Job overview
The post involves working with people of all age (Children and Young People, Adults or Older People) experiencing a mental health crisis via the telephone. Working as part of the wider multi-disciplinary team, Mental Health First Responders will provide initial assessment and triage via the phone, as well as information, support, signposting, and
advice.
The post holder will provide compassionate and professional support to callers (including carers) and will support and assist individuals to cope more effectively with their mental health issues by assisting then with key aspects of their care plans, (if in place), supporting them in managing distress and challenges / difficulties which they might be struggling to
deal with.
The post holder will seek advice from the clinical leads/shift coordinators with any call where the caller may require urgent assessment, or any call in which the appropriate response is unclear.
For people experiencing a mental health crisis, Mental Health First Responders will provide.
• Mental state assessments
• Risk assessments
• Case formulation
• A range of recovery focused interventions
• Validation and de-escalation of crisis
Main duties of the job
Provide complex and sensitive information to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders (users of services, carers, multi-disciplinary staff, and other statutory / non statutory services)
• Contribute to the safe and effective day to day operations of the service managing clinical enquiries
• Provide a high standard of written and verbal communication that is clear and in line with local guidance.
• Role model effective communication: demonstrating empathy, respect, compassion, and hope where there may be barriers to understanding
Ensure that individual episodes of care are delivered in a timely, effective and integrated manner.
• Promote a recovery model that empowers persons, carers and relatives to be at the forefront of decision making, owning their packages of care/treatment.
• Create, implement, and update care plans as required.
• Utilise a range of hardware, software and applications provided by Trust and other stakeholders to sources and record information and communicate with service users and partners and be proficient in the use of IT hardware and software and digital telephony.
• Champion persons’ rights and service users including dignity, equality, diversity, choice and respect.
• Provide advice and guidance regarding mental health problems.
• Request information on specific individuals from Police Officers as per information sharing protocol
Working for our organisation
We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.
Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We’re really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we’re a great place to work.
All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.
If you come and work for us we will offer a range of benefits and opportunities, including:
* Generous annual leave entitlement for Agenda for Change and Medical and Dental staff.
* Flexible working opportunities to support your work/life balance
* Access to Continued Professional Development
* Involvement in improvement and research activities
* Health and Wellbeing activities and access to an excellent staff wellbeing service
* Access to staff discounts across retail, leisure and travel
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This list is not exhaustive of the responsibilities of this role.
Please read the job description and person specification.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Registered Nurse/social worker
* Experience working with people of any age with mental health problems
📝 Application support - We recommend tailoring your application to each role you apply for, particularly your supporting information. This gives you the best chance of success. Your supporting information should clearly explain, with examples, how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.
We understand that some candidates may use AI tools to help prepare their application. This is not restricted, however, any AI support should only be used to enhance your own writing and must reflect your genuine skills and experience. You will be asked to talk about your application at interview. Applications that contain false or misleading information may be removed from the recruitment process.
We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 Sponsorship Information - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
📬 After You Apply - Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
✅ If You're Offered the Role - If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 Once Checks Are Complete -
The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
📣 Additional Information -
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and need extra time or adjustments to complete your application, please contact us as soon as possible. We will ensure you are not disadvantaged where a reasonable adjustment is appropriate.