Mental Health Support Workers Vacancies in England and Wales
Introduction
Mental Health Support Workers carry out varied roles within the community supporting adults and children with mental health issues.
It may be necessary to work shifts, which may include nights and weekends. Part-time and full-time opportunities are available.
It is imperative that Mental Health Support workers pass a police check via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Clients in the sector often also request the following training of employees:
- Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults (SOVA)
- Manual Handling
- Basic First Aid
It may be is necessary to have an NVQ level 2 or 3, or to be working towards a relevant NVQ. For some roles may be essential to have a particular qualification, such as an NVQ in Health & Social Care level 3.
Job Overview
Depending on the specific vacancy or environment, a support worker may work within a residential home, day care centre or visit the service user at home. The support worker will enable and support the service user to overcome difficulties and support them in living as independently as possible.
A Support worker is responsible for:
- Providing for the personal needs of the service user.
- Liaising with family members and external agencies
- Relationship building with service users
- Planning routines which help service users achieve day-to-day activities
- Demonstrating empathy
Skills
- Being Friendly and supportive
- Being flexible and able to cope with stressful situations
- Commitment to providing care and support to children and adults with mental health issues
- Work well as part of a team
- Sensitive to people of different backgrounds and be able to communicate well.