Overview
This post is a key role in a new 24/7 Mental Health First Response service and will be the first point of contact for people who may require urgent mental health support in the GMMH 24/7 Trust helpline/111. The post involves working with people of all ages (Children and Young People, Adults or Older People) experiencing a mental health crisis via telephone triage. Working as part of the wider multi-disciplinary team, MH First Responders will provide initial assessment and triage via the phone, as well as information, support, signposting, and advice. They will provide compassionate and confidential support to service users (including carers) and help individuals cope with their mental health issues by assisting them with key aspects of their care plans (if in place), supporting them in managing distress and challenges. MH Practitioners will seek advice from clinical leads/shift coordinators for calls requiring urgent assessment or signposting to appropriate services.
Applicants must have a full professional registration as a Qualified Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker or Occupational Therapist.
Responsibilities
* Mental state assessment
* Risk assessment
* Safety planning
* A range of brief therapy interventions
* Validation and de-escalation of crisis
* Signposting to the relevant services
About us
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7,000 staff and delivers services from more than 122 locations. We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond. Greater Manchester is an innovative place to live and work with a great northern welcome.
Details
Date posted: 29 October 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £29,970 to £36,483 a year Per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 437-7530647-A
Job locations: Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Prestwich Hospital, Bury New Road, Manchester, M25 3BL
Job responsibilities
Please see attached job description and person specification
Staff benefits
* Pay Enhancements 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays
* 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
* Excellent pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Salary sacrifice car scheme
* Wellbeing programme
* Blue Light Card Discounts
Person Specification
Knowledge (Essential):
* Evidenced based interventions relevant to the clinical service
* Knowledge of multi-disciplinary working
* Understanding of recovery principles in mental health
* Knowledge and understanding of both adult and children’s safeguarding guidance
* Knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and deprivation of liberty safeguards
Qualifications (Essential):
* HCPC/RMN-NMC/Social Work England Active Registration Required
Experience (Essential):
* Experience working as a qualified RMN/Occupational Therapist or Social Worker in the UK / completion of a UK preceptorship programme/ AYSE
* Application of evidence-based interventions relevant to the clinical services
* Evidence of working with people of any age who have experienced a mental health problem
* Evidence of working with people who have experienced mental health issues (Children and Young People, adults, and older people)
Skills (Essential):
* Ability to form positive therapeutic relationships with users of services, carers, and other professional bodies
* Ability to assess situations, make decisions, coordinate, and organise appropriate responses
* Assessment, planning and evaluation of mental health difficulties
* Ability to risk assess
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such a submission for Disclosure to the DBS is required.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome. For more information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Prestwich Hospital, Bury New Road, Manchester, M25 3BL
Employer website: https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/
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