At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing mental health challenges and homelessness with compassion and understanding.
- Company: Join Hertfordshire Mind Network, a leader in mental health support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health cover, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a chance to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Empathy, strong communication skills, and a passion for helping others are essential.
Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis? Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress? If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.
About the Service
The Complex Needs Housing Service works as a multi-disciplinary team with housing teams and Drug and Alcohol Services across District and Borough councils. These teams will be working with individuals who are presenting as homeless and have a number of Complex Needs. The service has been running since 2022 with a dual-district model, however, is now expanding to offer a single district outreach service.
We have roles available in the service in the following areas:
- East Herts – supporting individuals who are homeless, in temporary accommodation or hostels in the district with their mental health
- St. Albans – supporting individuals who are homeless, in temporary accommodation or hostels in the district with their mental health
- Hertsmere – supporting individuals who are homeless, in temporary accommodation or hostels in the district with their mental health
- South & West Hertfordshire – supporting women who have fled domestic abuse and currently residing in refuge/safe accommodation in the area with their mental health
- North & East Hertfordshire – supporting women who have fled domestic abuse and currently residing in refuge/safe accommodation in the area with their mental health
N.B. Only female applicants will be considered for the two roles working supporting mental health of women who have fled domestic abuse and currently residing in refuge/safe accommodation.
The objectives of the Complex Needs Housing Service are to:
- Improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental ill health.
- Increase early access to help for people experiencing mental ill health by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided by Herts Mind Network and other third sector and statutory providers.
- Contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
- Remain a source of independent support for all clients.
- Reduce the use of police, ASB, tenancy enforcement, housing needs and environmental health services by clients whose primary need is related to mental ill health.
- Reduce the use of crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual.
- Provide an assertive outreach approach for clients who are in crisis and/or those that may have complex or multiple needs.
- Work collaboratively within a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) consisting of Change Grow Live (CGL), District and Borough councils, housing teams and other professionals.
About the Role
The purpose of the Hertfordshire Mind Network Community Outreach Worker role is to:
- Provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients who are experiencing mental ill health or need support with their mental wellbeing. These will be clients who are presenting to District and Borough councils as homeless and need intervention and support with their mental health and housing.
- Ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
- Remain a source of independent support for all clients.
- Embed a person-centred recovery orientated and trauma informed approach in all aspects of the roles.
We offer:
- Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays).
- An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
- Ongoing training relevant to your role.
- An Employee Assistance Programme.
- Eligibility for blue light card.
- Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.
Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.
Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 29th July at 5pm. Interviews to be held on Wednesday 5th August at our Watford Wellbeing Centre.
N.B. Please quote reference number 368 when completing your application for this role.
Interested? If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.
Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.
No agencies please.
Mental Health and Homelessness Outreach Worker in Stevenage employer: Mind Hertfordshire Network
Hertfordshire Mind Network is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting individuals with mental health challenges through its Connect To Work programme. With a strong emphasis on values such as Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises personal growth, ongoing training, and a generous leave policy, including an extra day off for birthdays. Working in one of our Wellbeing Centres in Hertfordshire not only allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community but also offers unique opportunities to collaborate with local employers and advocate for mental health awareness.
Contact Details:
Mind Hertfordshire Network Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health and Homelessness Outreach Worker in Stevenage
✨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 Mind Hertfordshire Network.
✨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 Mind Hertfordshire Network!
✨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 Mind Hertfordshire Network, 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 Mind Hertfordshire Network 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 and Homelessness Outreach Worker in Stevenage
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 Mind Hertfordshire Network:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Mind Hertfordshire Network! 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 Mind Hertfordshire Network
✨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.
