A&E Link Worker - Mental Health

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we d love to hear from you.

Job title: Mental Health A&E Link Worker Watford General Hospital
Reference Number: 327
Salary: £24,336 per annum
Reports to: Crisis Services Manager
Contract length: Permanent
Working pattern: 37.5 hours per week over a 7-day rota (typically 3pm 11pm)
Woking bases: Watford Wellbeing Centre / Watford General Hospital

We have a vacancy for a Mental Health A&E Link Worker to join our team.

About the Project

Our A and E Link Workers help adults access alternative mental health crisis support, including our Nightlight Crisis Service. We focus on providing a calmer, quieter environment away from the hospital when it s needed.

Service Objectives

The objectives of Hertfordshire Mind Network s (HMN) A&E Liaison Service are to:

• Improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire.
• Increase timely access to help for people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire, by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided by HMN and other third sector and statutory providers.
• Contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
• Remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Provide an alternative pathway to people in distress and crisis to support better outcomes and reduce the demand on statutory crisis services, emergency services and A&E departments.

About the Role:

The Mental Health A&E Link worker will work closely with individuals in a mental health crisis currently in A&E, by using a person-centred approach to ensure that everyone is supported with dignity and respect.

They will encourage and facilitate positive steps towards management of crisis and recovery; through providing emotional support, signposting and completing onward referrals into mental health support. They will work closely with A&E clinical staff, integrated discharge teams, Bounce Back, and mental health liaison teams, to proactively identify referrals into the crisis alternatives service to facilitate timely discharges from A&E.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cash plan health cover (after 6 months employment) compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

A driving Licence with access to a car for the purpose of business use; or alternative means to travel reliably between places, outside of 9am - 5pm is essential for this role.

Closing date for applications is Friday 13th February 2026
Interviews will be held from the week commencing 23rd February 2026
N.B. Please quote reference number 327 when completing your application for this role.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.