Job Description

As we continue to expand the Universal Crisis Team (UCT) in Sunderland and South Tyneside, we are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a motivated and committed individual to work as a Community Practitioner within the Older Persons Pathway.
We have substantive posts available that are suitable for Registered Nurses, Social Workers or Occupational Therapists, who must have current Professional Registration.
These roles are based at Hopewood Park Hospital in Sunderland, and we cover the localities of both Sunderland and South Tyneside.
If you would welcome the opportunity to become part of a supportive, friendly and welcoming Team with a great range of skills and experience then this post could be for you. As part of this Team you will be encouraged to grow and develop in your role and to be involved in service development and improvement.
The successful candidates will be required to work as part of the Sunderland and South Tyneside Older Persons Pathway within the Universal Crisis Team, and you will be working collaboratively with other pathways throughout the service if needed.
We are a highly supportive and inclusive team where staff wellbeing and flexible working are prioritised.
Main duties of the job
The UCT offers a dynamic and rewarding environment which provides the following functions; urgent assessment for those presenting in mental health crisis, home based treatment, Care Home Early Response (CHER), facilitating admission to/early discharge from hospital and supporting the coordination of Section 136 referrals.The successful candidate will be expected to complete all aspects of Crisis work. The post holder will be required to provide specialist advice regarding mental health and risk to service users, their families/carers and a wide range of other professionals.
The successful candidates will have responsibility for a shared caseload working within and supported by a skilled and experienced MDT to deliver safe, effective, responsive and compassionate care to our service users.You will ideally have clinical experience in assessing, formulating and managing risk and complexity within older persons mental health/learning disability services. You will be able to develop your skills by providing care and interventions to service users with a range of complex mental health needs with associated risk.
You should have a collaborative and enthusiastic approach as well as the passion and commitment to developing and promoting recovery-based approaches for older persons with mental health related needs.
About us
We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.
We operate 24/7 service. Staff have advised this enhances their wellbeing in terms of increased periods of time away from the work environment.
Quotes from members of staff:
"I made the decision to move over to the Crisis team and what a positive change that was! The team is fab and the job can be so rewarding. You feel like you're making a real difference in an individuals time of need."
"The Crisis Team is a place in which you will feel valued and appreciated for your commitment with a workforce who are friendly and willing to support each other."
"As a new member of the Crisis team in a brand new position, I can't emphasise how welcoming and supportive the team were. I love how no matter what a person's role is, everyone works together as one team and unit, offering advice and taking everyone's opinions and ideas on board to ensure every single service user receives the best care."
Details
Date posted
23 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
38,682 to 46,580 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
263-CCG25-336-LB
Job locations
Hopewood Park Hospital
Sunderland
SR2 0NB
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please do get in touch if you have any questions or would like to come along and meet the Team. We would be delighted to meet with you.
Please find attached job description for full details.
Advertising date : 23rd September 2025
Closing date : 7th October 2025
We welcome your application.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please do get in touch if you have any questions or would like to come along and meet the Team. We would be delighted to meet with you.
Please find attached job description for full details.
Advertising date : 23rd September 2025
Closing date : 7th October 2025
We welcome your application.
Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential

• Professional Qualification and current Professional Registration as, a First Level Registered Nurse (RNMH, RMN, RNLD) or equivalent as an AHP, Social Worker or Clinical Psychologist
• Evidence of post-registration training in clinical/ psychological interventions / skills relevant to the post
• Proven track record of post registration clinical experience
• Mentor Training.
• Training in CPA (Care Programme Approach), Safeguarding, MAPPA (Multi Agency Panel for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults) and Child Protection.
• Up-to-date knowledge/experience of relevant legislation.

Desirable

• Post Registration Qualifications in Psychological Interventions
• Experience of working within a community team.
• Non-Medical Prescribing

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, NMC standards and other local and national initiatives.
• 12 to 24 month band 5 qualified nurse experience dependent upon service need.

Desirable

• Understanding of difficult to manage/challenging behaviours.

Skills and Competencies
Essential

• Proven ability to complete comprehensive assessment of complex mental health needs
• Risk Assessment Skill & Management
• Identify treatment options as per NICE Guidelines
• High standard of written and verbal communication
• Ability to work under pressure

Desirable

• Clinical Leadership
• Delegation skills

Person Specification
Education and Qualification
Essential

• Professional Qualification and current Professional Registration as, a First Level Registered Nurse (RNMH, RMN, RNLD) or equivalent as an AHP, Social Worker or Clinical Psychologist
• Evidence of post-registration training in clinical/ psychological interventions / skills relevant to the post
• Proven track record of post registration clinical experience
• Mentor Training.
• Training in CPA (Care Programme Approach), Safeguarding, MAPPA (Multi Agency Panel for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults) and Child Protection.
• Up-to-date knowledge/experience of relevant legislation.

Desirable

• Post Registration Qualifications in Psychological Interventions
• Experience of working within a community team.
• Non-Medical Prescribing

Knowledge and Experience
Essential

• Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, NMC standards and other local and national initiatives.
• 12 to 24 month band 5 qualified nurse experience dependent upon service need.

Desirable

• Understanding of difficult to manage/challenging behaviours.

Skills and Competencies
Essential

• Proven ability to complete comprehensive assessment of complex mental health needs
• Risk Assessment Skill & Management
• Identify treatment options as per NICE Guidelines
• High standard of written and verbal communication
• Ability to work under pressure

Desirable

• Clinical Leadership
• Delegation skills

Skills Required