Support Worker - Recovery & Mental Health

About the Service/Department

Brent Cove is a service where residents (aged 16+) of the borough can go if they are experiencing a Mental Health crisis, to prevent a Mental Health crisis and to learn more about how to cope with a Mental Health issue. People can simply turn up, no appointment necessary. We are a safe, inviting, and inclusive space for individuals who are struggling to cope with their Mental Health and daily life. On meeting with service users, we aim to support them to reduce their immediate anxiety and crisis.

Support includes a safe, welcoming space and a listening ear, 1-to-1 support to help individuals find the best path forward, support to develop safety plans for the next day as well as longer term plans which could involve contact with statutory services, support to find and access other services in the area, a hot drink and a snack, drop-in crisis support and group activities.

About the role

• This role is aimed at supporting people with their Mental Health by providing emotional support and signposting, and that it includes having to deal with Mental Health crisis
• To draw upon lived experience of Mental Health support needs and recovery to empathetically assist service users to move forward positively from crisis, where appropriate
• Provide inspiration to individuals going through mental distress
• Respond to the needs of individuals with sensitivity with regard to their age, culture, race, gender, ethnicity, social class or disability, modifying behaviour to optimise the helping relationship
• Support people with crisis Mental Health needs to manage their own health care, in accordance with their care plan with a view to preventing further crisis
• Signpost customers to local community resources to address cultural/social barriers affecting their wellbeing
• Link customers with specialist services for continuous support eg counselling, money management, substance misuse
• Promote the rights of individuals by recognising differences and acting in accordance with the relevant legislation, recognising and reporting discriminatory behaviour, and taking appropriate action
• Promote and maintain effective communication with people in order to build positive working relationships with individuals, other team members, clinical colleagues, families and carers and other agencies

About you

• The ability to rapidly form and sustain a trusting relationship with service users/carers and other peer Support Workers and professionals
• Well- developed listening skills and effective verbal communication skills to be able to engage appropriately with service users in crisis, carers, and colleagues, statutory and voluntary agencies, both face to face and by telephone
• Lived experience of the acute Mental Health care pathway (eg ED attendance, acute admissions etc.)
• Knowledge of recovery tools, Mental Health and wellbeing support and services available in the local area
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and ability to address them appropriately
• Able to demonstrate a general understanding of Mental Health issues with a positive non-judgemental approach towards individuals in crisis with Mental Health support needs
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and ability to address them appropriately

Please note that i f you are offered a role with Hestia, you will be issued a conditional offer based on satisfactory references and a Basic or Enhanced DBS check.

Disability confident
Hestia is a disability confident employer, committed to the employment and career development of individual with disabilities. As part of this commitment, we operate a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We will also accommodate reasonable adjustment during the selection and interview process and throughout your employment with us.

Hestia positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. But we particularly welcome individuals from an ethnic minority background and those with disabilities to apply. As an organisation, we are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.