Emergency and Urgent Care Mental Health Practitioner

NHS Scotland; Wick; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

NHS Highland invites applications for an Emergency and Urgent Care Practitioner to deliver rapid mental health assessments and crisis support in Wick. The role involves urgent assessment, risk formulation, and collaboration with Police Scotland, Ambulance, and NHS services to ensure safe pathways for patients in distress.

The post is part-time (14.04 hours per week) and requires travel within Caithness. A driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

Job description

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Emergency and Urgent Care Practitioner who is passionate about delivering responsive, person-centred care to individuals presenting in mental health crisis.

The successful candidate will play a key role in providing urgent assessment, intervention, and support across a variety of care settings, working closely with frontline services and partner agencies.

The post holder will possess advanced clinical assessment and decision-making skills, together with a comprehensive understanding of current mental health legislation, national policies, and best practice guidance. You will be confident in assessing risk, formulating care plans, and making timely decisions regarding the most appropriate pathway of care for individuals experiencing acute mental health distress.

Working autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will provide rapid assessment, crisis intervention, and intensive support to individuals presenting in urgent and emergency situations. This will include responding to referrals from a range of services, undertaking assessments in community and healthcare settings and facilitating access to places of safety.

Strong partnership working is fundamental to this role. The successful candidate will develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Emergency Departments, Primary Care services, Mental Health Teams, and third-sector partners, ensuring a coordinated and seamless response for people requiring urgent mental health support.

You will contribute to the ongoing development of the service, demonstrating innovation, flexibility, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The role requires excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills, together with the ability to work effectively in challenging environments while maintaining a compassionate and recovery-focused approach.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about multidisciplinary collaboration and confident in working as an integral member of the wider Urgent and Emergency Care Team. You will be committed to delivering safe, effective, and high-quality care that improves outcomes and enhances the experience of patients, families, and carers.

Evidence of ongoing personal and professional development is essential, together with significant experience in the assessment and management of individuals with complex mental health needs within urgent, emergency, or crisis care settings.

The applicant would be required to travel efficiently and effectively to undertake the role. A driving licence is essential and a pool car may be available, however, applicants should have access to their own vehicle for work purposes, if required.

This is a permanent part-time post of 14.04 hours per week working as per service requirements.

For further information please contact Marie Cuthbert, Interim District Manager Caithness, Tel [phone] or e-mail [e-mail].

This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa or a Health and Care Worker visa. NHS Highland is unable to provide candidates with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Additional information for candidates

Flexible Working

• Flexible working options may be available, depending on the role and service needs. If this is important to you, please discuss it at interview.

Internal candidates

• Some posts are internal only
• If you work for NHS Highland, make sure your Jobtrain profile shows this

What is it like to work for NHS Highland?

• Visit https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/careers/ to find out more about living and working in our area
• Applications are welcome from Gaelic speakers

Tha fàilte air tagraidhean bho luchd‑labhairt na Gàidhlig

Care and compassion

Dignity and respect

Openness, honesty and responsibility

Quality and teamwork