Job overview

The specialist midwife for perinatal mental health will have a key organisational role in developing and maintaining high standards of care for women with mental health problems during pregnancy and the immediate postnatal period. You will be an innovative practitioner and an effective change agent promoting evidence based practice 

Main responsibilities include providing support and midwifery care for women with mental health problems during pregnancy and the postnatal period in conjunction with the perinatal mental health team and neighbouring Mother and Baby Unit. You will work closely with women to plan and coordinate their care based on their individual needs. You will be involved in maintaining current standards in care pathways and policies for women with mild, moderate and severe mental health problems booked at Homerton Hospital; close liaison with relevant hospital and community based professionals; offering advice to maternity service staff and organising on-going mental health training for midwives, doctors and other health care practitioners.  You will be an active member of the Maternity Safeguarding Team, providing support, advice and liaison when required.

**This advert may close earlier than the closing date due to a high number of applicants**

Main duties of the job

You will provide a link between the maternity service and other services involved in mental health care for women, including the local primary care therapy service (IAPT), maternal mental health service (OCEAN) and the perinatal mental health team. You will ensure that relevant pathways, policies and processes to identify women with, or at risk of, or with existing mental illness are developed, implemented and audited. This will involve working with a range of relevant professionals, services and agencies, including commissioners and the public health team.

 The post holder will be based both within the maternity safeguarding team and the perinatal mental health service. The role encompasses liaison with other agencies as well as teaching, support and empowerment of all clinicians involved in maternity care including: obstetricians, midwives, student midwives, and maternity support workers in relation to mental health issues in pregnancy. Evidence of continued education should be demonstrated.

Working for our organisation

Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing and flourishing organisation serving the population of Hackney, East London, The City and beyond.

We are extremely proud of the fact that Homerton Hospital has recently attained the highest possible rating of "Outstanding" from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Our integrated Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community health services for its local population and a range of specialist services for a wider group of patients. In addition, the Trust manages services out of St Leonard's Hospital and the Mary Seacole Nursing Home.

Homerton aims to ensure equality and value diversity, and we are committed to inclusion for all of our staff. This is reflected in our policies, procedures and People Plan. All of our staff are expected to embody our Trust values at all times.

We are also committed, through our Fair Recruitment Standards, to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly.

Homerton has a proud tradition of supporting and developing its staff, including its well-regarded and valued nursing community, and all staff are able to take advantage of a great range of benefits.

Homerton is proud to have been included on the HSJ & Nursing Times Best Places to Work list.