Mental Health Case Worker

The aim of this role is to promote positive mental wellbeing, increase resilience, and prevent mental and emotional distress in individuals, families, and communities across Northern Ireland and the Border counties of Ireland. Delivered through a unique partnership of leading voluntary organizations, this initiative brings together 430 years of combined experience to support underserved communities such as those in areas of multiple deprivation, people with disabilities, and refugees. Our key objectives are to encourage help-seeking behaviours, create connected and healthier communities, reduce emotional distress, and develop a trauma-informed, person-centred mental health service.

General Responsibilities:

• Respond flexibly and positively to changes in requirements of this post.
• Work flexibly to meet the requirements of the role and support other services when required.
• Undertake other projects and tasks as required to support the achievement of strategic/operational objectives.
• Treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Demonstrate commitment to the organization by regular attendance and efficient completion of all tasks.
• Take care of your own health and safety and that of others.
• Ensure ongoing confidence of the public and maintain high standards of personal accountability.

Key Areas of Responsibilities:

• Provide support to individuals with mild/moderate mental health needs to encourage and facilitate self-help.
• Offer specialist support to service users around their mental health needs through structured assessment and support planning.
• Build professional relationships based on empathy and positive regard.
• Assess the safety, wellbeing, and support needs of service users.
• Establish effective partnerships with mental health support services.
• Work on a one-to-one basis with service users to support them in managing their mental health needs.
• Refer service users to relevant external services and promote maximum agency and involvement.
• Accompany service users to appointments when necessary.
• Advocate for psychological/psychiatric assessments where appropriate.
• Provide practical and emotional support during transitions between services.
• Promote good mental health and wellness for service users and staff.
• Engage and work proactively with service users who have dual diagnosis issues.
• Ensure accurate and clear records are maintained in line with policies and procedures.
• Collate and provide monthly and annual monitoring information as required.

Person Specification:

• A qualification in nursing, social work or other related areas would be desirable.
• A minimum of 2 years experience working in the homeless sector or another related field.
• Experience responding to crisis and knowledge of appropriate actions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good computer skills, including experience using client management software.
• An understanding of why people become homeless and the issues they experience.
• A commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.

Additional Knowledge and Skills:

• Deep understanding of trauma-informed care.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build trusting relationships with clients.
• Understanding of the impacts of trauma on behaviour and decision-making.
• Experience in crisis intervention, mental health, and addiction services.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to work on a rota basis (7-day week).
• Access to a car insured for business purposes during working hours.
• This post is subject to an Enhanced Access NI check.
• This post is subject to NISCC registration.

Why Join Us?

Depaul is a cross-border charity supporting some of the most marginalised individuals, couples, and families experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to end homelessness and change the lives of those affected by it. We are a values-led organisation and aim to live and breathe these values in our everyday work.

Employee Benefits:

• Enhanced Annual Leave: 35 days per year.
• Paid Sick Leave.
• Company maternity & paternity pay.
• Contributory Pension scheme.
• Access to a health cash plan.
• Christmas Savers club.
• Bluelight discount card.

Learning and Development:

• Depaul's Vision, Mission and Values course.
• Emerging Leaders programme.
• Online learning resources.
• Mandatory training including MAPA, Health and Safety, Child Protection, Fire Safety, and First Aid.

Hybrid/Flexible Working: Depaul supports and embraces Flexible Working, including hybrid working and working from home.