapists.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
NHS Jobs
List of Primary Care Trusts (on NHS Choices website)
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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