Job Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to join a newly established Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS) within the First Response service, at a key stage in its development.
The MHCAS at Chester will be a 6‑month pilot initially until 30th June, and provides a 24/7 voluntary, safe and comfortable setting for up to 4 informal patients to receive an extended assessment and decision‑making service.
The MHCAS aims to reduce admissions to acute inpatient wards by conducting robust extended assessments for patients that are identified as requiring the acute care pathway.
Assessments are needs‑based and intervention‑focused with the main purpose of supporting the individual in the most appropriate setting.
MHCAS is underpinned by values of compassion, respect, collaboration, and person‑centred care. As a new service, it offers a unique opportunity for Band 4 clinical support workers to contribute to shaping its culture, clinical pathways, and ways of working from the outset. The post holder will play an active role in embedding these values into day‑to‑day practice, ensuring individuals in crisis feel heard, supported, and treated with dignity and respect.
Shortlisting for this vacancy is due to commence on 9th February and the proposed interview date is 26th February.
Responsibilities
* MHCAS is underpinned by values of compassion, respect, collaboration, and person‑centred care, and the post holder will play an active role in embedding these values into day‑to‑day practice, ensuring individuals in crisis feel heard, supported, and treated with dignity and respect.
* The post holder will work as a Band 4 practitioner within a multi‑disciplinary Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS), supporting the delivery of timely, high‑quality care for individuals presenting in crisis.
* The role involves working under the direction and supervision of registered practitioners, contributing to assessment, engagement, risk management, and care planning.
* Working as part of the Urgent Care Mental Health First Response model, the post holder will support service delivery across pathways, including Emergency Departments, Crisis Triage and Response Services (Crisis Line/First Response), Liaison Psychiatry, Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Teams, inpatient services, community teams, Street Triage, and Liaison and Diversion services.
* The role requires flexible and fluid working across the First Response model, supporting effective system flow, reducing unnecessary Emergency Department waits, and promoting safe alternatives to admission where appropriate.
* The post holder will work flexibly following the First Response model, supporting clinical colleagues to ensure individuals in crisis feel heard, supported, and treated with dignity and respect.
Qualifications & Experience
* Band 4 clinical support worker level.
* Experience working under the direction and supervision of registered practitioners in a mental health setting.
* Ability to conduct assessments, risk management, and care planning.
* Willingness to work flexible and fluid shifts across multiple pathways.
Working Conditions
All new starters will commence in post on one fixed start date each month, in line with our Prepare to Care (P2C) induction programme date. P2C offers up to 3 weeks training to support you to meet the induction / initial training requirements of the role.
Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to use your existing skills and experience in a new role, you’ll find something to suit you at CWP.
About the Organisation
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) provides health and care services for a population of over one million people, including mental health, learning disability, community physical health and all‑age disability care, as well as the provision of three GP surgeries in Cheshire.
We employ around 4,500 staff across 73 sites and have services across Wirral and Cheshire, as well as Trafford, Warrington, Bolton, Halton, Liverpool and Stockport.
Our aim is to help improve the lives of everyone in our communities, adopting a compassionate, person‑centred approach to everything we do. We are rated as Outstanding for Caring by the Care Quality Commission, with a Good rating overall.
As a Disability Confident Employer, Rainbow Badge Scheme member, Veteran Aware organisation and proud holder of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, CWP is committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible and developing a culture that values differences, and welcome applications from people who have direct experience of accessing our services.
Contact Details
For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Donna Readle – Job title: Team Manager – Email address: donna.readle@nhs.net – Telephone number: 01244 393466.
If you consider yourself Neurodivergent and need help to complete your application form, please contact cwp.recruitment@nhs.net or telephone 01244 393100.
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