Overview
We are looking for mental health professionals (nurses, social workers, occupational therapists) to join our 111 Mental Health Option Crisis Service in Suffolk. The role involves providing a safe and calm space for people experiencing mental health crisis, working via telephone to conduct assessments across the crisis pathway, and using brief psychological interventions within a recovery‑focused model.
Our vision is to ensure 24/7 access to a crisis service that offers support, advice and assessment in a compassionate, patient and recovery‑oriented way. Crisis is treated as self‑determined by the person experiencing it, with an empathetic, non‑judgmental approach.
Responsibilities
* Undertake clinical risk assessments in line with current evidence and local policies, including safeguarding awareness for adults and children and positive risk management.
* Conduct telephone assessments across the crisis pathway; validate, de‑escalate, and coach distress tolerance and emotional regulation strategies.
* Deliver brief psychological interventions within the recovery model to empower patients, carers and families to manage distress and crises effectively.
* Document assessments, referrals and notes; liaise with other professionals and teams; contribute to formulations and care plans for regular callers where appropriate.
* Participate in training, knowledge sharing, and opportunities for service development and quality improvement.
* Where appropriate, conduct face‑to‑face assessments and shadow other teams; contribute to quality improvement initiatives.
Job Details
* Location: Wedgwood House, West Suffolk Hospital, Hardwick Lane, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 2QZ
* Band: 5
* Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 per year (gross, pro rata)
* Hours: Permanent, Full‑time, Part‑time, Flexible working
* Contract: Permanent
* Date posted: 18 September 2025
Benefits
* NHS pension
* Comprehensive in‑house and external training programmes
* Career progression
* Starting annual leave of 27 days, rising to 33 days plus bank holidays
* Staff physio service
* NHS discounts and more
Requirements
Qualifications (Essential): RMN with current NMC registration (Part 3 or 1 3) or Occupational Therapist registration with HPC, or Psychological Therapy qualification, or Psychologist with BPS‑approved postgraduate certificate, or Social Worker registered with GSCG, or relevant mental health degree, or other relevant skills/qualification as identified in the Job Description.
Qualifications (Desirable): Teaching (clinical practice) qualification or equivalent; qualified psychological therapist.
Experience (Essential): Application of evidence‑based psychological therapies relevant to the service.
Experience (Desirable): Involvement in innovative clinical practice; experience in crisis pathways; experience with young people and families including learning disability and autism.
Additional Information
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required. UK registration and sponsorship information are included as part of the application process where applicable. All application materials should reflect current professional registrations and the ability to work within a crisis service context.
Employer
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust
Address: Wedgwood House, West Suffolk Hospital, Hardwick Lane, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 2QZ
Employer website: https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Home.aspx
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