Mental Health Advisor

Provide support to individual students by providing specialist guidance in relation to mental health and wellbeing. Keep accurate, timely and confidential records in accordance with current practice within Student Services. The role will be one of several Senior Designated Safeguarding Champions (SDSC) and as such will respond to safeguarding referrals, take ownership of cases and liaise and refer to appropriate external organisations in accordance with University policy and procedures.

Maintain positive professional relationships with key University staff and external service providers, including GPs and other NHS practitioners, to ensure a partnership approach to reducing barriers to successful academic progression for individual students. Offer a standardised, comprehensive and robust mental health assessment to all students referred to the service, providing a triage facility to determine the most appropriate intervention, including whether an urgent response is required and where further support would be best offered.

To manage the risks to self and others, when there may be no other mental health professional support available. To work collaboratively with service colleagues (including but not limited to counselling, disability, student finance team) and academic colleagues, to assess, agree and provide the best course of action for each case and proactively monitor progress. This could include recommending to academic colleagues the implementation of the Health, Wellbeing and Supported Study Policy or Fitness to Practice Policy and then attending any appropriate meeting or hearing relevant to the student.

Keep abreast of developments and legislation both internally and externally to enable accurate and relevant advice and guidance is given to colleagues. Keep up to date with best practice in relation to students with mental health conditions in line with Student Services strategic plan and current legislation. Attend local and regional meetings, hold professional memberships such as the University Mental Health Advisers Network (UMHAN) and take an active part in relevant jiscmail groups.

Liaise with colleagues on practical arrangements for individual students in support of their studies via circulation of written guidance, notification of individual requirements and one-to-one meetings. Deal effectively and timely with a variety of telephone and written enquiries from prospective students, their representatives, members of staff and students of the University.

Develop and deliver mental health and wellbeing training to colleagues across the University and to assist with the delivery of disability awareness training sessions. Actively contribute to moving the service forward, by attending staff meetings, taking part in case reviews and discussions, and taking an active role in team development and establishing new initiatives. This will include taking ownership of projects related to student mental health and wellbeing.

To advise students on how their mental health difficulties may affect their learning, signpost to other appropriate internal and external services, e.g. local mental health services. Contributing to the production of self-help materials, information sheets, and online resources for students, updating the information for the Life Lounge and Disability Services webpages, contributing to relevant social media campaigns. Focusing on early intervention techniques and self-help strategies.

Assist in the preparation of reports and statistics for the Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager and analyse and interpret data collected relevant to the service and Customer Satisfaction. Staff may be required, from time to time and on an ad hoc basis, to work additional hours and/or hours outside of their normal working pattern to meet the needs of the service.

To work flexibly as part of the wider Student Services team, working across other teams, working evenings and weekends when required to assist with open days and welcome and induction events. Ensure and maintain integrity and confidentiality of data and associated data protection requirements in line with statutory and corporate requirements. Preserve the confidential nature of the services provided to individuals.

Working to ensure services meet the needs of customers and fulfil the University’s duty of care to others. Ensure a safe working environment and abide by the University health and safety policies and practice and to observe the University’s Equal Opportunities policy and Dignity and Work policy at all times. Awareness of environmental and sustainability issues and a commitment to the University’s associated strategy with respect to the performance/delivery of key responsibilities of the role.