Salary: £10.23 p/hr

Contract: 4.5 hrs per week, (to incl Thursday and one other afternoon), for 39 weeks per year (term-time only)

Location: Office or home based (tbc)

Do you want to make a positive impact on young people’s mental health?

Do you want to broaden your mental health experience in a part time, term time only role?

Mental Health Resource is a registered charity working to improve mental wellbeing through the provision of safe spaces and person-centred mental health support in our community.

Our Reachout Youth project provides weekly groups for young people aged 13-19 who are experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties. The groups are an informal, fun and confidential space that enable young people to share stories, make friends, reduce stigma and develop coping strategies. They run twice a week (Thursday and another evening tbc), during term-time, between 4pm-6pm.

We are looking for a Sessional Support Worker to assist with delivery of the groups. The postholder will work closely with the Reachout Youth Coordinator to help plan and deliver the groups and provide support to group members.

You will have experience of working with young people and an understanding of mental health conditions. You will have excellent communication and listening skills, be positive, warm, welcoming, and personable. You’ll also have strong administration skills and be able to deal confidently with challenging situations.

Most of your time will be spent at the groups in their 2 different geographical locations, with some time being spent helping to plan activities, attend monthly supervision, and/or other relevant meetings outside of the groups.

If you would like to have an informal conversation to find out more about the role please call 01892 615552.

Please read the job description and person specification below prior to applying.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and supporting statement (maximum of 2 sides of A4) that clearly outlines your suitability for the role against the criteria provided in the person specification. Standalone CV’s will not be accepted. Email: Leigh Attwood at leigha@mentalhealthresource.org.uk.

An Enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

Closing date: Tuesday 1st November 2022 at 9am

Expected interview date: Thursday 10th November or Thursday 17th November

Mental Health Resource is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and we want this to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us, and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and identities.

If you have access needs or require reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Charity Registration No: 1049854.

JOB DESCRIPTION

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To help facilitate and deliver the Reachout Youth groups for young people aged 13-19.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Help facilitate weekly mental wellbeing peer support groups for 13-19 year olds both in person and online where necessary

· Co-Facilitate the groups and ensure the project runs smoothly

· Ensure young people feel supported, valued and respected

· Facilitate discussions about mental health within the groups and encourage self-help coping strategies, as appropriate to the situation

· Devise fun and engaging activities with the Reachout Youth Coordinator, volunteers and participants, adapting activities to the specific needs of all participants where necessary

· Devise fun and engaging activities with the Reachout Youth Coordinator that can be delivered online

· Support the group to plan and carry out identified activities

· Provide confidential one to one emotional support within the scope of the role in addition to advice and guidance as necessary

· Maintain up-to-date knowledge of other local services and signpost clients to other appropriate external mental health services when necessary

· Provide a link to the provision of other Charity projects to ensure clients always receive the most appropriate level of support for whatever issues they are facing

· Provide assistance with reporting statistics, measuring outcomes and monitoring quality of the service provided

· Support the Reachout Youth Coordinator with maintaining records and accurate statistical data for funders

· Work alongside volunteers and provide direction where necessary

· Attend team meetings, training and supervision as and when required

· Perform all duties in accordance with Mental Health Resource’s policies and best practice procedures, paying specific attention to data protection, safeguarding, confidentiality, lone working, health and safety and equality and diversity.

· Support Reachout Youth Coordinator with conducting assessments for new group members

· Help to manage Reachout Youth social media including post on social media sites, creating videos and managing social media content

GENERAL

· Maintain concise, detailed, accurate and up to date client records in line with charity policy

· Ensure safety and wellbeing for all clients, reporting any concerns to the Reachout Project Manager

· Provide support to volunteer(s)

· To participate in charity events, networking events, and any other relevant event as and when required. Some public speaking may be required.

· Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Reachout Project Manager

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

· Voluntary, paid, or lived experience of working with young people

· Understanding and knowledge of mental health conditions

· Ability to motivate and engage well with young people

· Excellent people skills: warm, welcoming and personable

· Excellent communication and listening skills

· Strong organisational and administration skills

· IT Literate and working knowledge of social media and the Microsoft Office suite in particular, outlook, word and excel

· Manage challenging behaviours in a positive way

· Ability to be flexible and adapt according to the needs of the group

· Ability to travel independently to community venues

Desirable

· Understanding of the issues affecting young people and how it affects their mental health

· Understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Experience in topics that link to the 6 ways of wellbeing such as sport, exercise, music, crafts, coaching, counselling, IT skills and other creative activities