Rapid Response Practitioner

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Sussex is seeking experienced mental health practitioners to join a new Rapid Response service. This role involves providing immediate care and support for individuals in mental health crises, ensuring effective interventions and assessments are conducted via various communication methods. Successful candidates will demonstrate specialist knowledge and skills while working in partnership with emergency services and community support networks.

Benefits

Access to city life in Brighton and London

Close proximity to Gatwick and Heathrow

Travel between coast and countryside

Qualifications

• Experience in mental health interventions required.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other agencies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and create care plans for individuals in crisis.
• Provide telephone and on-site interventions.
• Collaborate with emergency services for optimal patient outcomes.

Skills

Communication

Person-centred care

Mental health interventions

Assessment

Job description

Rapid Response is a new service, based on the success of the Blue Light Triage team, which has effectively collaborated with emergency services to meet the needs of individuals in mental health crisis. This service primarily operates within their own homes, helping to avoid conveyance to A&E and the use of S136 during operational hours. Emergency services can obtain support, advice, or request attendance at the scene, reducing the time spent supporting community members with mental health difficulties.

We are seeking experienced mental health professionals, Grade 7, to work across Sussex as responsive practitioners. They will carry out person-centred interventions and assessments, developing onward care plans to address mental health crises. These interventions may occur via telephone, virtually, or on-site. Practitioners will be supported by a senior community support worker who provides basic first aid, assists with administrative tasks, and offers support to carers.

The service operates 24 hours a day, with practitioners working from midday to midnight, seven days a week. They will collaborate with Blue Light Line, which provides a single access point for paramedics and police, offering information and clinical advice to optimize patient outcomes and reduce conveyance to A&E or the use of S136.

The role involves receiving information from emergency colleagues, providing advice, and support based on the clinical presentation of individuals in crisis, including self-defined crises. Practitioners will decide whether to conduct a 'hear and treat' intervention via telephone or attend the scene for a face-to-face, holistic, person-centred assessment. They will formulate care plans and make necessary referrals, documenting all interventions and outcomes.

Using clinical skills and knowledge, practitioners will advise police colleagues on alternative support options to avoid S136, promote least restrictive practices, and achieve the best outcomes. They will also guide paramedics on pathways to mental health assessment without unnecessary conveyance to A&E when appropriate.

Applicants should have experience and specialist knowledge of mental health interventions, demonstrating excellent communication skills, and capable of providing effective handovers. They will work collaboratively with other agencies to ensure the best person-centred outcomes.

We provide mental health and learning disability care for children, young people, and adults across Sussex, and for children and young people in Hampshire.

Working in Sussex

• Travel easily between coast and countryside, with picturesque villages and seaside towns
• Enjoy city life with access to Brighton and London
• Benefit from proximity to Gatwick, Heathrow, and excellent rail links for travel and adventure

Join our organisation, rated ‘good’ overall and ‘outstanding’ for caring by the CQC. Our staff survey shows 82% recognize that patient care is our top priority.

For further details or informal visits, contact:

Name: Jill Robinson
Job Title: Service Manager
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]