Mental Health Support Worker in Croft

We are looking for a motivated and experienced Mental Health Support Worker to join the clinical team at Optimise Healthcare Group. This is a varied and rewarding role that sits across our ADHD assessment, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), and general mental health pathways, offering real breadth of clinical exposure within a specialist private mental health setting.

You will work alongside psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and occupational therapists, contributing meaningfully to patient care while holding a degree of independent responsibility. This is not a purely assistive role - you will conduct patient-facing appointments, gather assessment information independently, support physical health monitoring, and contribute to clinical administration across multiple pathways. At the same time, you will be fully supported within a strong multidisciplinary team (MDT) and will have regular opportunities to observe and participate in a wide range of clinical activities.

You will support the delivery of esketamine nasal spray (SPRAVATO) treatment for patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression, assisting with physical health monitoring and patient observation during sessions. You will also undertake structured training to become a competent Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation practitioner, working towards independent delivery under clinical sign-off.

Main duties of the job

• You will lead the patient-facing information gathering component of ADHD assessments, using structured and semi-structured interview frameworks, and will collate background information, questionnaires, school reports, and collateral history ahead of clinical appointments.
• Accurately measure and record blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, and BMI as part of routine monitoring, and will complete 12-lead ECG recording.
• Timely documentation including assessment notes and clinical correspondence, manage patient data across our systems and Microsoft Excel, support MDT meeting coordination.
• Attend and contribute to meetings across all pathways, present case summaries to clinical colleagues, liaise with GP practices and external agencies, and help patients navigate their care pathways.
• Support clinicians during SPRAVATO sessions for patients with TRD.
• Undertake training in the safe setup, calibration, and operation of TMS equipment, develop knowledge of indications, contraindications, and pre-treatment safety screening, and work towards independent delivery of TMS sessions following clinical sign-off.

About us

Optimise Healthcare Group is a private provider of specialist mental health services, delivering assessment and treatment pathways for ADHD, Autism Spectrum Condition, and a broad range of mental health presentations. We are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to our patients while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for the professionals who work with us.

Our clinical team brings together psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, and support staff who collaborate closely to deliver high-quality, individualised care. As a growing organisation, we offer our staff genuine opportunities to develop their skills and progress within a dynamic clinical environment, including exposure to specialist and emerging treatments such as esketamine therapy and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Job responsibilities

The Mental Health Support Worker will work alongside qualified clinical staff including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and occupational therapists to deliver high-quality care across the ADHD assessment, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), and general mental health pathways at Optimise Healthcare Group.

