Employment Advisor - Durham

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £24,000 with progression to £26,500 per annum

This is a great opportunity within MHM, and one where you will make a real and direct difference to the lives of people who face mental health challenges. You will support people in obtaining and retaining paid or voluntary employment, whilst working for a passionate and inspiring organisation, within a supportive team. This role offers great job satisfaction and scope for career development and progression.

We deliver investment in and a continued focus on staff well-being, including opportunities to be involved in Special Interest Groups.

Mental Health Matters (MHM) is a national charity with over 40 years of experience in delivering high-quality mental health and social care services. We have a positive impact on the lives of people living with mental health needs in our local communities. We provide services across England, from Northumberland to Plymouth, led by a highly motivated and enthusiastic workforce who are committed to delivering the best quality services to those in need of support.

Everything about MHM is people focused, our people are central to delivering the highest quality of service and care to our clients and service users.

As an Employment Advisor, you will work in conjunction with NHS Talking Therapies services and Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to support people accessing primary care in their employment challenges. You will be required to provide a high quality, one-to-one service to our clients who have a range of mental health challenges to support them in job retention, employer liaison or employment/voluntary work search.

With experience of working within a community based, mental health setting, you should be able to inspire, engage and motivate people. With the proven ability to identify barriers, understand need and support people to achieve their goals the role will include one to one engagement, facilitating activities within the service and community, administrative tasks, sign posting and engaging people in other provision.

You will work as part of wider community support teams, including mental health workers, partners, internal colleagues, and other agencies.

Please refer to the attached job description for full job details.

You will have experience of working with Mental Health and will be able to inspire and engage people and have the ability to identify barriers and understand client needs, while possessing excellent motivational skills. This will include supporting people within the employment sector, with knowledge of employment rights and job retention being advantageous.

Working within a multi-disciplinary team, you will be able to demonstrate your experience in delivering results through your assessment, planning and facilitating of activities that focus on recovery and vocational skills. You will have an understanding of working with people with a variety of complex needs including mental health, your knowledge of working within a community-based service is essential and will have equipped you with the relevant communication and interpersonal skills required for the role.

Although not essential, it would be beneficial for you to have knowledge of employment law, the principles of the Equalities Act 2010 and how it relates to employment rights.

You will be educated to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in the areas of Advice and Guidance, Health and Social Care or Customer Service. An awareness and/or experience of working with people who have experienced mental health issues would be an advantage.

Please refer to the attached job description for full details on person specification for this role.

You will go through our comprehensive, in-person training program in your first week of employment which will give you the tools you need to succeed in the role, as well as offering a great opportunity to get to know your new colleagues.

In addition, you will receive:

* A minimum of 25 days annual leave per annum, plus statutory holidays, rising with length of service

* A 5% contributory pension scheme, with the opportunity to increase contributions.

* A holistic approach to your health and wellbeing, including Employee assistance programme and personalised wellbeing action plans.

* Enhanced family friendly policies, pay and leave.

* Cycle to work scheme.

* Discounted gym membership.

* Healthcare cash plan.

* A discount platform covering online, high street and supermarket purchases.

* You will receive a tailored induction and probation review program which will give you the tools you need to succeed in the role

* Our structured career development pathways and support from our accredited Learning Team will provide you with advice and guidance on how to access development to allow you to flourish in your chosen career