Student Mental Health Advisor in Aberystwyth

The Student Mental Health Advisor plays an important role in providing expert, caring and trauma-informed support for students with mental health needs. The postholder will be an effective Mental Health practitioner with specialist experience in the field of mental health support.

The postholder will work in close partnership with the Student Mental Health Lead and team, to provide both proactive and reactive support to Aberystwyth University students who may be experiencing mental ill health and/or challenges at points through their educational experience. Working as part of a newly formed Student Accessibility and Wellbeing service, the postholder will play a role in ensuring that the service aims align with the University’s 2030s Strategic Plan and meets the needs of our diverse and engaged student community.

The postholder will provide day-to-day support of students which includes them contributing to an effective duty and triage system, assessing student needs and risk, delivering One-at-a-time (OAAT) support, and working in close partnership with external mental health services to ensure a joined-up approach to the care of our students. Working in a vibrant and complex University Campus setting the postholder will develop effective relationships and problem solve to ensure that students are best placed to progress through their studies and achieve their potential.

The team’s caseload is busy and has grown significantly in size and complexity over recent years. The postholder will as such be a team player and skilled problem-solver. They are able to spot innovative and efficient ways of working, and who will apply a variety of strategies to engage students and improve their experience.

The postholder will provide efficient and effective mental health support and work to defined service standards to support the needs of students on and off campus. A key feature will be working with academic colleagues and other service personnel to increase awareness and confidence across our community and to embed effective risk measures for staff to work within.

What you’ll do

• This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.
• The post holder will contribute to the delivery of an effective triage and support service for students seeking support in managing a range of psychological issues and challenges including those undergoing a crisis or deterioration in their mental health.
• They will support the Student Mental Health Lead in assessing risk, ensuring fast and effective support is put in place to avoid crisis (risk of harm, risk to life etc.).
• Undertake routinely, wellbeing support plans: this may include, self-help material, advice and signposting, and referral to internal and external services.
• Alongside other Advisors, deliver support to our students as part of our One-at-a-time (OAAT) service, where it is deemed appropriate.
• Be responsive to the students’ needs, determine what external agencies can offer beyond the services at the university and influence and initiate positive engagement to create referral pathways.
• Manage, in partnership with the Mental Health Lead, urgent and complex cases taking appropriate action, in line with the agreed service procedures.
• Attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings and case reviews.
• Contribute to the ‘Support to Study’ process by attending panel meetings and ensuring assessing the effectiveness of the process at an individual and institutional level.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of Mental health promotions and awareness raising and guide the department by sharing expertise, information and giving guidance to colleagues across the Academic community and Professional services.
• Develop and maintain good collaborations with local NHS colleagues within the Community Mental Health Team and other key services.
• Engage in university-level projects and initiatives as directed, and undertake any additional duties commensurate with the role, as assigned by the Student Mental Health Lead.
• Demonstrate flexibility by supporting colleagues during periods of high demand, including attendance at key university events such as open days and graduation ceremonies which may include weekend work.
• Promote equality of opportunity, and to support and uphold the University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work.
• To support the university strategy and underlining plans, engage in continuous personal and professional development in line with the demands of the role, including undertaking relevant training and development activities to develop yourself and support the development of others.
• Fulfil health and safety responsibilities appropriate to the role, while actively promoting the personal health, safety, and wellbeing of staff and students as a member of the Aberystwyth community. Additionally, support the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability through responsible practices and engagement.

Essential

• Professional qualified mental health professional who is fully registered or accredited with a professional body (for example social worker, or occupational therapist registers with HCPC, mental health nurse registered with NMC, or psychotherapist accredited by BACP, UKCP or BABCP).
• At least 1 year's post-qualification experience of working in the field of mental health.
• An ability to work flexibly in response to mental health crises or other similar urgent situations, including flexible working hours.
• Demonstrates specialist knowledge of mental health conditions, treatments, and relevant legislation, including the Mental Health Act, to support student wellbeing, advise colleagues, and support the development of inclusive and effective university mental health and wellbeing services.
• Experience of assessment of mental health difficulties, including assessment of risk with appropriate onward referral.
• Experience of working with broad client base and range of social or mental health presentations.
• Well-developed analytical/problem solving capability to identify issues to support decision making.
• Knowledge of relevant IT packages, information systems and procedures, ability to adapt/transfer skills to use innovative technology and development and maintenance of websites e.g. Office 365.
• Professional approach to work and work colleagues and an ability to work independently and show initiative.
• Resilient and robust nature, comfortable with responding to and managing elevated risk and complex student situations calmly, effectively and with empathy.
• Strong skills in delivering high-quality training, workshops, and/or other types of group work.
• Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level A1.* - or evidence to demonstrate an on-going commitment to learn Welsh to this level.

Desirable

• Effective training and presentation skills.
• Experience of working as a Mental health practitioner in an educational setting.
• Experience of coordinating responses to complex cases, preferably across different teams or agencies.
• Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level B2.*

Benefits

• Flexible working policy.
• Hybrid Working.
• 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles.
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days.
• Commitment to Professional Development.
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes.
• Staff recognition and reward schemes.
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free.
• Staff relocation bursary.
• Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave.
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.

Aberystwyth University generally supports hybrid working, allowing a mix of office-based and remote working for suitable roles to enhance flexibility and productivity. Job descriptions typically detail a primary work location alongside opportunities for flexible, remote, or home-based work, subject to service needs and manager approval.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.

We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Under the UK Government’s points-based system scheme, this role does not meet the criteria to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University (AU) for a Skilled Worker Route (SWR) application.