At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with mental health needs to build independence and emotional wellbeing.
- Company: KPMS, a dedicated service provider for young people's mental health since 2006.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible day and night contracts available in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and a compassionate approach are essential.
We are looking for skilled, committed and compassionate Support Workers to join our service in West Hampstead, specialising in supporting young people with mental health needs. We offer day and night contract options for practitioners who are passionate about supporting young people with complex needs to build safer, more independent futures.
Since 2006, KPMS has been providing services that help children and young people overcome adversity and build brighter, safer futures. We specialise in supporting young people with complex needs, with a strong focus on risk management, emotional wellbeing, independence, and long-term stability.
This role will support KPMS’s Camden in-borough commissioned mental health service for young people aged 16+. The service provides support for young people with complex mental health needs, with a focus on safety, emotional wellbeing, independence, community engagement and long-term stability.
As a Support Worker at KPMS, you will play a central role in supporting young people to overcome challenges, address past trauma, and develop the practical, emotional and social skills needed for adulthood. You will work directly with young people in the service and in the community, building positive and professional relationships while maintaining clear boundaries. The role includes supporting young people with their wellbeing, independence skills, education or employment goals, healthcare routines, community engagement and day-to-day living.
You will also contribute to risk management and safeguarding by helping young people reduce behaviours that may place them at risk. You will work as part of a team to implement support plans, contribute to multi-agency work, and keep clear and accurate records of your support. This is a hands-on role for someone who is resilient, proactive and committed to achieving positive outcomes for young people with complex needs. Day and night contracts are available.
We are looking for people who align with our core values. We want to create a team of practitioners who demonstrate the following:
- Curiosity – are you interested in understanding young people’s experiences and maintaining curiosity to safeguard and make good decisions?
- Enthusiasm – can you keep an energetic focus and passion in ensuring children and young people receive the best service possible?
- Responsibility – do you take ownership over your actions, decisions and reactions?
- Creativity – are you committed to using imaginative or new ways of working to optimise results for young people?
- Integrity – do you choose the right way, not the easy way?
In addition to demonstrating our values, candidates will also have:
- Experience working directly with children, young people or vulnerable people with complex needs.
- A non-judgemental, empathetic and compassionate approach.
- Emotional resilience and the ability to manage challenging behaviour calmly and professionally.
- Strong communication, listening and relationship-building skills.
- Good IT, literacy and recording skills.
- The ability to maintain professional boundaries.
- A willingness to work flexibly on a rota basis.
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
- Supporting young people with complex mental health needs.
- Working with care leavers, looked-after children, UASC, refugees or young people in supported accommodation.
- Supporting young people with independence skills.
Candidates will ideally have a Level 3 qualification in working with young people, health and social care, residential childcare, or a related field. In some circumstances, we may consider candidates without the relevant qualification where they have strong experience and are willing to work towards an appropriate qualification during their employment.
Starting salary between £27,000 and £29,000 per annum, based on suitability and experience for the post. Benefits include:
- Increasing annual leave entitlement after 2 years of continuous service.
- Option to exchange annual leave.
- Career progression opportunities.
- Investment in professional learning and development.
Please apply via the advert or email info@kpmsuk.com. Start date: End of July.
Mental Health Support Worker employer: KPMSUK
KPMS is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for both employees and the young people they serve. Located in West Hampstead, our team enjoys a culture of compassion and collaboration, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development, including career progression and investment in training. We prioritise employee wellbeing, offering flexible contract options and increasing annual leave benefits, making KPMS a rewarding place to work for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people with complex needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Support Worker
✨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 KPMSUK.
✨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 KPMSUK!
✨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 KPMSUK, 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 KPMSUK 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 Mental Health Support Worker
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 KPMSUK:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to KPMSUK! 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 KPMSUK
✨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.
