Job summary

Rapid Response works closely with emergency services and the Beachy Head Chaplains to support people experiencing mental health crisis, helping to avoid A&E conveyance and the use of Section 136 during operational hours.

We are recruiting Community Support Workers primarily based in Chichester, with some flexibility to work across all areas including Eastbourne, Crawley, Hove and Worthing as mutually agreed.

The role supports mental health professionals in delivering person-centred interventions, assessments and care plans for those in crisis. Support may be provided by phone, virtually, or at scene.

To succeed in this role, you will have:

• Experience in mental health services and a willingness to further develop your skills
• A full UK driving licence
• Awareness of factors affecting safety and service user experience
• Understanding of risks impacting emergency service colleagues

Shifts are long days midday to midnight, 7 days a week, with generous enhancements.

Main duties of the job

Rapid Response operate every day of the week between 10am-10pm and/or midday and midnight, with staff working long day shifts. The team also work in partnership with Blue Light Line who provide a single point of access to Service Partners giving information and clinical advice to ensure that patients achieve the best outcomes and reduce the need for conveyance to A&E and alternatives to the use of S136.

The community support worker will drive the mental health professional, using the trusts long wheel base van, to the location if they are required 'on scene'.

To provide basic first aid if required and assist the mental health professional by providing support to carers. Prior to, and following an intervention support the mental health professional with administrative and telephone tasks.

Main duties of the job

• To be an active team member supporting the Rapid Response Practitioner to fulfil the requirements of their role.
• To drive the mental health vehicle provided to the location of the person in crisis
• To be confident in face to face and telephone communication with Police, Paramedics and other Service Partners. To accurately record messages and conversations.
• Support carers and loved ones at scene enabling the Rapid Response practitioner to focus on their assessment/intervention.
• Assist Rapid Response Practitioner with administrative tasks including data entry.
• To contribute to improving access to supportive services for persons in mental health crisis

About us

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 a blend of picturesque villages and seaside towns

Embrace the city life with great access to visit Brighton and London

With easy access to Gatwick and Heathrow and excellent railway links across the UK there is plenty of opportunity for adventure

We'd love you to join our organisation that is rated 'good' overall and 'outstanding' for caring by the CQC. Our staff agree, in our recent staff survey 82% told us that they recognise that care for patients is our top priority.