Job summary
Employer heading
Band 8a Physicians Associates Project Lead
Band 8a
Please note that this post may close earlier than the indicated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Job overview
Physicians Associates (PAs) are medically trained, generalist healthcare professionals who work alongside doctors and other members of the multidisciplinary team to provide medical care. They can play a valuable role supporting the mental health multidisciplinary team in healthcare delivery. Although BSMHFT already employs a few PAs, their role is not always clearly defined and there is limited awareness within clinical services.
Main duties of the job
The Project Lead will undertake a programme of work over a two-year period to develop a workforce strategy for the employment and practice standards of PAs. This will involve engaging with a broad range of stakeholders to develop and promote a PA competency framework for PAs working in Mental Health supporting their clinical practice.
The Post holder will lead a project to deliver:
o A recruitment plan for expansion of the PA workforce
o A competency framework for PAs
o A rolling CPD programme
o Regional meetings – academic and operational
o A business case for further PA roles in relevant sub-specialties of Psychiatry
Working for our organisation
Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4000 clinical and support staff help us to improve mental health wellbeing and meet the needs of the 70,000 people we serve each year. We provide a range of mental healthcare services across Birmingham and Solihull, as well as specialised services nationally. We also offer medical, nursing and psychology training and are proud of our international reputation for both research and innovation.
Our population is culturally diverse, characterised in places by high levels of deprivation which create an increasing demand for our services and a necessity for us to make sure everyone can access the help they need. We are a team of compassionate, inclusive and committed people working together to provide excellent care to support our community. If you are looking for a place to belong, where you can make a real difference to people’s lives, join our team where our warm welcome is waiting for you.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for the main duties and responsibilities.
Person specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Masters degree in Physician Associate Studies or equivalent
- Project management qualification
Desirable criteria
- Management qualification
- Educational qualification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience, knowledge and understanding of current issues / themes affecting the NHS workforce locally and nationally
- Significant experience in a healthcare environment
- Project management experience
- Previous experience in workforce development, initiating and implementing change
- Experience in report writing and delivering presentations.
- Experience of working across networks, communicating and influencing a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Knowledge of the challenges associated with Physicians Associates and Physician Associate training.
- Understanding of the national PA agenda, policies, frameworks etc including understanding of CPD framework requirements.
- Experience in developing teaching programmes
Desirable criteria
- Clinical experience as a Physician Associate
Skills and Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills:
- Excellent organisation and planning skills:
- Ability to prioritise own workload and meet deadlines without supervision
- Ability to understand differing service needs and use diplomacy when collaborating with stakeholders with conflicting objectives.
- Advanced keyboard skills
- Working as part of a team: Flexible approach to work, providing support to others, treating other team members with respect
- Capable of liaising with staff at all levels within all disciplines across the organisation
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Dr Ruth Scally
- Job title
- Associate Medical Director (Medical Education)
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 07985 882170
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