Immediate Help Service Initial Assessment Officer

Transcription

1 Immediate Help Service Initial Assessment Officer 26,525 per annum Full time: 35 Hours per week (job share considered). Closing Date: 5th April 2019 Interviews:12th April year Fixed Term Contract Falkirk s Mental Health Association (FDAMH) The Victoria Centre 173 Victoria Road Falkirk FK2 7AU fdamh.org.uk Charity Number SC Company Limited by Guarantee: SC151357

2 Introduction Falkirk s Mental Health Association (FDAMH) is a charity established in 1981 to provide a community-based facility for people with mental health problems. FDAMH now operates from a purpose-built centre in central Falkirk. With continuous increase in demand for our expertise, we have adopted an innovative and responsive approach to service provision and have a very forward-looking ethos. At the heart of all of our services is the desire to give people the strength, support, skills and knowledge they need to move forward with their lives and re-connect with their community. We have worked hard to establish a firm and independent financial footing. Our funders include Falkirk Integrated Joint Board and NHS Forth Valley, a range of trust and foundation grants and donations from members of the community. Much of our work is reliant on a team of 100 volunteers. Added to this there are currently 25 members of paid staff. Cultivating a strong team spirit, FDAMH promotes a culture which fosters ideas and empowers individuals. As a member of our team you will contribute to achieving our mission and vision in a flexible, creative, supportive and stimulating work environment. Immediate Help Service Initial Assessment Officer We are seeking applications from people who have considerable experience of conducting person centred, holistic mental health and wellbeing assessments with clients who may present in crisis or a state of distress, and can evidence same in their application for this key post within the Association.

3 ABOUT FDAMH Vision To be regarded as a centre of excellence at providing services, training and education in relation to mental wellbeing and contribute to the work of reducing the stigma and discrimination commonly associated with mental ill health. Mission To promote mental wellbeing by providing a range of services and creating an environment in which we: Support individuals to recover from mental ill health by acknowledging that recovery is a unique voyage of self-discovery and personal growth; Prevent deterioration in mental wellbeing; and Provide support, education and training related to mental health to carers and across the local community. Values We believe in enabling people to identify and work towards their personal goals. We treat one another with respect and value the contributions that come from individuals that we encounter. We are committed to being honest and transparent in all relationships. Structure FDAMH is a charity and is managed by an unpaid Board of Trustees. FDAMH is a membership organisation, members elect the Board, but people do not have to be members to use our services. FDAMH is based at one site in central Falkirk The Victoria Centre.

4 Job Description Organisational Relationship The Immediate Help Initial Assessment Officer will be line managed by the Counsellling Service Manager. Additional information about the position The position of Initial Assessment Officer within FDAMH is a key post. It is a stand-alone position insofar as there is only one position of this type within the organisation. The service operates an appointment based system with continual one hourly appointments throughout the day and it is the primary function of the Initial Assessment Officer to meet with clients, discuss their reasons for attending and from there, to collaboratively agree with the client the best course of action to meet the client s needs. It is emphasised that this is NOT a caseworker post but rather an assessment post. As such, this post requires a person with considerable experience, resilience, empathy and a clear understanding of how social, environmental and health and wellbeing factors impact on an individual s whole life and that of their family and other social contacts. Whilst there is a highly skilled and supportive team of staff within FDAMH who are always there and ready to assist, the right applicant for this crucial role is someone who can work on their own, cope with listening to what, at times, can be harrowing accounts of an individual s life circumstances but is also aware of their own limitations and seek help and support in respect of their own wellbeing. Principle purposes of the role 1. To conduct a person centred, face to face mental health and wellbeing and risk assessment for/with people accessing FDAMH via the Immediate Help Service. 2. To provide as above to those who contact FDAMH by telephone seeking support/ information. 3. To be first responder to other professionals/partnership agencies seeking information or advice from FDAMH about service provision or information about other sources of support within local area. Main Duties 1. To undertake client-centred initial assessment interviews including risk assessment. 2. To facilitate onward referral of people who use the Immediate Help Service to other services, if required. This may include direct/immediate referral to GP or emergency services where necessary. 3. To develop and maintain a comprehensive/detailed knowledge of other sources of support within the community to whom post holder may refer clients.

