Go back Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Senior Mental Health Practitioner - Crisis Care
Application deadline: 25 July 2025
Band 7 - Full time / Part time posts available
Mental Health Services at Alder Hey offer excellent benefits:
Refer a friend - Alder Hey: Successful candidates introduced by existing staff will receive £1000 after six months of employment. Please include your friend's name and Alder Hey email in your application. This will be paid in two parts: £250 upon start, and £750 after six months.
Accommodation support: Up to 3 months' accommodation costs (up to £500/month) supported, to be paid upfront and reclaimed as expenses.
Relocation package: Available and discussed on an individual basis. Contact recruitment@alderhey.nhs.uk for details.
Main duties of the job
This role offers an exciting opportunity to work within the crisis team at Alder Hey Hospital. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, fast-paced service supporting vulnerable children, young people, and families. The team operates a 24/7 crisis telephone line, providing support and advice on mental health issues. We offer same-day or next-day emergency appointments for rapid assessment, and collaborate with emergency departments for crisis interventions, including referrals to community CAMHS, ED assessments, or hospital admissions.
The main base is at Alder Hey, with some appointments in community settings. Responsibilities include comprehensive assessments, formulation of presenting problems, and liaising with professionals to ensure optimal outcomes.
About us
The team comprises nurses, therapists, social workers, key workers, assistant psychologists, and admin support. Our goal is to provide timely mental health crisis support, aiming to see or speak to young people as soon as possible to prevent deterioration and hospital admission. Support may involve working directly with young people or their families, with some cases requiring multiple visits over weeks, especially with the Intensive Support and Home Treatment team, to help them recover and remain in their homes.
Job responsibilities
Details on key responsibilities and required skills are available in the attached job description and person specification.
Person Specification
Qualifications, Experience & Training
* Qualified in core profession or recognized degree-level H&SC qualification with completed KSA
* Post-qualification study in mental health
* Experience in specialist mental health assessment for CYP and families
* Experience working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and with other agencies
* Risk assessment expertise
* Ability to analyze presenting problems and work autonomously using therapeutic interventions
* Experience in case management supervision
* Training in a therapeutic modality with accreditation and registration where applicable
Knowledge & Skills
* Understanding of relevant legislation and recent government initiatives
* Knowledge of evidence-based practices
* Understanding of child development and psychosocial influences
* Skilled in complex mental health assessment, intervention, and management
* Ability to provide consultation and manage workload independently
Personal Attributes
* Enthusiasm for multidisciplinary and multiagency working
* Professional demeanor
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 (Exceptions Order). Applicants must submit to a DBS check for any criminal convictions.
Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust
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