Part Time Mental Health Support Worker

Job description

Job Opportunity: Mental Health Support Worker

4 days a week (28 hours)

Floating Support Across East London Boroughs - Hybrid Working

Salary: £29,749 pro rata

About Us: We are seeking a dedicated Mental Health Support Worker to join our team, focusing on providing vital support to survivors of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) with mental health needs. Our organisation is committed to offering a safe refuge and comprehensive support services to those in vulnerable situations.

Position Overview: As a Mental Health Support Worker, you will play a pivotal role in supporting survivors residing in refuges. Your responsibilities will include risk assessments, safety planning, and contributing to evaluations. Additionally, you will conduct well-being workshops aimed at empowering women and increasing mental health first aid resources within our refuges.

Main Duties:

• Work alongside the housing team to provide culturally sensitive and high-quality services.
• Manage a caseload of clients, offering mental health advice, support, and advocacy.
• Organise and facilitate support groups and workshops for women affected by VAWG and mental health issues.
• Provide support to survivors experiencing various forms of VAWG, including those with mental health concerns such as depression, emotional distress, and PTSD.
• Ability to communicate effectively in at least one South Asian, Turkish, or Middle Eastern language.
• Ensure the provision of safe and culturally appropriate services to women facing multiple disadvantages.
• Address stigma surrounding mental health issues within the South Asian, Turkish, and Middle Eastern communities.
• Support service users in managing risks, including suicidal ideation and self-harm.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of all interventions and activities.
• Provide age and gender-appropriate support to young women and girls.
• Identify and address safeguarding concerns in accordance with organisational procedures.
• Advocate for service users in key meetings with healthcare professionals and other relevant stakeholders.
• Adopt a trauma-informed approach and promote strength and resilience among service users.
• Break down barriers preventing women from accessing support services.
• Collaborate with mental health services and external agencies to provide holistic support.
• Provide clear information on health and social care matters, ensuring service users' voices are heard.
• Liaise with voluntary and statutory agencies to develop referral pathways and protocols.
• Challenge decisions and actions to uphold the rights of service users.
• Coordinate risk and support management plans with external agencies.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of local services and relevant legislation.
• Stay updated on all available services within the community to better assist service users.
• Equip service users with information and resources to make informed choices.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation and policies relating to mental health.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in providing mental health support, preferably in a similar setting.
• Strong understanding of VAWG issues and their intersection with mental health.
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work autonomously while remaining accountable.
• Sensitivity to cultural diversity and a non-judgemental approach.
• Relevant qualification in mental health, social work, or related field is desirable.
• Fluency in a South Asian Language
• A minimum of two years working within a women's refuge or a similar VAWG setting.

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual's skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.