5 4. To develop a positive working relationship with all stakeholders associated with the Immediate Help Service. 5. To be familiar with self-management resources related to mental health and wellbeing and confidently use as appropriate. 6. Promptly refer any issues/concerns out with the scope of the post holder s skills or experience to line manager or most appropriate team member. Other Duties 1. To maintain accurate records of all Immediate Help Service clients including maintenance of case review management database. 2. To work co-operatively with colleagues in FDAMH and other partnership agencies. 3. To work within the aims and objectives and key values of FDAMH. 4. To promote, monitor and maintain health, safety and security in the workplace. 5. To ensure compliance with all relevant policies, procedures and relevant legislation commensurate with role, including child and adult protection legislation. 6. Work flexibly as a member of the team and contribute to the smooth running of the Association, sharing relevant information and expertise. 7. Attend and contribute to supervision sessions and to participate in staff development and relevant training (internal and external). 8. Take responsibility for personal and professional development by keeping up to date with changes pertinent to the post and highlighting any training needs/ requirements to line manager 9. To undertake any other task assigned by line manager that is commensurate with skill level, knowledge and grade of post. Please note that whilst every effort has been made to outline the duties and responsibilities associated with the post, the above may not be an exhaustive list of duties. Environment You will be based at FDAMH s Victoria Centre in Central Falkirk.

6 Person Specification or Desirable Criteria Measured by Qualifications and Experience Considerable previous experience of conducting person centred initial assessments in relation to mental health and wellbeing and associated social factors in person and/or via telephone Able to evidence substantial training in relation to mental health and wellbeing Experience of confidently supporting those who are suicidal and in states of distress Excellent people skills including an approachable, empathetic manner and an ability to diffuse tension and generate trust Ability to communicate effectively and concisely with a range of individuals, groups and other stakeholders and maintain professional boundaries 2.3 Ability to plan and write regular reports on service provision Desirable Desirable Knowledge Professional qualification in mental health, associated social care or similar Previous experience of working directly or collaboratively with Third Sector organisations 1,2.3 Excellent knowledge of mental illness and psychological wellbeing 1, Able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of nonmedical interventions that support mental health and wellbeing including those offered by FDAMH s services Knowledge of local and national services relevant to mental health, recovery and carers/families Desirable Knowledge of therapeutic groupwork Skills and Abilities Ability to effectively plan and prioritise work load Ability to demonstrate excellent administrative, organisational and IT skills Able to work confidently with minimal supervision Additional Requirements You must be able to prove your Right to Work in the UK 1 Measured by: 1. Documentary evidence certificates etc.; 2. Application Form; 3. Interview (which can include test/ presentation etc.)

7 Post Details Job Title: Salary: Annual Leave: Hours of Work: Place of Work: Contract Type: Immediate Help Service Initial Assessment Officer 26,525 per annum 26 days Annual Leave + 8 days public holidays 35 hours per week (Job share will be considered) FDAMH s Victoria Centre, Falkirk Two years fixed term contract (may be extended subject to funding) Applying You can download an application form at our website: news/jobs-and-opportunities. If you are unable to access this, please contact us using the details on the front of this pack. We would be grateful if you could also complete and return an Equal Opportunities Monitoring form the information in this will be immediately separated from your application on receipt and will in no way be used to assess your suitability for interview. Application forms may be returned by to admin@fdamh.org.uk or to our postal address given on the front of this pack. If you are successful you will be requested to sign a printed copy of your form. We will only consider the information submitted on an application form. You may not apply by submitting information in any other format. We will disregard information contained within attached CVs and cover letters. The deadline for applications is Friday 5th April 2019 at 12 noon. Interviews will take place on Friday 12th April For More Information About the Post and/or Application Process Contact You would be more than welcome to arrange a visit to FDAMH prior to submitting an application for this post. Alternatively, you can call Morag Fullard on When We Receive Your Application References will only be requested prior to formally making an offer of employment. You can specify your preferences on the application form. We will endeavour to contact all applicants to let them know the outcome of their application. Thank you for your interest in this post and in FDAMH.