Mental Health Adviser

Role Purpose:

The Circle is an alternative to A&E for young people and children who are finding it hard to cope with their mental health, when medical intervention might not be necessary. We provide one-off in the moment support, and we are open every day of the year.

Mental health advisors are part of the core team, supporting children and young people aged 5-18 and their families every day. We do not have waiting lists. You are expected to work within HFEH Mind’s policies and procedures and adhere to our code of conduct/values.

This role may suit those that have worked with vulnerable children in the past, including, but not limited to, support workers, CAMHS workers and mental health workers. We work within a diverse borough and look to reflect this in our team.

Job Summary:

The mental health advisor role is a key part of the delivery of the Circle, working to support young people and their families who are finding it hard to cope. They will conduct (up to) hour long, one-off sessions with children and young people aged 5-18, providing: safety planning, coping mechanisms, psychoeducation, and signposting, and supporting in de-escalation. This will be delivered with a non-judgemental and empathetic approach.

As a mental health advisor, you will need to be ready to respond in the moment to presenting (often unknown) concerns. You will dynamically risk assess situations and be confident in raising concerns when necessary.

Key Responsibilities:

Service Delivery:

• Work as part of a team to provide support to children, young people and their families.
• Work within the Circle framework and follow all HFEH Mind’s policies and procedures.
• Develop an understanding of the local area, and other services, to effectively signpost to.
• Deal with all safeguarding concerns in line with HFEH Mind’s safeguarding children policy.
• Take pride in the working environment, keeping it clean and tidy, and reporting any Health and Safety concerns appropriately.
• Utilise skills flexibly and effectively so that support can be tailored in a creative way.

Service Accountability:

• Maintain accurate, clear and concise records of all interactions with children, young people, parents/carers and professionals.
• Attend and engage in mandatory training, as directed by HFEH Mind.
• Ensure all support provided has an inclusive values base, which recognises and respects difference and diversity.
• To work collaboratively with all other partners and professionals and represent HFEH Mind in a positive light.

Other:

• To attend and engage constructively in 1-1 supervision, team meetings and group reflective practice, where applicable.
• Carry out any additional tasks as required by a manager in Children and Young People Services.

Person Specification

Essential

• A minimum of two years’ experience supporting vulnerable or at risk children and young people in a paid or voluntary capacity, or equivalent.
• An ability to form supportive relationships with families, and tailor support to individual need.
• A child-centred approach to work
• Working knowledge of child and adult safeguarding.
• Organisational skills and excellent time management.
• Excellent communication and listening skills with the ability to tailor messages to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload.
• Ability to work flexibly according to the needs of the service, whilst managing your own self-care.
• An openness to your approach to colleagues, managers and in 1:1s and reflective practice sessions.
• Experience of using Microsoft Office package.
• Working understanding of General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the importance of equality, equity, diversity and inclusion and the ability to integrate into your work.

Desirable

• Experience of working with children or young people presenting with complex needs, and/or who are neurodiverse.
• Experience in managing relationships with professionals (e.g. schools, education psychologists, early help teams), commissioners and other stakeholders.
• Experience in co-producing activities and campaigns with young people.
• Experience of working within a multi- disciplinary team.
• Experience of supporting young people experiencing episodes of heightened stress/distress.

We are an equal opportunities employer; and are proud to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve.

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check