About this role
Job summary
The post holder will provide mental health care and practical support to older people experiencing mental health difficulties within the community, in line with an agreed programme of care developed by the multi-disciplinary team (MDT). The role involves working under the direction and supervision of qualified nurses and social workers, supporting service users during periods of crisis while actively promoting recovery, independence, and resilience within their individual social networks.
The post holder will frequently work independently for part of the duty period, undertaking planned and responsive interventions while maintaining appropriate communication with the wider team and escalating concerns as required.
Support workers within the MHSOP Crisis Function Team (North West) will work closely and collaboratively with members of the MDT, as well as with Day Services, Home Care providers, primary care, and relevant voluntary and statutory agencies. This coordinated approach ensures continuity of care, effective risk management, and a holistic response to the complex needs of older people experiencing mental health crises.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking a motivated, reliable and self-directed individual to join the Mental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP) Crisis Function Team - North West Hertfordshire.
Mental Health Services for Older People work with older adults to assess, diagnose, treat and support people with mental health conditions and/or dementia. The Crisis Function provides rapid assessment and short-term intensive support to older people experiencing an acute deterioration in their mental health, intending to reduce risk and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.
The role involves supporting qualified staff to deliver agreed care plans, promoting safety, recovery and wellbeing, while providing practical and emotional support to service users, carers, and the wider team The post is primarily based in the Crisis Function Team, with flexible working across community teams as required. Most work is community-based, carried out in people's homes and care settings. The ability to travel independently across North West Hertfordshire is essential. Applicants must be a car driver, unless exempt under the Equality Act 2010 due to a disability that prevents driving.
Working pattern:
Weekdays: 9:00am-5:00pm and 1:00pm-9:00pm shifts Weekends and Bank Holidays: 11:00am-7:00pm Flexibility to work across these shifts is essential to meet the service needs.
About us
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from theCare Quality Commission
Our family of over 4,000 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:
Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.
Job description Job responsibilities
To regularly appraise senior staff of service users progress and any observed changes in mental health presentation, cognition, risk, or functioning, ensuring these are accurately documented within service users clinical records.
To assist in the implementation of agreed care plans, ensuring that service users rights to privacy, dignity, choice, independence, and selfdetermination are upheld at all times, with particular sensitivity to the needs of older adults.
To participate in multiprofessional assessments and contribute relevant observations to support holistic formulation, care planning, and risk management, including reporting to partner agencies where appropriate.
To provide practical and emotional support to service users and/or carers in line with agreed care plans. This may include supporting social engagement, maintaining a safe living environment, facilitating communication with other service providers, offering reassurance, and encouraging engagement with services.
To participate in multidisciplinary reviews and Care Programme Approach (CPA) / Care Management meetings, contributing to shared decisionmaking and continuity of care.
To promptly report any significant change in a service users circumstances, mental state, risk, or support needs to relevant professionals or agencies, contributing to coordinated care that promotes quality of life, rehabilitation, and independence.
To ensure that all care and support is delivered in accordance with equality, diversity, and inclusion principles, offering services without prejudice based on age, disability, creed, gender, ethnicity, or cultural background.
To demonstrate awareness of service users cultural, spiritual, and ethnic needs, adapting care approaches as appropriate to ensure culturally sensitive and inclusive support.
Person Specification
Knowledge/Training/Experience Essential
Good standard of education (to include Maths and English GCSE grade c or above - or equivalent). Computer literate (able to use Word, Excel, Powerpoint). Knowledge of legislation related to mental health and social care (e.g. Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, National Service Framework, National Dementia Strategy, Care Programme Approach etc) Ability to manage distressing and challenging situations.
Desirable
NVQ in Health and Social Care Experience of working with people with mental health conditions Experience of working with people with dementia
Communication Skills Essential
Excellent communication skills, verbally and in writing Ability to feedback and discuss cases within the multi disciplinary team. Excellent documentation of duties performed. Confidence to work autonomously in the community.
Analytical skills Essential
Good range of problem solving skills Good range of information gathering skills. Positive approach to older people Fine attention to detail
General Essential
Good team player Committed to high quality care and service provision for older people. Good time management. Ability to work flexibly to meet the service needs. Able to drive and have access to a vehicle for work purposes
Desirable
Ability to network, and form working relationships with other agencies, charities and providers.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address The Marlowes Health & Wellbeing Centre
39 - 41 Marlowes
Hemel Hempstead
HP1 1LD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)