Team Manager for Community Mental Health Teams for Older People

Job/Role Summary

I am a Team Manager for Community Mental Health Teams for Older People for Fermanagh and West Tyrone. I have responsibility for management of the team of multi-disciplinary professionals to ensure delivery of service at operational level for service users with functional mental ill health and dementia. I also provide supervision and leadership to teams and co-ordination of care delivery from referral to care planning.

Specific qualifications and experience required

Experience of community mental health nursing, leadership qualities, RMN registered nurse and to undertake this post experience of management/ leadership (5 years) required.

It is also desirable to have experience or a qualification in leadership/management.

Career Milestones

On having completed nurse training I have been fortunate to have had a number of years experience in both hospital and community setting for people with mental ill health and dementia. I have also been involved in the development of services by active involvement in chairing the sub-group of a service review. I have also been privileged to have had experienced colleagues who mentored me when I had the opportunity to undertake a more senior role. This successfully led to my current management role and i have also completed a post-graduate certificate level qualification.

What attracted you to this job?

Having had the experience at practitioner level as a RMN/Community CPN I felt I had the necessary experience, knowledge and qualities to take up the post at a more senior level, This has enabled me to mentor and supervise staff, and influence the delivery of patient care.

Enjoyable aspects of the job/role

Working within a team setting with common aims for people with enduring ill health and dementia. Also working with families and carers especially at vulnerable times and seeing the positive outcomes from nursing interventions.

Challenging aspects of the job/role

There are many challenges when managing teams comprising practitioners from a wide range of professions. It is also difficult to manage and deliver services within finite resources and within the current budget constraints .It is always a challenge to keep continuity of care and ensure the delivery of care when staff move jobs; leave or retire.

Important success factors

Having the opportunity to attend post-graduate training and gaining post graduate qualifications. The support of colleagues and other experienced staff who were able to mentor/support me when undertaking transition from practitioner level to team manager.

Advice for those considering the type of job/role?

Although the job is challenging, it is also very rewarding and I would advise that there is always a balance between the challenges and the opportunities which arise. It requires commitment and dedication to ensure that you keep up-to-date with new developments, research and professional issues. You must be flexible in meeting the demands of the role. It is important to network and have a support system in place and always share any concerns with your manager or a trusted colleague and importantly ensure a good work /life balance.

Key skills that can be gained within this job/role?

Time management

Good communication skills and interpersonal skills

Dealing with conflict

Dealing with dificult situations

Writing reports

Meeting deadlines

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