Job overview
To provide single point of entry and first level gatekeeping into mental health services for older people. To screen, triage and assess all referrals into the service and allocate to the most appropriate service to meet the needs of the service user.
To undertake comprehensive assessments of the health and social care needs of individuals who are referred to the service in addition to comprehensive risk assessments.
To coordinate assessment clinics and prioritise appointments.
To provide assessment for individuals who present through the urgent care pathway with acute mental health needs. Following assessment to be responsible for identifying appropriate management plans, follow up care, referrals and fast tracking of patients into specialist services within the SPOE function.
To provide brief crisis interventions, and follow up appointments for individuals to support crisis management and harm minimisation.
To participate in the overall development of the service ensuring that the principles of Clinical Governance underpin all developments.
It is expected that you will deliver care in accordance with all Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust Policies and Procedures, the Mental Health Act and Community Care Legislation
Main duties of the job
* To triage all referrals that are made to the service as the single point of entry and first level gatekeeper to mental health services
* To make onward referral to the most appropriate service to meet the individual needs of the service user following triage
* To carry out a thorough assessment of the service users’ current mental health problems and individual needs, including a risk assessment
* To develop individualised packages of care for service users with mental health problems, including signposting where necessary
* To provide short term psychotherapeutic interventions as appropriate
* To provide short term crisis management as appropriate
* To identify the need for protection in line with safeguarding children and the Protection of Vulnerable Adult Policy and to comply with statutory obligations
* To liaise and negotiate with other professions, statutory and independent agencies to ensure the best possible service is provided to service users and carers
* To evaluate systematically and record, outcomes of mental health assessments, adapting care on the basis of these outcomes
* To involve family and carers in the assessment and care planning with service users consent
Working for our organisation
We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.
Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We’re really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we’re a great place to work.
All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To provide assessment for individuals who present through the urgent care pathway with acute mental health needs. Following assessment to be responsible for identifying appropriate management plans, follow up care, referrals and fast tracking of patients into specialist services within the SPOE function. To provide brief crisis interventions, and follow up appointments for individuals to support crisis management and harm minimisation. To participate in the overall development of the service ensuring that the principles of Clinical Governance underpin all developments.
* To provide advice and information to non-mental health trained medical and nursing staff regarding the management of patients with mental health problems
* To undertake evidence based practice
* To observe and practice within the legal requirements of the Mental Health Act 1983
* To maintain professional awareness by keeping abreast of changing trends in clinical/professional practice
* To be aware of professional accountability, with due regard to your professional Code of Conduct
* To provide education and appropriate self-help resources to patients specific to individual needs
* To maintain accurate and up to date clinical documentation on all service user contacts, ensuring confidentiality at all times
* To develop a thorough understanding of deliberate self-harm, suicide and possible management strategies
* To possess a sound knowledge of issues surrounding violence and aggression and to be able to diffuse potentially difficult and volatile situations
* To contribute to the establishment and review of policies, procedures and practice guidelines relating to the work of the SPOE and the interface between primary, secondary and specialist mental health service
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Good standard of general education
* RMN / RNMH / Social Worker equivalent
* Completion of Preparation for Mentorship / Practice Teacher / Fieldwork Educator qualification or willingness to complete
* Evidence of ongoing CPD
Desirable criteria
* Degree or working towards completion
* Non-medical prescribing qualification
* Recorded on the appropriate professional register as an independent/supplementar y prescriber.
* Formal teaching qualification
* Further training in brief psychosocial interventions
Experience
Essential criteria
* Significant post-registration experience
* Proven experience of working with clients with complex needs
* Experience of working with individuals who present to mental health services in crisis and have symptoms of mental health illness
* Experience of working in multidisciplinary team
Desirable criteria
* Primary care mental health work experience
* Experience in the use of outcome measures such as CORE, PHQ9 and GAD7
* Experience of working with a psychological model of care
* Experience of triaging referrals
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Understanding of current mental health legislation, Safe Guarding and child Protection Legislation
* Awareness of NICE Guidelines in the treatment of mental health problems and knowledge of treatments and interventions appropriate for individuals with mental health needs
* Understanding of confidentiality and date protection issues
* Knowledge of psychosocial assessment and risk assessment/management processes
* Comprehensive understanding of deliberate self-harm and appropriate management strategies
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
* Comprehensive mental health and risk assessment skills
* Ability to construct effective packages of care and risk management plans
* Ability to deliver a range of evidence based interventions
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
* Comprehensive IT skills
* Ability to form productive working relationships with service users, carers and multidisciplinary staff
* Good organisational skills
Desirable criteria
* Skills in planning, delivery and evaluation of training
* Skills in the area of audit or research
Work Related Circumstances
Essential criteria
* Use of a car or access to a means of mobility to travel across the Trust footprint in line with service needs
* Willing to carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with the Trust’s Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity policies
* Appointments to regulated and controlled activities require an enhanced DBS disclosure.
📝 Application support - We recommend tailoring your application to each role you apply for, particularly your supporting information. This gives you the best chance of success. Your supporting information should clearly explain, with examples, how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.
We understand that some candidates may use AI tools to help prepare their application. This is not restricted, however, any AI support should only be used to enhance your own writing and must reflect your genuine skills and experience. You will be asked to talk about your application at interview. Applications that contain false or misleading information may be removed from the recruitment process.
We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 Sponsorship Information - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
📬 After You Apply - Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
✅ If You're Offered the Role - If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 Once Checks Are Complete -
The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
📣 Additional Information -
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and need extra time or adjustments to complete your application, please contact us as soon as possible. We will ensure you are not disadvantaged where a reasonable adjustment is appropriate.