At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in mental health crises by providing reassurance and guidance.
- Company: Join the compassionate team at Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, including evenings and weekends.
- Why this job: Be the first point of contact for those in need and help transform lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service or care is a plus; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Mental Health Advisor
The closing date is 03 April 2026
Do you have excellent listening skills, enjoy solving problems and genuinely want to make a difference in the lives of others supporting people in mental health crisis? If so, come and join our Mental Health advisor team! We are launching the national 111, option 2 for mental health and the role of Mental Health Advisor may be the perfect fit for you!
Our new 111 press 2 for Mental Health service will support patients in crisis across the Durham Tees Valley area to be able to access mental health care by calling the NHS 111 number then pressing option two. Patients will then be able to talk to a mental health advisor and if needed with the Mental Health Crisis Line, Community mental health teams or mental health hubs throughout the area.
As an NHS 111 press 2, Mental Health Advisor, you will be the first point of contact for people who are struggling with their mental health. You will provide reassurance and comfort. You will provide basic advice and health information to patients calling 111, supporting callers to access the appropriate level of care.
You must have the Right to Work in the UK in order to be successfully appointed to this role. Please note, this role does not meet the required eligibility criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa and therefore the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular role.
Main duties of the job
This is a job where you can truly make a positive impact. It will challenge you and help you grow as a person. You will need to be resilient, to think on your feet and be quick to adapt to changing situations. You will need to be empathetic and patient, able to understand and connect with people who are going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. You will be part of a supportive and encouraging team that is constantly learning and growing, and you will be given opportunities to develop new skills and take on new challenges.
You will work collaboratively with partner agencies to support patients who need onward support and will be able to refer directly into secondary care services such as local Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Teams for those who need an urgent assessment. This will ensure there is an easier, smoother way for patients to get support for their mental health.
You will work as part of a team of people who have a passion for helping those in crisis, where no two days are the same. Experience within mental health or customer service setting is desirable however you do not require any medical knowledge, and full training in managing calls, supporting patients during a crisis and the use of our systems will be provided.
About us
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.
From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care – our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.
We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.
We\'re committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.
We won\'t rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.
Job responsibilities
As a Mental Health Advisor for Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust you will be the first contact for patients, carers, professionals and other callers who are contacting services with an urgent mental health need, 24hrs a day, covering a 7-day service.
You will use screening pathways to record patient demographics and clinical information to assess their condition and ensure that they are directed to the most appropriate healthcare professional or service to support callers to access the appropriate level of care.
You will be compassionate in meeting the needs of patients and their carers and will, at all times, promote a positive image of people with mental health conditions and learning disabilities.
You will ensure that calls that are received are appropriately assessed to ensure that callers are directed to the most appropriate health care professional.
You will deliver high quality, safe and clinically effective healthcare over the telephone following appropriate pathways, communicating effectively with callers in critical situations or about areas of concern.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- NVQ 3 in Care, Customer Care or Business Administration or commitment to work towards
- Qualification or experience in Customer Services
- Previous experience of patient care
- Experience of working shifts patterns including evenings and weekends
- Working with demanding targets
Experience
- Previous experience of patient care
- Previous experience of working with people with mental/social health needs or learning disabilities
Knowledge
- Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
Skills
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to prioritise and manage own workload
- Enhanced literacy skills
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.
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Mental Health Advisor employer: Tewv Brits
Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. With a strong focus on employee growth, our supportive work culture encourages continuous learning and collaboration, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered. Located in the heart of the Durham Tees Valley area, we offer unique opportunities to engage with the community and contribute to vital mental health services, making this role not just a job, but a rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Mental Health Advisor and think about how your skills align. This will help you speak confidently during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees or professionals in the mental health field on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the role and even give you a heads-up on any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to mental health scenarios. Role-playing with a friend can help you articulate your thoughts clearly and demonstrate your empathy and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a positive impact in the lives of those in need.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for mental health shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in people's lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Mental Health Advisor. Highlight your listening skills and problem-solving abilities, and don’t forget to mention any experience you have in customer service or mental health settings.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tewv Brits
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Mental Health Advisor. Familiarise yourself with the key duties, such as providing reassurance and support to callers in crisis. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've shown empathy in past experiences. Whether it's in a customer service role or personal situations, showing that you can connect with people in distress is crucial for this position.
✨Practice Active Listening
As a Mental Health Advisor, listening is key. During the interview, practice active listening by summarising what the interviewer says before responding. This shows that you value their input and are ready to engage with callers effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle crises. Think of specific situations where you had to think on your feet and adapt quickly. This will showcase your resilience and readiness for the challenges of the role.
