Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit a Part-Time (30 hours/Week), Band 6, Permanent member of staff, in to the role of Navigator/Senior Mental Health Practitioner based within NHS Tameside and Glossop Talking Therapies Service.
The primary function of the Navigator is to steer clinical referrals (Self Referrals/Professional Referrals/Partnership referrals) that come into the Talking Therapy service. The role supports the triage and safe assessment of received referrals, ensuring the suitability for Talking Therapies and modalities of treatments offered.
The successful applicant will attend daily multi disciplinary team meetings and assist in the screening and triage of all referrals coming into NHS Talking Therapies.
Referrals that require further investigation may require additional Navigator triage and assessment, review/analysis of risk concerns - supplying an inclusive comprehensive risk formulation, safeguarding and evaluation of presenting co-morbid mental disorder diagnoses and physical health concerns.
There is a requirement to provide specialist advice and support to Therapy colleagues
As part of this role, the successful applicant will receive regular clinical and line management supervision.
Main duties of the job
* To support referral first level gate keeping into Talking Therapies
* To participate in the Talking Therapies MDT meeting in order to screen, triage and assess (if required) referrals into the service and if necessary, refer onwards to the most appropriate service to meet the needs of the service user.
* To undertake comprehensive assessments of the health and social care needs of individuals who are referred to the service in addition to comprehensive risk assessments and formulations
* To coordinate daily workload - triaging acuity of need
* To provide triage/assessments for individuals who present through the urgent care pathway with acute mental health needs. Following assessment to be responsible for identifying appropriate management plans, follow up care, referrals and signposting of patients into specialist services.
* This post will also hold responsibilities for the assessment and formulation of presenting mental health problems experienced by people at a primary care level.
* This post involves liaison with other roles and services within the community, and will directly link with a group of General Practice surgeries.
* To participate in the overall development of the service ensuring that the principles of Clinical Governance underpin all developments.
* It is expected that you will deliver care in accordance with all Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust policies and procedures
* Please refer to Job Description and Person Specification for full details
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
* To assist in triaging all referrals that are made to the service as the first level gatekeeper to Mental Health services working within core hours (9- 5).
* Provide specialist consultation and advice to other health and social care colleagues as required.
* Attend multi-disciplinary meetings relating to referrals or clients in treatment, where appropriate.
* Prepare and present clinical information for all patients on their caseload to clinical case management supervisors within the service on an agreed and scheduled basis, in order to ensure safe practice and the clinical governance obligations of the worker, supervisor and service are delivered.
* To provide assistance to clients and other professionals both from within the service and externally. Providing guidance and direction to clinical staff engaged in telephone based assessments.
* Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the overall number of client contacts offered, and clinical sessions carried out per week in order to minimise waiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient.
* To make onward referrals to the most appropriate service to meet the individual needs of the service user following triage.
* To carry out a thorough assessment of the service users’ current mental health problems and individual needs, including a risk assessment/analysis and formulation in collaboration with the patient and significant others.
* To provide support patients with brief Psychoeducational advice, inline with patient need.
* To provide comprehensive short term crisis management plans incorporating patient involvement and agreement. Cascading information to necessary health professionals (GP, PCN etc)
* To identify needs within an assessment or triage for a robust Strategy in line with safeguarding children and the Protection of Vulnerable Adult Policy and to comply with statutory obligations.
* To liaise and negotiate with other professions, statutory and independent agencies to ensure the best possible service is provided to service users and carers.
* Complete all requirements relating to data collection and support the service to maintain full Talking Therapies compliance in respect of key performance Indicator (KPI) reporting.
* Respond to and implement supervision suggestions by supervisors in clinical practice.
* Provide advice, information, training and clinical supervision to other colleagues in the service
* Engage in and respond to personal development supervision to improve own competences and clinical practice
* To participate in relevant operational groups and to carry out work as required by the service.
* To promote and develop collaborative working with relevant services and agencies.
* To actively contribute to the development and evaluation of a service pathway for the identified client groups
* To evaluate systematically and record, outcomes of mental health assessments, adapting care on the basis of these outcomes - utilising service and trust approved systems (PCMIS/PARIS, etc)
* To involve family and carers in the assessment and care planning with service users consent.
* To provide education and appropriate self-help resources to patients specific to individual needs and presenting problem.
* To maintain accurate and up to date clinical documentation on all service user contacts, ensuring confidentiality at all times.
* To develop a thorough understanding of deliberate self-harm, suicide and management strategies.
* To possess a sound knowledge of issues surrounding violence and aggression and to be able to diffuse potentially difficult and volatile situations.
* To contribute to the establishment and review of policies, procedures and practice guidelines relating to the Talking Therapy Service and the interface between other primary, secondary and specialist Mental Health Services.
* To provide advice and information to non-mental health trained medical and nursing staff regarding the management of patients with mental health problems.
* To undertake evidence based practice - in line with Trust and Professional body guidance
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
* RMN / RNMH / Social Worker equivalent
* Completion of Preparation for Mentorship / Practice Teacher / Fieldwork Educator qualification or willingness to complete
* Evidence of on-going CPD
* Further experience and short courses to post graduate diploma level.
Desirable criteria
* Non-medical prescribing qualification
* Formal teaching qualification
* Further training in brief psychosocial interventions.
Experience
Essential criteria
* Significant post registration experience
* Proven experience of working with clients with complex needs
* Experience of working with individuals who present to mental health services in crisis and have symptoms of mental health illness
* Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams
* Experience of providing supervision to junior staff
Desirable criteria
* Primary care mental health work experience (Talking Therapies)
* Experienced in the use of outcome measures such as CORE, PHQ9 and GAD7
* Experience of working with a psychological model of care
* Experience of triaging referrals
* Motivational Interviewing Experience
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Understanding of current mental health legislation, Safe Guarding and Child Protection Legislation
* Awareness of NICE Guidance in the treatment of mental health problems and knowledge of treatments and interventions appropriate for individuals with mental health needs
* Understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues
* Knowledge of psychosocial assessment and risk assessment / management processes
* Comprehensive understanding of deliberate self-harm and appropriate management strategies
* Understanding of Care Pathways within both Primary and secondary Care.
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
* Comprehensive mental health and risk assessment skills.
* Ability to construct effective packages of care and risk management plans
* Ability to deliver a range of evidence based interventions. Offer advice on the treatment options available. Provide relevant information/ self-help education.
* Experience of Liaising with other services, making referrals and effective Sign Posting to other services
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
* Comprehensive I.T Skills
* Ability to form productive working relationships with service users, carers and multi-disciplinary staff
* Good organisational and prioritisation skills.
📝 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.