Rapid Response Practitioner

Job overview

The Rapid Response service was established in November 2024, building on the success of the Blue Light Triage team. This model  effectively supports emergency services responding to individuals experiencing mental health crisis. Interventions are largely delivered in individuals’ homes, avoiding unnecessary conveyance  to A&E and reducing the use of Section 136 during operational hours.

We provide emergency responders with advice and the option to request on-scene attendance, resulting in more appropriate care and reducing the time emergency services spend managing mental health incidents in the community.

We are looking for an experienced mental health professional  to work across Sussex. You will be a responsive practitioner who carries out person centred interventions and assessments and develop an onward care plan that can address a mental health crisis. This could be on the telephone, virtually or 'at scene'. Practitioners will be accompanied by a community support worker who can provide basic first aid and assistance  by providing support to carers and administrative tasks.

The service operates over 24 hrs, and Rapid Response practitioners currently work from Midday to Midnight 7 days a week, working in partnership with Blue Light Line who provide a single point of access to emergency responders giving information and clinical advice ensuring  patients achieve the best outcomes and reduce the need for conveyance to A&E and alternatives to the use of S136

Main duties of the job

To receive information from emergency service colleagues, and give advice and support based on the clinical presentation of a person in crisis, including a self- defined crisis.

To receive information from emergency service colleagues and based on the clinical presentation of the person offer either a 'hear and treat intervention' by speaking directly to a person in crisis on the telephone, and when appropriate their carers and loved ones. Or if required attend the scene to carry out a face-to-face person-centred holistic assessment and formulate a care plan that addresses the presenting mental health need, and make any referrals required.

Complete written records that outline the presenting need for each referral, intervention offered and the outcomes.

When required, using clinical skills and knowledge, advise police colleagues on alternative means of support available to avoid the use of S136, offer least restrictive practice and gain the best outcomes for those in mental health crisis.

Advise paramedics on alternative pathways to mental health assessment without the need for conveyance to A&E when there is no medical need.

To have experience of and specialist knowledge on interventions to be able to lead in clinical area.

To demonstrate excellent communication skills and provide handovers of activity.

To work in partnership with other agencies to gain the best person -centred outcomes for the individual.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

In order to be a successful senior member in our team you will be:

• -          Registered with the NMC, Social Work England or HCPC -          Experience working in mental health services -          Knowledgeable of factors which can impact on safety and service user experience -          Knowledgeable of factors which can impact on safety for emergency service colleagues.

Shifts are long days and evenings over 7 days but we will consider flexible working. The shift requirements  ensure this post has generous enhancements attached to it.

It is essential you have:

• -          Either experience in an Urgent Care setting, ideally a CRHT or psychiatric liaison -          Or  experience of crisis assessment in any setting that provides a safety care plan.

See attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.