Mental Health Practitioner - Urgent Care

Islet Systems; Exeter; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS health authority in Exeter is seeking two Band 5 Mental Health Practitioners to join their Crisis Service. The role involves conducting mental health assessments and delivering evidence-based interventions for children and young people in distress. Applicants should have a relevant degree and professional registration. The service operates flexible hours and emphasizes collaborative care and rapid response to urgent needs.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Professional registration/accreditation with a recognised body.
• Commitment to CPD and evidence of relevant experience.
• Completion of ASYE for newly qualified social workers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mental health assessments for children in crisis.
• Deliver short-term interventions to manage distress.
• Collaborate with families and professionals on care plans.

Skills

Mental health assessment

Evidence-based interventions

Collaborative working

Crisis management

Education

Degree level qualification in Nursing, Social Work, or Occupational Therapy

Job description

Overview

Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) is advertising for two Band 5 Mental Health Practitioners to join our Crisis Service, part of the Urgent Care Pathway. One post is based in our South & Torbay team, and one in our East Devon team. The Crisis Service provides rapid mental health assessment and brief intervention for children and young people experiencing acute emotional distress. We work to reduce risk, prevent hospital admissions, and support young people to stay safely in their communities, offering trauma-informed, collaborative care at a time of greatest need. The service operates 8am to 10pm, seven days a week, with flexible rota-based working to support timely and responsive care.

Responsibilities

• Undertake timely mental health assessments for children and young people presenting in crisis.
• Deliver short-term, evidence-based interventions to reduce distress and risk.
• Work collaboratively with families, schools, social care, and other health professionals to create safe and effective care plans.

This role offers excellent supervision, ongoing development, and the chance to build specialist skills in youth crisis care and trauma-informed practice. Whether you are newly qualified or experienced, we would love to hear from you.

About Us

Successful applicants will be employed by Devon Partnership Trust. CFHD comprises an alliance of NHS organisations working together to improve health outcomes for children and young people in Devon. CFHD provides integrated care and treatment for children and young people across physical and mental health, provided by Torbay and South Devon Foundation Trust and Devon Partnership Trust. We work closely with local universities to support student placements and staff to undertake postgraduate training. Our integrated care and treatment has been developed in partnership with children, young people and their families.

Our approach is evidence-based, with regular outcome assessments. We emphasise a strength-based methodology and collaborative working. This role centers on managing risk and evaluating mental health presentations in the community, and you will be expected to respond to both urgent and routine needs, whether planned or unforeseen. Flexibility is key, as you will work across various clinical, community, and home-based settings to meet the specific requirements of each child.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• A professional qualification at degree level or equivalent (e.g., Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy).
• Professional registration/accreditation with a recognised body (e.g., NMC, HCPC, Social Work England).
• ASYE: It will be an essential requirement for newly qualified social workers to demonstrate completion of The Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) before commencing in post or within the first 12 months of employment with the Trust.
• Evidence of relevant continuing professional development.

Experience

• Postgraduate experience working within mental health environments or willingness to complete the DPT preceptorship programme.

Desirable

• Experience managing a caseload of clients with a range of mental health problems.
• Demonstrates sound theoretical knowledge of children and young people mental health practice.
• Experience working in a community setting in either the statutory or voluntary sector.
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary and multi-agency environment.

Other requirements

• Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and a DBS disclosure will be required.
• UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details: Devon Partnership NHS Trust. Address: South Devon Healthcare, Evergreen, Victoria Park Road, Exeter, EX2 4NU. Website: https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/