Job Description

The Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service at St. Charles Hospital provides a consultation and assessment service for all patients over the age of 18 years who present in a mental health crisis. This service functions as a dedicated 24/7 alternative to A&E for individuals requiring urgent mental health support.



The role involves biopsychosocial assessment, management and review of all adult patients over the age of 18 years (including over 65s) as part of your day-to-day clinical activity. As a member of a large multidisciplinary team, the types of referral that you would expect to receive would include; Deliberate self-harm, Disorders of mood - depression, anxiety, mania, Psychotic illness, and Associated substance misuse issues and withdrawals.



Previous applicants need not apply.



The post holder will work as a key member of the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service. The work will involve the comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment of mental health needs in a diverse patient population, including risk assessment and the development of risk management plans. You will be required to make clear autonomous decisions based on an analysis of complex presenting problems and judgements based on available treatment options, including those related to admission and discharge planning. Your interpersonal skills will be expected to be excellent and you must be able to confidently communicate at a high level both verbally and in writing. You must be able to demonstrate de-escalation skills with challenging and/or acutely distressed patients in potentially hostile situations.



The post-holder will be expected to work flexibly within the team. The working hours will be a combination of rotational shift working (long day shifts and nights shifts) to ensure a 24/7 service is provided



Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) is one of the largest trusts in the UK, caring for people with a wide range of physical and mental health needs. We have approximately 7,000 staff who provide healthcare to a third of London's population and across wider geographical areas, including Milton Keynes, Kent, Surrey and Hampshire. Our catchment area spans diverse communities, with over 100 first languages spoken. It contains areas of great affluence as well as areas of much deprivation. We are committed to providing services that meet the needs of the people who use them, and we actively encourage involvement from local people who can help make a difference. CNWL is recognised locally, nationally and internationally for providing high quality, innovative healthcare. We aim to employ only the best people, and our experts are frequently called upon to contribute to national health strategy and policy, and many models of our care have been adapted for use in other countries.



The role involves biopsychosocial assessment, management and review of all adult patients over the age of 18 years (including over 65s) as part of your day-to-day clinical activity. As a member of a large multidisciplinary team, the types of referral that you would expect to receive would include; Deliberate self-harm, Disorders of mood - depression, anxiety, mania, Psychotic illness, and Associated substance misuse issues and withdrawals.



The post holder will work as a key member of the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service. The work will involve the comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment of mental health needs in a diverse patient population, including risk assessment and the development of risk management plans. You will be required to make clear autonomous decisions based on an analysis of complex presenting problems and judgements based on available treatment options, including those related to admission and discharge planning. Your interpersonal skills will be expected to be excellent and you must be able to confidently communicate at a high level both verbally and in writing. You must be able to demonstrate de-escalation skills with challenging and/or acutely distressed patients in potentially hostile situations.



Please see attached job description for details.