Safe Space Support Worker
Purpose of the Job:
This role is within our crisis alternative service – Safe Space - which is an out of hours service providing a safe and welcoming space for people who are feeling distressed and experiencing crisis. The service operates 365 days a year from 12:00pm(midday)-11:30pm across all of our boroughs.The shift pattern for this role is 4:30-11:30pm. This will be on a rota basis across support workers.
Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face or via telephone on a one-to-one or group basis to individuals experiencing mental health crisis. This will consist of 1:1 support; de-escalating and providing interventions, signposting for specialised or longer-term support, and delivering collaborative self-management plans with clients to improve mental wellbeing.The aim of this service is to de-escalate and prevent further crises.
The objectives of the service include:
To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health crisis in HFEH.
To provide support to clients accessing the service- for instance: signposting, de-escalation, planned wellbeing activities etc.
To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
To treat service users with respect, dignity and personalised support
To raise awareness of mental health services available with the goal to improve long term mental health and reduce social isolation
To increase self-management skills of those accessing the serviceTo reduce the use of police, ambulance and statutory mental health services whilst experiencing crisis.
To reduce the use of statutory crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual.
Key Responsibilities:
Providing a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.Promoting people’ rights and responsibilities
Working collaboratively with clients to understand their needs and developing flexible and realistic crisis support packages/person centred plans
Listening to clients and encouraging positive steps towards self-management of crisis and recovery
Providing advice, information, practical and emotional support to clients
Proactively recognising the indicators of deteriorating mental health and facilitate appropriate action, whilst liaising with relevant agencies e.g. CATT, Emergency Duty Teams, CMHTS, etc
Engaging with clients to show empathy, inspire hope and promote recovery
Establishing supportive, empowering and respectful relationships with clients and carers/ family
You will have:
Minimum of 1 year working in mental health services and with clients experiencing mental health distress and crisisExperience of managing challenging behaviour and dealing with clients with complex needs
Experience of managing safeguarding risks and understanding legal requirements for safeguarding adults and children
Evidence of continual professional development
Understanding of the Recovery Model in mental health
Understanding of the principles of trauma informed care
Understanding of suicide prevention and safety planning
Understanding of the relationship between mental health and social issues and how these issues may impact on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing
Understanding of relevant legislation and policies
Awareness of issues in mental health service provision
A good understanding of mental health conditions
Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations
Benefits of working with us:
Contributory Pension Scheme25 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year, increasing by 1 day per full year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days) [pro rata].
Employee Rewards and Benefits Platform/Wellness Hub (Perkbox)
Cycle to Work Scheme
Flexible working
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) including free counselling sessions
Paid time off for medical appointments
Training and personal development opportunities
Access to shared resources and training opportunities via Mind Federated Network
How to apply:
Please provide your CV, and a cover letter demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the Person Specification (see JD attached) and why you want this role.
We are an equal opportunities employer; and are proud to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.
HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.
Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.