The post-holder will carry a degree of independent responsibility for assessment information gathering, physical health monitoring, clinical administration, and patient-facing work, while being fully supported within a strong multidisciplinary team (MDT). A key feature of this role is the opportunity to develop specialist skills in esketamine treatment support and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), making it an exceptional position for someone seeking to advance their career in mental health.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assessment & Information Gathering
  • Lead the patient-facing information gathering component of ADHD assessments, using structured and semi-structured interview frameworks.
  • Collate and review relevant background information, self-report questionnaires, school reports, and collateral history in preparation for clinical appointments.
  • Support qualified clinicians with Autism assessment information gathering, including administration of standardised tools as directed.
  • Conduct independent structured screening appointments with patients, documenting findings clearly and accurately in clinical records.
  • Assist in general mental health assessments under the supervision of qualified staff.
• Physical Health Observations
  • Accurately measure and record blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, and BMI as part of physical health monitoring protocols.
  • Perform and assist with 12-lead ECG recording under clinical supervision, ensuring patient comfort and accurate lead placement.
  • Monitor and report any concerns regarding physical health observations to the supervising clinician promptly.
  • Maintain accurate, up-to-date physical health monitoring records in line with organisational policy.
• Clinical Administration & Systems
  • Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation, including assessment notes, letters, and summary records.
  • Manage and maintain patient data using electronic patient record (EPR) systems and Microsoft Excel, including tracking referrals, waitlists, and outcome measures.
  • Prepare clinical correspondence and reports as directed by qualified clinicians.
  • Support the coordination of MDT meetings, including preparing patient summaries, taking minutes, and actioning follow-up tasks.
  • Maintain clinic schedules and appointment systems, managing changes and communicating with patients as required.
• Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Support
  • Attend and actively contribute to MDT meetings across ADHD, Autism, and general mental health pathways.
  • Present clear, concise case summaries to qualified clinicians and the wider MDT.
  • Liaise with other services, GP practices, schools, and external agencies to gather information and coordinate care.
  • Support patients in navigating their care pathway and signpost to relevant services as appropriate.
  • Conduct independent appointments with patients, including pre-assessment meetings, psychoeducation sessions, and follow-up contacts.
  • Work comfortably and safely in lone-working environments in line with the organisational lone-working policy.
  • Build positive, professional therapeutic relationships with patients, families, and carers.
  • Support patients in completing questionnaires and assessment tools, providing guidance where needed.
  • Support qualified clinicians in the delivery of esketamine nasal spray (SPRAVATO) treatment sessions for patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).
  • Assist with pre-treatment physical health checks, including blood pressure and heart rate monitoring before, during, and after each session in line with the mandatory 2-hour post-dose observation protocol.
  • Monitor patients throughout the observation period, recording vital signs and reporting any concerns to the supervising clinician promptly.
  • Provide calm, reassuring support to patients who may be experiencing dissociative or other acute side effects during and after dosing.
  • Maintain accurate session logs, including dose administered, physical health readings, and patient response.
  • Contribute to the administration of esketamine treatment pathways, including appointment scheduling, consent form management, and communicating session preparation requirements to patients.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Training & Delivery
  • Undertake structured training to become a competent TMS practitioner, working towards independent delivery under the sign-off of a qualified clinical lead.
  • Learn the safe setup, calibration, and operation of TMS equipment in line with manufacturer guidelines and organisational clinical protocols.
  • Develop knowledge of TMS indications, contraindications, and pre-treatment safety screening, including assessment for metal implants, seizure risk, and other exclusion criteria.
  • Assist in delivering TMS sessions for patients with depression, OCD, or other approved indications, progressing to independent delivery upon successful completion of training and clinical sign-off.
  • Support patients throughout their TMS course, providing psychoeducation about the treatment, monitoring response, and maintaining therapeutic rapport.
  • Accurately document TMS treatment records, including coil positioning, stimulation parameters, session notes, and patient-reported outcomes.
  • Participate in relevant CPD, competency assessments, and training updates to maintain TMS practitioner standards.
• General Responsibilities
  • Uphold the values, policies, and procedures of Optimise Healthcare Group at all times.
  • Maintain professional boundaries and adhere to relevant codes of conduct.
  • Apply safeguarding principles in all aspects of practice and elevate concerns in line with organizational policy.
  • Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with UK GDPR and organisational data protection policy.
  • Participate in regular supervision, appraisal, and mandatory training as required.
  • Contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture and support the wellbeing of colleagues.

Person Specification

• Minimum 2 years paid experience in a mental health setting (statutory, independent, or third sector).
• Experience conducting independent patient-facing work, including assessments or structured reviews.
• Experience completing clinical documentation to a professional standard.
• Competent in taking and recording blood pressure and physical health observations.
• Ability to conduct structured clinical interviews and independent assessment information gathering.
• Understanding of safeguarding principles and ability to apply these in practice.
• Familiarity with risk assessment principles in mental health settings.
• Strong written communication skills; ability to produce clear, accurate clinical notes.
• Confident using electronic patient record (EPR) or case management systems.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Eager and motivated to learn and develop clinical knowledge and skills.
• Able to work independently and use initiative within defined professional boundaries.
• Empathetic, patient, and non-judgmental approach to patients from diverse backgrounds.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to professional standards.
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to undergo one).
• Right to work in the UK.
• Formal qualification in mental health, psychology, nursing, or related health/social care discipline (NVQ Level 3+, HNC, Foundation Degree or equivalent).
• Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development (CPD).
• Knowledge of NICE guidelines relating to ADHD and Autism.
• Knowledge of standardised assessment tools (e.g. DIVA, ADOS-2, ADI-R, CAARS, Conners).
• Experience working within a neurodevelopmental assessment service.
• Experience attending or contributing to MDT meetings.
• Experience in ECG recording and/or physical health monitoring.
• Prior exposure to esketamine treatment protocols or other ketamine-based therapies.
• Prior exposure to or interest in TMS or other neuromodulation treatments.

Qualifications

• GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths.
• Qualified to NVQ level 2 in Health and Social Care.
• BSc in a mental health related subject.
• Qualified to NVQ level 3.

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.