Community Wellbeing Navigator in Leighton Buzzard

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to join our Central Bedfordshire mental health recovery and prevention service which covers Ampthill/Flitwick, Biggleswade, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard. As a Community Wellbeing Navigator you will be at the heart of the recovery service, delivering all aspects of the service, building positive relationships with those using the service and strong links into the wider community services within Central Bedfordshire.

You will offer focussed 1-2-1 support where needed, to assist people to navigate through the range of other services within the community. You will offer guidance and information that reduces the chance that people will fall through gaps or continue to be isolated and disconnected from their communities, ensuring the right support and the right time that manages a range of needs.

You will also deliver group wellbeing sessions and facilitate drop-in sessions that provide a safe environment for service users to talk openly and develop practical tools, techniques and coping strategies in order to manage their own wellbeing. In addition, you will assess individuals’ suitability for the service and signpost where necessary. There will also be opportunity to support events in the community to raise awareness of our services and build links with local organisations. You will need to be empathetic and deliver a person-centred approach in a non-judgemental way, collaborating with people to empower and engage them.

• Work within the mental health recovery service across localities in Central Bedfordshire, ensuring outcomes that support individuals with mental health and wellbeing needs in line with both Mind BLMK’s agreed recovery model and requirements and funders contract requirements and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).
• Carry out assessments on individuals’ suitability for the service in line with the Access to Service processes and procedures and the needs, priorities and support required by the individual.
• Undertake 1-2-1 support with individuals which enables them to explore the situation affecting their mental health and wellbeing and work with them to co-produce a personalised support plan based on their needs, goals and wishes.
• Offer personalised support and information with the aim of building skills, confidence, resilience and knowledge of tools, techniques and wider resources including linking people to the range of community support services and activities available and seeking solutions to any barriers to access.
• Deliver and facilitate groups, both face to face and online. This includes topic and session planning, facilitating informal drop in and discussions and supporting service users to gain practical tools and techniques to support their wellbeing and learn new coping strategies.
• Encourage and support client engagement with Mind BLMK through Guarantor Membership and other opportunities available through Influence and Participation.
• Identify and assist with the development of service users to deliver peer lead groups using their specialisms and interests.
• Carry out health and safety responsibilities as directed by Managers in line with Mind BLMK’s H&S policies, procedures, and guidance (risk assessments, reviews, reporting, safeguarding, incidents/accidents, premises).

Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%) Optional Health Plan Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role. Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply. Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008. Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.