Support Worker

We are looking for a caring and passionate Mental Health Support Worker to work as part of our Gloucestershire Mental Health Helpline.

Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity - and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people - regardless of who they are or their background - to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.

The Helpline will provide early intervention mental health support to adults living in Gloucestershire who are experiencing mild-moderate mental health issues, including self-harm, to increase emotional resilience, promote safety, improve mental health and wellbeing, promote recovery, and prevent problems escalating.

The service is for anyone who would like support for any existing mental health difficulties and for those who may benefit from a brief, early intervention to promote their wellbeing and prevent problems escalating. The service is also available to friends, family and professionals who are worried about the mental wellbeing of another individual and are seeking advice on how to support them.

This is a permanent role working 22.5 hours per week.

**How you will make a difference**
- I provide a supportive service by telephone, text or webchat
- I provide emotional support to service users
- I signpost service users to other appropriate services
- I follow local procedures to protect individuals from the risk of abuse and harm to self and others
- I ensure I am good communicator, both verbally and in writing
- I record accurately and concisely on files
- I work as a team member, sharing information and supporting colleagues
- I respond to crisis in accordance to policies and procedures
- I report to Line Management any caller/staff issues
- I report to Line Manager and technical issues that may arise
- I act in accordance with Rethink Mental Illness’s Health and Safety and to notify the manager promptly if there are any concerns
- I participate in regular supervision and appraisal and undertake any relevant training as appropriate to the role
- I work with basic computer packages

**What we are looking for**

We are looking for an individual who:

- Experience of providing support to people with a mental illness or within another social care setting
- Experience of providing an advice, support or an information service, ideally over the telephone
- Experience of dealing with emotionally demanding situations and demonstrating emotional resilience
- Educated to NVQ3 level or above in a relevant discipline or with equivalent work experience
- Level 2 Awards in Introduction to Counselling Skills and/or Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills (e.g. CPCAB accredited courses) would be desirable.

**_ Don’t meet all requirements?_**

**If the role sounds exciting to you but your experience, skills or qualifications don’t exactly match every single requirement, we would still encourage you to apply, you may be just the right person for our position**

**Caring for our people.**

**We offer a wide range of support. Some of our benefits include**:

- PULSE - our recognition, rewards, wellbeing, and benefits platform. Providing access to thousands of discounts and benefits including cashback; reloadable cards; savings etc. As well as being able to thank colleagues and nominate them for awards.
- Wellbeing support: our Wellbeing hub gives physical, emotional, and mental health support. We also have a BUPA Employee Assistance Programme with access to appointments.
- Taking time for you: we work flexibly -you get to choose where you work, managing your own diary. We have generous annual leave, starting at 25 rising to 30 days, plus bank holidays, as well as your birthday off. We also offer the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave.
- Planning for the future: We have a contributory pension scheme.
- Structured Corporate Induction: Onboarding you into the Charity supporting your wellbeing along the way.
- £300 when you introduce a Friend: receive up to £300 when you introduce a friend or family member.

**Who are we?**

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy - delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function.