Outreach Support Worker

Benefits: Line Management Support via Supervision and appraisal, 6% Employer pension contribution, Continued Professional Development & Some Flexible Working Options

Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation (SACMHF) was founded in 1994 to provide culturally responsive mental health services for Black people living in Sandwell who were affected by mental ill health.

This was during a time when there was a growing body of evidence which informed of the lack of culturally responsive services for Black people and the poor experience and outcomes for those using mainstream mental health services when compared to the wider community. SACMHF continues to operate today and now deliver various culturally responsive mental health services for the Black community in Sandwell and West Birmingham.

Outreach Support Worker – The Role

You will work within an established staff team which offers support to adults predominantly from a Black African, Caribbean, Black Dual heritage background who are experiencing and/or recovering from mental health problems, their Carers, family members and the wider community.

The support will be user led and a combination of centre-based activities with some activities being delivered within a variety of community settings or in the client’s home.

You will be required to work within a culturally responsive, recovery and outcomes focused framework to support this client group to maintain their independence, support their ability to live within the community and by providing practical and social support to assist individuals to manage their mental health issues and move on by engaging in training, employment, volunteering and other activities.

Main Responsibilities’:

• You will undertake one to one outreach visits with all clients where needed.
• You will, where relevant, participate in and contribute to a CPA (Care Programme Approach) review meetings and liaison with external health professionals involved in the care and support of clients as required.
• You will assist in the preparation of reports for specialist meetings e.g., CPA reviews, Annual General Meeting etc.
• You will undertake casework for clients, family members and carers as relevant. Case Manager software will be used to record client data.
• You will be responsible for delivering on small projects and services for the organisation along with colleagues.
• To maintain computerized and written records to maintain and collect monitoring data for clients including attendance, signposting, and a range of individual outcomes.
• To be aware of and respond to the needs of clients reporting concerns about ill health and any Safeguarding concerns to team members and/or senior staff and treat these concerns with urgency.
• Conducting information, advice, and awareness sessions within a variety of community settings within Sandwell and West Birmingham to members of the public and potential users of the service.
• Publicize activities and events within the center via social media and or other means, with guidance.
• To participate in fund-raising events, awareness raising of mental health issues e.g. World Mental Health Day, Black History, Heritage and Cares week, Mental Health awareness week etc, and other related initiatives.
• To contribute to the maintenance of good Housekeeping within the center being mindful of limiting any damage to the Foundation’s property, fixtures, and fittings.

Outreach Support Worker – What we need from you

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential;

• Minimum of 1 years’ experience of working within health and social care services or with people with mental health or personal experience.
• Demonstrable experience of effective engagement or casework with Black, African, Caribbean and Black Dual Heritage adults recovering from mental ill health.
• Able to work on one’s own initiative and as a member of the team
• Ability to organize one’s own workload effectively, with the ability to prioritize and work to deadlines.
• Effective Communication with a variety of people.
• Ability to use IT Software e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.
• Good standard of education e.g. 2 GCSE’S or Math’s & English functional skills level 1
• A commitment to service user involvement
• Self-Awareness
• Able to work flexible hours when required.

Desirable;

• Knowledge of issues that may characterize the experiences of Black, African, Caribbean, Black Dual Heritage and Black Dual Heritage adults recovering from mental ill health.
• Ability to write reports.

Special Requirements;

Unsociable hours may need to be worked which could include weekend or evening dependent on the changing needs of the people who use the services (PWUS)

Annual Leave Entitlement

You are entitled to 24 days annual leave within a full leave year. Part time staff will be worked out on a pro rata basis. You will be entitled to 8 approx. public bank holidays or pro rata.

Equal Opportunities

SACMHF currently adheres to an Equality and Diversity Policy. Staff are required to ensure that all policies and practices are in accordance with legislation and best practice.

If you feel you have the skills and experience to be successful within this role, click on apply today!

No agencies please.