Primary Care Mental Health Link Worker

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East London NHS Foundation Trust Primary Care Mental Health Link Worker

The closing date is 05 November 2026

Apply for this job

Job summary

Primary Care Mental Health Link Workers will be experienced mental health professionals drawn from the established Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) or working within an allied social care or health team but have previous mental health working experience, working as a member of a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), working within the Primary Care arena.The postholder(s) will be members of the CMHT, in order to receive support and supervision and be attached to a specific Group of GP Practices in the Locality.The Link Worker(s) will have the key role of providing support, consultation, advice, education and problem-solving skills to the Primary Health Care Team, particularly in the areas of assessment and management of complex mental health problems in adults, including and acting as a 'signposter' to appropriate external services. In line with future service developments it is expected that the Primary Care Link Worker will take on management responsibility for dedicated Primary Care Liaison Teams.Within each Locality they will be supported in developing services that provide continuity of personalised care within the primary care environment. The postholder(s) will be expected to adopt and enable flexible approaches to developing unique models of integrated care, taking into account each Primary Care Team's unique strengths and weaknesses.

Main duties of the job

Main duties and responsibilities are as outlined in the job description. please refer to the JD for key responsibilities.

About us

Our mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.

Details

Date posted

03 November 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515 a year pro rota

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

363-LUT8389038

Job locations

Charter House

Alma Street

Luton

LU1 2PJ

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

To actively promote mental health, have a sound understanding of mental health and wellbeing, and to promote personalised care.2. Potential referrals to both specialist and voluntary services can be discussed with the Link Worker to ensure the most effective intervention is offered to the client. There may be a need for a small number of these (complex cases) to be screened by the Link Worker and advice offered/obtained on appropriate interventions and ongoing Service User management.3. To promote the use of treatment protocols and care pathways leading to increased competencies and better care of people with severe mental health difficulties within the primary care setting.4. In conjunction with primary care, the local CMHTs and the PCT, to assist in the development, maintenance and use of Severe Mental Illness Registers and Dementia Registers, ensuringregular review of Service Users needs including their physical health.25. To develop a close relationship with primary care practices by attending practice meetings and having regular informal contact as local need determines.6. In cases where their Service User is in crisis, the Link Worker will expedite referral to the Crisis Resolution at Home Treatment (CRHT) Team.7. To work with the Primary Health Care Team to enable them to develop their skills and confidence in assessment and treatment of, in particular, common mental health disorders. To advise on further management where necessary. To ensure appropriate onward referral as required.8. To provide specialist advice and support to carers, supporting those with mental health problems identified in primary care.9. To participate in regular Clinical and Management Supervision to maintain safe practice and high standards in Service User care.10. To identify and respond to own continuous professional development needs, particularly in relation to assessment and treatment of Service Users with common mental health problems.11. To act as a source of specialist knowledge, support and advice to both primary care and Service Users concerning mental health promotion.12. To facilitate effective communication between secondary care and primary care services, to ensure that Service Users receive the appropriate interventions in a timely manner.13. Where cross border issues arise, to ensure links are facilitated with teams and agencies in other PCT areas/countries. Ensure care is appropriately co-ordinated.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To actively promote mental health, have a sound understanding of mental health and wellbeing, and to promote personalised care.2. Potential referrals to both specialist and voluntary services can be discussed with the Link Worker to ensure the most effective intervention is offered to the client. There may be a need for a small number of these (complex cases) to be screened by the Link Worker and advice offered/obtained on appropriate interventions and ongoing Service User management.3. To promote the use of treatment protocols and care pathways leading to increased competencies and better care of people with severe mental health difficulties within the primary care setting.4. In conjunction with primary care, the local CMHTs and the PCT, to assist in the development, maintenance and use of Severe Mental Illness Registers and Dementia Registers, ensuringregular review of Service Users needs including their physical health.25. To develop a close relationship with primary care practices by attending practice meetings and having regular informal contact as local need determines.6. In cases where their Service User is in crisis, the Link Worker will expedite referral to the Crisis Resolution at Home Treatment (CRHT) Team.7. To work with the Primary Health Care Team to enable them to develop their skills and confidence in assessment and treatment of, in particular, common mental health disorders. To advise on further management where necessary. To ensure appropriate onward referral as required.8. To provide specialist advice and support to carers, supporting those with mental health problems identified in primary care.9. To participate in regular Clinical and Management Supervision to maintain safe practice and high standards in Service User care.10. To identify and respond to own continuous professional development needs, particularly in relation to assessment and treatment of Service Users with common mental health problems.11. To act as a source of specialist knowledge, support and advice to both primary care and Service Users concerning mental health promotion.12. To facilitate effective communication between secondary care and primary care services, to ensure that Service Users receive the appropriate interventions in a timely manner.13. Where cross border issues arise, to ensure links are facilitated with teams and agencies in other PCT areas/countries. Ensure care is appropriately co-ordinated.

Person Specification

Essential

Essential

• Relevant Professional qualification (DipOT, DipSW, RMN, Clinical Psychology Grade A, Diploma - Counselling)

Desirable

• Theoretical study to master degree level in a relevant subject relating to the role.

Essential

Essential

• Experience of working in a mental health care setting, using short term interventions eg: CBT, counselling, problemsolving.

Desirable

• Negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations, including the resolution of complaints that may involve diffusion of hostility and aggression.

Person Specification

Essential

Essential

• Relevant Professional qualification (DipOT, DipSW, RMN, Clinical Psychology Grade A, Diploma - Counselling)

Desirable

• Theoretical study to master degree level in a relevant subject relating to the role.

Essential

Essential

• Experience of working in a mental health care setting, using short term interventions eg: CBT, counselling, problemsolving.

Desirable

• Negotiation skills in the management of conflict across a range of situations, including the resolution of complaints that may involve diffusion of hostility and aggression.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

East London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Charter House

Alma Street

Luton

LU1 2PJ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.elft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

East London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Charter House

Alma Street

Luton

LU1 2PJ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.elft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Operational Lead

Janet Morton

[email protected]

01582708999

Details

Date posted

03 November 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515 a year pro rota

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

363-LUT8389038

Job locations

Charter House

Alma Street

Luton

LU1 2PJ

United Kingdom

Supporting documents

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