Part Time Mental Health Support Worker - Inverness (evenings) Inverness, Scotland
Job description
Part Time Mental Health Support Worker - Inverness (evenings)
Mikeysline is a charity based in the Highlands, established in 2015 to provide support to those who are experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts or generally struggling with their mental health. We also focus on raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention to break down the stigma that can surround them. We run three core services – our text-based support, which includes SMS, Facebook Messenger, Webchat, WhatsApp and Twitter. We provide Face to face support at our Hives, in Inverness, Alness, Tain and Nairn. We also provide an additional young person’s service through our Hives, in local communities and in schools.
We are looking to recruit a permanent part time member of staff to support adults and young people in our Inverness Hive. The role involves 2 shifts per week from 6pm-10pm (one weeknight shift plus one weekend shift), plus one on call weekend nightshift to support volunteers on the textline once a month from 7pm-7am (this is not a shift where you are required to stay awake all night).
Salary – £11.60 per hour for 6-10pm shifts plus £50 flat rate for on call
Hours: As above
Location: 19 Academy Street, Inverness, IV1 1JN.
Deadline: Candidates will be shortlisted as they apply
Please see the job description and person specification below.
Mikeysline is a Highland based mental health awareness and suicide prevention charity established in 2015. We support both young people and adults through our evening text-based services and on a 1:1 basis at our Hives. Since February 2021, we have been providing an additional service to support young people predominantly of secondary school age, who are experiencing emotional distress or mental health issues. We have recently also started offering support in group sessions in primary schools.
Support will be on a one to one basis at our Inverness Hive.
Job Title
Support Worker
Rate of Pay
£11.60 per hour.
To work as part of a team to provide a safe, supportive and therapeutic environment for any adult /young person in need of mental health and emotional support.
To encourage adults/young people accessing the service to identify their own needs and make their own choices, supporting them to learn and use coping strategies, to recognise their own strengths, as well as to use other resources.
To encourage young people to form and develop their own social networks.
Main Responsibilities of the Job
Support service users to relieve emotional distress by providing empathy, supportive reassurance and time.
Support service users to address practical issues.
Support service user initiatives and be responsive to individual needs.
Accept individual values, culture, religion, physical needs, gender and sexual orientation in compliance with equal opportunities policies.
To treat all with courtesy, dignity and respect.
To uphold confidentiality and be fully aware of confidentiality policies and procedures.
To be aware of and implement safeguarding procedures ensuring adherence to best practice, policies and procedures and to follow Mikeysline’s policies and procedures at all times.
To support young people to improve their own physical and mental wellbeing.
To recognise and provide support to young people in overcoming barriers to community inclusion.
To promote a young person-centred service; building effective communication with all individuals, partnership organisations and others.
To maintain and develop professional links with all external agencies, enabling effective signposting.
Duties of the Job
To ensure effective and appropriate communication with all individuals, staff, community agencies and partner organisations.
To effectively manage risk and support positive risk taking when working with young people.
To provide flexible support based on individual need and preferences, enabling individuals to make informed decisions and choices.
To ensure the working environment is presentable at all times and portrays a professional image.
Assist in making drinks and ensuring refreshments are available for service users.
To attend relevant training and supervisions to develop own skills.
To record notes from the support meeting appropriately using Mikeysline’s systems and ensure effective communication with other team members. To carry out administration work, which could include but is not limited to, report writing, handling money, filing, telephone and computer work.
Management of sensitive personal information
To take on other duties as considered commensurate to the post.
Training and Support
You will receive an induction to Mikeysline and the working environment.
You will have regular supervision and attend a monthly team meeting.
You will be provided with training to enable you to do your job effectively and will be expected to carry out all mandatory training and any other identified training relevant to your role.
Where possible and relevant to your job, we will support you to further your learning and development.
The Right Person for the Job (person specification)
Criteria Essential
Qualifications
Level 2 or 3 qualifications in Health and Social Care or equivalent is preferable. Experience of working in mental health and understanding and working knowledge of various mental health conditions. High Standard of literacy and numeracy.
Demonstrable
Current knowledge and understanding of challenges for young people in emotional distress and or experiencing mental health issues.
Understanding of safeguarding issues and procedures, risk management and health and safety.
Knowledge of current legislation including the Care Act, Mental Health Act and Equality and Diversity principles.
Knowledge of data protection and maintaining confidentiality at all times, including reporting information in accordance with policies and procedures
Skills & Experience (essential)
Current proven experience of working with adults/young people with mental health needs in a one to one setting.
Experience in providing information, guidance and support, with the ability to signpost individuals to appropriate organisations.
Ability to take decisions quickly using own initiative. Proactive and solutions focussed. Effective communication and active listening skills.
Organisational skills and accurate record keeping.
IT Skills.
Experience of partnership working.
Confidence in dealing with external agencies. Demonstrable ability to support young people.
Personal attributes
Ability to deal with competing demands and multiple tasks. Self-awareness. Confidence in dealing with challenging situations.
How to apply
Please complete an application form to demonstrate how you meet the above criteria for this post. Successful candidates will also require 2 satisfactory references and a successful Enhanced PVG for both Adults and Children services and will be subject to a six- month probationary period.
To apply for any of our vacancies, please download and complete the application form which can be found on www.mikeysline.co.uk/careers or contact our office.
Job Type: Part-time
Part-time hours: 8 per week
Salary: £11.60 per hour
COVID-19 considerations:
Government guidance is being adhered to.
Work Location: One location
Reference ID: Mikeysline April 2023
