Senior Support Worker – Chester (First Response Services)
Closing date: 21 May 2026
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) is seeking a Senior Support Worker to join our First Response Services in Chester, based at the Countess of Chester site. The role involves working across Urgent Care Mental Health First Response Services including Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Teams, Liaison Services, Street Triage, Liaison and Diversion, and the Crisis Line.
Key Responsibilities
* Assist qualified practitioners within the Urgent Care Mental Health First Response Service.
* Act as a second responder and designated driver for Community Response Vehicles, supporting Band 6 Practitioners on face‑to‑face community assessments.
* Provide risk management, observation and support to families and carers in the home environment.
* Signpost and refer individuals to appropriate services and develop links with third‑sector organisations and partner agencies.
* Participate in Crisis Triage & Response services (Crisis Line), Crisis Resolution & Home Treatment Teams and the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS).
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 in Health or Social Care, or equivalent.
* Evidence of training related to supporting people with mental health.
* Trained in psychosocial interventions or willingness to undertake training.
* Honours degree in psychology (or related discipline). Advanced IT and keyboard skills required.
Knowledge & Expertise
* Understanding of confidentiality issues and how they relate to mental health policy and practice interventions.
* Sound knowledge of professional staff development and continuous service improvement within adult mental health services.
* Demonstrated understanding of anti‑discriminatory practice and principles of cautious care planning including risk management and safety plans.
* Understanding of supervision and the support worker role within CPA.
* Strong communication skills for conveying complex and sensitive information, including empathy and reassurance for those with barriers to understanding.
* Ability to make judgments involving a range of facts or situations, requiring analysis and comparison of options, including assessment of individuals on the phone.
* Knowledge of a psychosocial approach and mental health legislation and policies.
* Proficiency with spreadsheets and databases (e.g., Excel, Access).
Experience
* Experience working in a mental health environment.
* Previous experience with adults with serious mental health needs.
* Experience of partnership working with service users, carers and other agencies.
* Experience working within crisis settings.
* Experience working on support lines.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exception Order) 1975.
Compensation
£28,392 to £31,157 per annum, pro rata.
Equality & Inclusion
CWP is a Disability Confident Employer and holds a Rainbow Badge Scheme membership, Veteran Aware status, and the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. The Trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for armed forces community applicants and encourages applications from those who meet the essential criteria.
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