Mental Health Youth Worker for our Be Heard service

Teesside Mind is committed to providing services that meet the needs of our community. A key objective for our organisation is to provide additional support to young people in Teesside who are experiencing mental health difficulties. Following six months of research and co-design with local young people, we are piloting a drop-in service that will be open to young people aged 11 – 16 years old.

The successful candidates will work in a dedicated team to deliver a drop-in service for young people with a focus on listening to young people, understanding their immediate needs, and providing activities and support that maintain and improve their mental health.

Overview

As a Mental Health Youth worker, you will work closely with the team manager and volunteers in overseeing the young people accessing the drop-in service – providing psychoeducation, self-help and practical support as needed.

You’ll do this by:

• Creating a welcoming, safe and accessible environment for young people who attend.
• Providing opportunities for young people to engage in positive activities that promote mental health and wellbeing.
• Directing young people to sources of advice and support as identified.
• Identifying concerns about young people attending in the drop-in and following these up in line with service policies and procedures.
• Providing a confidential space for young people to receive support when needed.
• Developing and facilitating workshops and emotional wellbeing activities.

Qualifications & Experience Required

• Educated to NVQ Level 3 or above, or equivalent in youth & community work

• Youth worker experience

• Safeguarding young people

Main Responsibilties

• Work face-to-face within the drop-in service and develop positive relationships with young people based on respect and trust, ensuring they have a safe place to attend.
• Provide a listening and understanding ear and engage in meaningful activities with young people to benefit their mental health and wellbeing.
• Engage with line management and peer support to share best ways of working.
• Prepare supplies and activities required for the planned sessions to ensure smooth delivery and engagement of young people.
• Establish boundaries and address any inappropriate behaviour within the drop-in.
• Recognise signs of distress in young people, dealing with this promptly, appropriately and consistently, signposting and referring on where necessary.
• Support young people to develop independence, resilience, and positive activities, and signposting them for further support when appropriate.
• Understand and meet the needs of young people regarding mental health information and support within the drop-in setting.
• Bring creative thinking, energy, and commitment to the service, to motivate and engage young people.
• Take responsibility for own health and safety and all health and safety issues related to the role and contribute to Health and Safety systems.
• Undertake administrative duties as needed this may include attending team meetings and planning sessions prior to delivery from 3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays to ensure effective coordination and preparation for the drop-in service.
• Work within the policies and procedures of Teesside Mind at all times.
• Undertake other tasks commensurate with the position as required including acting as a key holder to open and lock Be Heard community based venues.
• Attend marketing and promotion events for the service from time to time to raise awareness and encourage engagement from young people and the community.

Working Hours

The role is for 10 hours a week, delivering sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 3-7pm and 2 hours for other duties during the day (this is flexible).

Salary Range

£25,192.81 per annum pro rata for part time (£6,902.14)

Full Job Specification

View Full Job Specification PDF