At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health challenges and connect them to vital local services.
- Company: Community Links, a social business dedicated to tackling health inequalities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team transforming lives and promoting mental health in the community.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant experience in mental health support and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Company Description
Community Links is a hub tackling health and social inequality in East London and beyond. We work alongside the community helping people of all ages reach their full potential. We take our local knowledge of what works to influence national decision making. We are proud to be part of Catch22. Catch22 is a social business which designs and delivers services that build resilience and aspiration in people and communities. We believe that people can thrive when they have a good place to live, good people around them, and a fulfilling purpose. We call these our '3Ps'. If you share our values and commitment to transforming people’s lives, get in touch!
Job Description
The Community Connectors programme is an exciting partnership between Community Links, Aston Mansfield, Mind in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Redbridge, and the NHS East London Foundation Trust (ELFT). Community Connectors work alongside ELFT under the Mental Health Transformation Programme. The ethos of the programme is recovery focused, exploring needs through complexity, a focus on a person’s strengths and assets, and the wider determinants of health and wellbeing.
Responsibilities
- The role involves providing holistic support to people suffering from a serious mental illness or SMI.
- Service users will have a single or range of diagnosed conditions, will be known to ELFT and will therefore have a range of needs, including symptoms of anxiety or depression, or a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
- Specifically, the Community Connector will work with multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) within primary care networks (PCNs) across Newham, and will support people in accessing appropriate local services, embodying a true example of wrap‑around support.
- Above all, the Community Connector will be a strong networker who engages multiple stakeholders for the betterment of service user welfare and outcomes.
Qualifications
- University degree and/or personal specification
- Local knowledge of services, provisions, and issues faced by people suffering from mental health
- Experience working with stakeholders and partnerships.
- A commitment to implementing the mission and values of Community Links.
- Any other duties deemed relevant to your role.
Contract
Permanent
Hours & Work Pattern
Full time, 37 hours over the 5 day week (Monday to Friday 9am‑5pm). This role requires the post holder to work across five days 9 to 5 to meet the needs of the service.
Salary
£32,993.00
Location
Community Links, Barking Road - London
Screening
Successful admission to post subject to enhanced DBS check and employer Right To Work in the UK check. The post-holder must have right to work in the UK. Catch22 does not currently provide a licence to sponsor visas.
Application
Please provide your CV and cover letter, along with completion of the screening questions to express your interest in this opportunity. Use reference REF3780T in your message so that we can identify the opportunity.
Equal Opportunity
At Catch22 we value equality, diversity and inclusion. We are wholeheartedly committed to the principle of equality of opportunity, both as an employer and as a provider of services. Diversity and Inclusion is part of what we do every day, working to deliver our vision to build a strong society where everyone has good people around them, a purpose, and a good place to live. Catch22 is proud to have “Banned the Box”; we do not ask for candidates to disclose criminal convictions at the application stage, instead inviting disclosures at interview and offer stages.
Community Connector - Mental Health employer: Community Links
Community Links is an exceptional employer dedicated to tackling health and social inequality in East London, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and community impact. As part of Catch22, we provide our team with opportunities to engage in meaningful work that transforms lives, alongside a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Our holistic approach to mental health support fosters collaboration and innovation, making it a fulfilling environment for those passionate about making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Connector - Mental Health
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Community Links.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Community Links!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Community Links, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Community Links or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Connector - Mental Health
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Community Links:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Community Links! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Links
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
