Primary Care Mental Health Practitioner
Employer: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT)
Location: Basildon and Brentwood, Essex
Salary: £39,959 – £48,117 per year + HCA
Band: Band 6
Contract: Fixed-term, 9 months (maternity cover)
Working Pattern: Full-time
Date Posted: 4 September 2026
Closing Date: 18 September 2026
Reference: 364-B-421
Job Overview
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Primary Care Mental Health Practitioner – Band 6 to support the delivery of Community Mental Health Services across Basildon and Brentwood.
This is a 9-month fixed-term maternity cover position. The successful candidate will be hosted by EPUT, with day-to-day management within Primary Care, while working jointly with Vita Health Group to provide a seamless service across the locality.
The role involves working closely with GPs, Primary Care teams and Consultant Psychiatrists to ensure patients receive appropriate, safe and person-centred mental health support.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Support patients’ recovery and wellbeing plans within the community.
- Work collaboratively with GPs, Primary Care teams and Consultant Psychiatrists.
- Provide multidisciplinary mental health support.
- Ensure safe clinical practice in line with Care Quality Commission standards and the NHS Constitution.
- Triage patients and facilitate access to appropriate support.
- Help prevent patients from being unnecessarily passed between services.
- Deliver safe and effective services in accordance with clinical and practice governance requirements.
- Support continuous improvement within the Primary Care model.
- Maintain high standards of patient care and safeguarding.
- Undertake physical health investigations, including BMI and blood pressure checks.
- Request blood tests where appropriate.
- Complete comprehensive physical and mental health assessments.
- Develop person-centred care plans with support from the multidisciplinary team.
- Provide smoking cessation advice and support.
- Maintain accurate clinical records in line with professional codes and relevant guidelines.
- Communicate relevant patient information to the multidisciplinary team during handovers, meetings and other forums.
Essential Qualification
Applicants must have:
- Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) qualification.
Desirable Qualification
- Non-Medical Prescribing qualification.
Essential Knowledge
- Knowledge and understanding of risk management.
Desirable Knowledge
- Experience using SystmOne.
Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
The role is specifically seeking a Registered Mental Health Nurse, so applicants should ensure their professional registration meets the requirements of the position.
Visa Sponsorship / Certificate of Sponsorship
Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is available for eligible applicants.
The employer explicitly states:
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
Applicants requiring sponsorship should ensure they meet all applicable UK immigration, professional registration and role eligibility requirements.
DBS Check
This position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Salary and Benefits
The role offers:
- £39,959 – £48,117 per year
- High Cost Area-related allowance (HCA)
- NHS staff discounts
- Season Ticket Loans
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Annual leave buying and selling scheme
- Opportunity to work bank shifts
- Salary Sacrifice schemes
- Lease car scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Flexible working opportunities
- Access to the EPUT Staff Bank
Flexible Working
EPUT supports and actively encourages flexible working.
Employees are encouraged to discuss available flexible working arrangements with the recruiting manager. Successful applicants can apply for a flexible working request from their first day of employment.
About Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) provides healthcare services across Essex and supports patients through a range of community and hospital-based services.
The Trust’s values are:
Care. Learn. Empower.
Job Location
Basildon Brentwood Billericay Wickford Primary Care
Basildon
SS13 3BB
United Kingdom
Contract Details
Contract: Fixed-term
Duration: 9 months
Working Pattern: Full-time
Band: 6
Application Deadline
18 September 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply before the closing date.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official NHS Jobs website.
Job Reference: 364-B-421
Important Information
This vacancy may be particularly suitable for Registered Mental Health Nurses (RMNs) seeking a Band 6 Primary Care Mental Health role.
Visa sponsorship: The employer confirms that applicants requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome to apply.
Always review the official NHS Jobs advert and eligibility requirements before submitting an application.