Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for patient focused Call Handlers to support the Initial Response Service (IRS)
IRS offers a single point of access into mental health services. This is an exciting time to be part of the crisis pathway and support people with mental health to ensure they access the most appropriate support at the right time. Call handlers will be expected to accept calls from both professionals and services users, and will be required to complete administrative tasks such as clarification of appointment times or general enquiries. The calls will be from callers across the trust footprint and processes will need to be followed to ensure the activity is recorded in the IRS Network stack for the callers location.
Excellent IT skills are an essential component due to the fast pace of this role and the accurate recording of information to aid onward referral.
Main duties of the job
The role involves assisting clients who may be experiencing a range of mental health conditions. You will act as a liaison between the patient and the clinical team, to support all patients in receiving a positive, high quality and seamless experience throughout. This role also requires the post holder to manage calls from service users who may be in crisis and you will supported through a training package to determine the immediacy of the situation and needs of the individual caller at that time.
The post holder will be resilient, resourceful, and be able to manage calls that may at times be distressing or require an emergency response. A robust supervision structure is in place to support staff due to the challenges of the role.
We are excited to receive applications from people who have the drive and passion to make a difference and have the resilience to work in a high-pressured environment
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For more details on this vacancy please review the attached job description and person specification.
Person specification
Knowledge / Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with service users with complex mental health needs.
- Person centred care for those Mental health / learning disabilities needs.
Education / Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ 3 in Care, Customer Care or Business Administration or commitment to work towards.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Call Handler - Initial Response Service with Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust in Preston, North West, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Ambulance and emergency care role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 05 Aug 2026.
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