Senior Support Worker with Sponsorship Available

Employer: Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Cheshire, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-time (34.5 hours per week)
Salary: £26,530 – £29,114 per year
Visa Sponsorship: Available

Job Summary

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Senior Support Worker to join the First Response Services in Wirral. The successful applicant will be based across two sites:

• Springview Psychiatric Unit
• Arrowe Park Hospital

This role involves working across Urgent Care Mental Health First Response Services, including:

• Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Teams
• Liaison Services
• Street Triage Services
• Liaison and Diversion Services
• Crisis Line

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Patient Support and Crisis Intervention

• Assist qualified practitioners in the Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team and across the Urgent Care Mental Health First Response Service.
• Provide direct support to individuals in crisis, ensuring they receive the appropriate level of care and intervention.
• Support service users in crisis resolution and help them manage their mental health symptoms effectively.

Service Coordination and Multi-Agency Collaboration

• Signpost and refer individuals to appropriate services based on their needs.
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with third-sector organizations and partner agencies to provide comprehensive crisis support.
• Ensure service users receive coordinated care by working closely with healthcare professionals, social workers, and community support services.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential:

• NVQ Level 3 in Health or Social Care OR NVQ 3 Apprenticeship in Health or Social Care OR an equivalent qualification.
• Evidence of training in supporting people with mental health conditions.
• Trained in psychosocial interventions or a willingness to undergo training.

Desirable:

• Honours degree in Psychology or a related academic qualification.
• Advanced IT and keyboard skills.

Knowledge & Expertise

Essential:

• Understanding of confidentiality issues and how they apply to mental health policies and practices.
• Knowledge of staff development and continuous service improvement in adult mental health services.
• Understanding of anti-discriminatory practice principles.
• Knowledge of care plans, risk management planning, and safety plans.
• Understanding of supervision and support worker roles within Care Programme Approach (CPA).
• Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information effectively, especially in situations requiring empathy and reassurance.
• Strong judgment and problem-solving skills, particularly in assessing individuals over the phone.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of mental health legislation and policies.
• Understanding of psychosocial approaches in mental health care.
• Ability to use spreadsheets and databases (e.g., Excel, Access) for data management and reporting.
• Evidence of published work in peer-reviewed, academic, or professional journals.

Experience

Essential:

• Experience working in a mental health environment.
• Experience working with adults experiencing severe mental health conditions.
• Experience in partnership working with service users, carers, and other agencies.

Desirable:

• Experience working within crisis settings.
• Experience working on mental health support lines.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess any previous criminal convictions.

Visa Sponsorship

• Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship is available for eligible candidates.
• Applications from job seekers requiring sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applicants.
• Criminal record certificates may be required for candidates applying for entry clearance into the UK.

For further details, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Closing Date: 06 April 2025