Mental Health Access Co-Ordinator in Ryde

Hours: 37.5 Full Time Equivalent - Full Time and Part Time Hours.

Salary: £13.18 per hour increasing to £13.64 after completion of 6 month probation.

Interview Dates: 04.03.26 and 05.03.26

This role will be based at One Wight Health in Ryde, however, there will be an expectation to work from the 12 practices on a rota basis. This primary care role supports the North East, Central & West, and South Primary Care Networks, encompassing 12 member GP practices. We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Mental Health Access Coordinator (MHAC) to act as the first point of contact for individuals seeking mental health support within primary care. The MHAC will play a key role in enabling timely access to care, coordinating support, and improving mental health outcomes for people across the local population.

Main duties of the job

In the role of MHAC, you will work closely with GP practices across the Island to provide an enhanced service for patients with mental health needs. You will act as the first point of contact for individuals seeking mental health support, enabling timely access to care, liaising with relevant services to provide effective signposting, and supporting patients transitioning safely from secondary care. You will also ensure that patients with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) or Eating Disorders (ED) have up-to-date care plans in place, helping to deliver coordinated, high-quality mental health support within primary care.

Job responsibilities

• First Point of Contact & Mental Health Triage
  • Provide a calm, empathetic and non-judgemental first response for individuals presenting with mental health needs.
  • Explore presenting issues, preferred support options, and levels of risk.
  • Support the individual to access agreed services, coordinating onward referrals where required.
  • Provide structured follow-up calls to ensure the person is safely engaged with appropriate services.
• Short-Term Interventions & Signposting
  • Deliver up to six focussed intervention sessions where appropriate e.g., stabilisation support, problem-solving, emotional regulation tools, social support planning.
  • Guide individuals in accessing self-management resources, digital tools, and community support.
  • Work collaboratively with Social Prescribing, Mental Health Practitioners and wider primary care teams.
• Step-Down Support from Secondary Care
  • Support the development and delivery of a 12-week structured step-down pathway for individuals transitioning from community mental health teams or inpatient services.
  • Maintain regular communication with secondary care clinicians to coordinate care and ensure timely transitions.
  • Provide follow-up calls and practical assistance to help people maintain progress once discharged back to primary care.
• Supporting SMI and ED Physical Health Work
  • Assist practices in proactively identifying patients living with Severe Mental Illness - SMI or Eating Disorder - ED.
  • Engage patients to improve uptake and quality of annual SMI and ED Physical Health Checks.
  • Work with practice teams to support follow-up care planning linked to SMI and ED health outcomes.
  • Build strong relationships with GP practices, PCN teams, secondary care, and community organisations.
  • Participate in regular MDT meetings, case discussions and information-sharing forums.
  • Facilitate effective communication between patients, primary care teams, secondary care and voluntary sector partners.
• Administration & Information Management
  • Accurate data entry, allocation and record-keeping using approved primary care IT systems.
  • Maintain appropriate confidentiality and compliance with GDPR requirements.
  • File correspondence and update patient medical records as needed.
• Team Contribution & Professional Development
  • Engage fully in regular team meetings, reflective practice sessions, supervision and training.
  • Provide cover for colleagues during periods of annual leave or sickness.
  • Support continuous service improvement and contribute to shaping the ongoing development of the MHAC team.

Person Specification

• Computer literate and good knowledge of MS Office and Outlook.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Awareness of Data Protection Act and need for confidentiality of Information.
• Attention to detail, able to work accurately, identifying errors quickly and easily.
• Has a planned and organised approach with an ability to prioritise their own workload to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent understanding of data protection and confidentiality issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with team members, patients, carers, and other healthcare professionals, with the ability to adjust communication styles.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with staff at all levels.
• Committed to own continuing personal development and an ability to support others to develop and progress.
• Ability to sustain concentration with constant interruptions.
• Ability to maintain administrative systems that will underpin good practice.
• Experience of working in a medical or primary care setting.
• Experience of working in mental health.

Other requirements

• Commit to a DBS Check.
• Able to undertake the demands of the post with reasonable adjustments if required.
• UK Driving Licence.

Qualifications

• GCSEs at grade C or equivalent (or 4-9), including English and Maths.

Personal Attributes

• Works effectively independently and as a member of a team.
• Flexible approach to meet service needs and ensure a stakeholder focused response.
• Continued commitment to improve skills and ability in new areas of work.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills.
• A non-judgmental and empathetic approach to people experiencing difficulties in their life.
• Demonstration of strong boundaries and self-care.
• Demonstrate ability to use own initiative.

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.