RAIS Senior Mental Health Practitioner

NHS; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health service provider in Blackpool is looking for a Senior Mental Health Practitioner. In this role, you will provide intensive support to children and families, conduct assessments, and manage risk. You should have a professional qualification in mental health and experience working with children. The position offers a salary of £38,682 to £46,580 per year depending on experience. Flexibility to work varied hours is required.

Qualifications

• Registered professional qualification with at least 12 months of clinical experience.
• Post-registration qualification in child and adolescent mental health.
• Experience working with children and mental health (0-25 years).

Responsibilities

• Provide full clinical assessments of children and their families.
• Work within a multidisciplinary team to develop care pathways.
• Attend regular meetings and provide supervision to staff.

Skills

Effective written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work as an effective team member

Strong judgment and decision-making capabilities

Education

Registered professional qualification in Mental Health Nursing, Social Work, OT

Post-registration qualification in child & adolescent mental health

Qualification in teaching, assessing and mentoring

Job description

RAIS Senior Mental Health Practitioner – Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Closing date: 05 October 2025

Overview

The RAIS (Respond and Intensive Support) Team provides intensive support to children and families over a two-week period, operating 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The team works to stabilise young people, instill hope, empower parents to maintain safety and improve mental health. The RAIS team collaborates to provide care across the individual’s plan.

Responsibilities

• To work with young people (YPs) and their families to stabilise risk of mental health difficulties.
• To work within a multi-disciplinary team to develop the best pathway of care for every young person and their family.
• To work intensively for a period of 2 weeks until the young person’s risk has stabilised and they can be managed by their care co-ordinator in the community.
• To provide comprehensive assessments, reviews and discharge planning to manage safety and support crisis response.
• To work alongside local children’s mental health services and liaise regularly.
• Liaise with wider services to build relationships and support the young person and their families.
• To mentor and supervise junior members of staff.
• To attend regular morning meetings and provide up-to-date handovers of patients under the RAIS team.
• To attend daily morning meetings, RAIS team meetings and complex case discussion meetings.

About us

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, with specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology patients. Blackpool is a large coastal town offering a range of amenities and access to major cities via rail connections.

Job responsibilities

To provide full clinical assessments of children, young people and their families referred to CASHER/RAIS in a variety of settings (e.g., children’s ward/A&E, Adolescent Unit, Place of Calm, and community settings). Assessments may occur in other locations including the client’s home or care home. You will be required to work weekends, evenings and bank holidays.

Regular liaison and collaboration with social services, education, CAMHS, Resilience Team and external agencies. Discuss clinical issues and concerns with the RAIS Team Manager and other agencies as required. Provide professional consultation, training and advice to address mental health needs of children and young people early. Work within Child Protection protocols and guidelines. Promote mental health and wellbeing within the wider community. Collaborate with agencies to provide a network of services supporting children, young people, parents and carers. Participate in and provide training and supervision to team members. Maintain high standards of record keeping and reports. Participate in clinical governance programs within RAIS. Evaluate effectiveness of interventions and adapt to changing client needs. Attend regular clinical and managerial supervision and participate in team meetings as needed. Support students and trainees on placement. Work within an equal opportunities framework and promote equality in all areas of work.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Registered professional qualification in Mental Health Nursing, Social Work, OT or other equivalent qualification with at least 12 months of clinical experience.
• Post-registration qualification in child & adolescent mental health or qualification in therapeutic approaches with children, young people, parents or carers.
• Qualification in teaching, assessing and mentoring of students.

Experience

• Experience working in a community setting as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience of carrying out comprehensive assessments and care plans.
• Experience of collaborative working with other services.
• Experience and/or training in supervising staff.
• Post-qualifying experience in working with children, families and mental health (0-25 years).

Personal

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work as an effective team member and under pressure.
• Strong judgment and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to prioritise work and pursue ongoing professional development.
• Ability to collaborate across services and adapt to changing environments.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and access to suitable transport.

Management

• Time management and ability to provide clinical supervision.
• Proficiency with basic IT and information systems and maintaining clear records.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a disclosure check will be required.

Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per year, dependant on experience