Job summaryAn exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Initial Response Service (Planned Care) based at Monkwearmouth Hospital. The Initial Response Service is the single point of access to mental health services in the South Locality. The service works closely with our Community Treatment Team colleagues and we are seeking to recruit a Band 6 Community Practitioner.
The post holder will be responsible for triaging all referrals into services to determine the most appropriate pathway and signpost accordingly.
You will need to be flexible in your approach, to respond to the needs of the service and the demands of incoming referrals and queries from both professionals, Service users and Carers.
Main duties of the jobWe are looking for enthusiastic individuals who have experience of working with service users with complex needs and are able to manage risk and act accordingly in response to safeguarding concerns.
Previous experience of working within Community Treatment Team would be advantageous but not essential. The ideal candidate will be proactive and dynamic, with enhanced clinical skills to support the robust triage process.
About usWe 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.
Job responsibilitiesPlease find attached job description for full details.
Advertising date : 6th August 2026
Closing date : 20th August 2026
We welcome your application.
Person SpecificationEducation and QualificationEssential- 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
- Mentor Training.
- Evidence of post-registration training in clinical/ psychological interventions / skills relevant to the post.
- Proven track record of post registration clinical experience relevant to the post.
- 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.
Knowledge and ExperienceEssential- 12 to 24 month band 5 qualified nurse experience dependent upon service need.
- Awareness and understanding of professional accountability, NMC standards and other local and national initiatives.
Skills and CompetenciesEssential- Proven ability to carry out and provide comprehensive written assessments of individuals with complex mental health needs.
- Risk Assessment and Risk Management / Safety Planning skills.
- Demonstrate an understanding of effective & appropriate treatment options including a range of evidence based clinical approaches as identified in N.I.C.E. Guidance).
- Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills
- Evidence of a high level of professional, organisational and leadership skills (self & others).
- Ability to adapt within a changing environment.
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.
Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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.Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). 
