Link Practitioner Mental Health; General Practice

NHS Scotland

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland. In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful
. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Link Practitioner Mental Health (General Practice) based at University Hospital Crosshouse/Rothsay House
. This post is offered on a permanent basis.

2x 36 1x 30 hours per week. Post

- Hours:

36 per week, over 5 days, Monday-Friday. Post

- Hours:

30 per week, over 4 days, Monday-Friday. Job share will be considered for this post. From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full‑time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part‑time staff) without loss of earnings.

A UK driving licence is essential for this role.

To provide Mental Health service within GP surgery, working within primary care setting providing mental health intervention within an identified GP practice, for individuals aged 16 years and above. Providing assessment and consultation to support the identification of the appropriate support service within either the primary, secondary, inpatient and third sector services.

The postholder(s) will provide mental health assessment and intervention at all levels of presentation within a registered patients of a GP surgery. The GP surgery will provide clinics and populate clinic template with the postholder having capacity to undertake the booking of reviews within the clinic. These will be individuals with presenting mental health problems, where, following assessment it is identified the most appropriate service to provide intervention to support the individual.

The Link Mental Health Practitioner (General Practice) will be fundamental in establishing relationships across Primary Care and Third Sector organisations within East Ayrshire. In particular the post holder will work with Colleagues within the East Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership (EAHSCP) including GP’s, Mental Health Services, and Voluntary Sector Services.

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack.

It is essential that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored before submitting your application form. NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria.

When considering if a post meets the salary threshold for sponsorship, please note the salary advertised is based on a full‑time contract and must be pro‑rated for part‑time positions. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case‑by‑case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre‑employment checks.

Please visit here for further information. We are unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 posts or bank contracts.

Contact John Collatin at joh for further information about the role.