<div><h3>Overview</h3><p>The Single Point of Contact (SPoC) / Blue Light Line (BLL) has been developed to improve outcomes for individuals presenting in crisis to Emergency Services and partner agencies. Working alongside Rapid Response, the service aims to reduce the time emergency services spend on scene supporting those experiencing mental health difficulties. BLL/SPoC practitioners use their clinical expertise to support complex decision‐making, offering guidance and signposting to the most appropriate services for individuals in crisis, including those experiencing self‑defined crises. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing a single point of access for information and clinical advice, and seeks to fully consider alternatives to the use of Section 136 before this power is exercised.</p><h3>Responsibilities</h3><p>• Receive information from emergency service colleagues and give advice and support based on the clinical presentation of a person in crisis, including self‑defined crises.</p><p>• Work collaboratively with Rapid Response practitioners to coordinate the response, and be deployable “at scene” when required.</p><p>• Minimise the use of Section 136 when safe and reduce the need for conveyance to an Emergency Department when no physical health need exists.</p><p>• Collaborate with Trust bed management and Havens to support patient flow and ensure capacity.</p><p>• Maintain complete written records that outline the presenting need for each referral, interventions offered, and outcomes.</p><p>• Advise police colleagues on alternative means of support to avoid the use of Section 136, offering least restrictive practice for optimal outcomes.</p><p>• Advise paramedics on alternative pathways to mental health assessment without conveyance to A&E when no medical need exists.</p><p>• Participate in shift work which may include long days and evenings over seven days; flexible working arrangements are considered.</p><h3>Qualifications</h3><ul><li>Registered Nurse, Social Work England or HCPC registered professional with current registration appropriate to the job role.</li><li>Degree or diploma level supplemented by specialist qualification, training, experience, evidence of post‑registration training in the relevant service area.</li><li>Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB equivalent.</li><li>Extensive post‑qualifying experience in the relevant service area.</li><li>Experience supervising staff and students.</li><li>Comprehensive knowledge of interventions specific to the service area.</li><li>Awareness of Trust policies and service specification.</li><li>Excellent verbal and written communication skills with staff, patients, families, carers and professionals.</li><li>Ability to handle highly complex and sensitive information from multiple stakeholders and formulate appropriate interventions.</li><li>Empathy and reassurance skills to patients in crisis.</li><li>Capability to establish links with other services and professionals.</li><li>Skill in managing risk effectively.</li><li>Knowledge of service objectives.</li><li>Leadership skills to conduct clinical discussions within the team.</li><li>Delegation and task management abilities.</li><li>Ready to lead the team in the absence of the service manager.</li><li>Competent PC skills for daily administrative tasks and use of Trust IT systems to enter patient information, case notes, risk, Care Notes.</li><li>Physical fitness to undertake duties related to the service area and awareness of PMVA interventions.</li><li>Ability to manage emotionally distressing situations involving staff and patients regularly.</li><li>Knowledge of policies relevant to the workplace, e.g., lone working, and ability to manage incidents as per Trust Policy.</li><li>Capability to work in highly emotive and potentially hostile working environments regularly.</li><li>Support for the Trust’s values and human rights practices in delivering this role.</li><li>Team player who is punctual and flexible with hours of work when required.</li></ul><h3>Desirable Criteria</h3><ul><li>Lived experience of mental illness.</li><li>Previous NHS experience in a similar role.</li><li>Proper UK professional registration.</li></ul></div>