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- Tasks: Lead the Open Mental Health VCSE Alliance, ensuring effective delivery and collaboration.
- Company: Join Rethink Mental Illness, a pioneering charity transforming mental health care in Somerset.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative approach to community mental health, shaping lives and services.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and partnership development is essential.
- Other info: This role offers a unique opportunity to influence mental health support in your community.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Somerset received trailblazer funding in 2020 to develop and implement new models of community-based mental health care, that integrate clinical and voluntary sector provision, in line with the NHS Long Term Plan and the NHS community mental health framework.
An alliance of charities was formed to develop a bold new community-based mental health support service for Somerset residents, known as Open Mental Health. Rethink Mental Illness is the lead accountable body for the delivery of the Open Mental Health contract.
The shared ambition for the Somerset Open Mental Health VCSE Alliance is to ensure that people living with mental illness get the right support at the right time. As well as reducing waiting times for clinical services, it aims to ensure that people can live a full life in their community, accessing housing, jobs or volunteering opportunities, community activities and physical exercise, to help support and improve their wellbeing and quality of life.
Services also include measures to improve the experience of people going through a mental health crisis, including community alternatives. The Alliance is working to create a ‘no wrong door’ approach, meaning that a person’s mental health support needs can be responded to regardless of where they come into contact with services, so that the system is easier to navigate and more efficient.
The ambition for Open Mental Health is aligned with Rethink Mental Illness vision for Communities that Care. The formation of the alliance, now a partnership of nineteen organisations, was amongst the first in England and represents an innovative and significant change to mental health care in Somerset.
This is an exciting time to be part of this innovative and trailblazing approach. As Head of Contracts, Delivery and Collaboration: Open Mental Health VCSE Alliance, you will be responsible for working closely with the other alliance members to ensure that the alliance delivers on their contractual requirements and in turn ensure that Rethink Mental Illness effectively discharges its role as lead accountable body for Open Mental Health.
You will manage existing and foster new relationships with partner agencies including existing members of Open Mental Health, more widely within the local VCSE and with the statutory bodies (such as the NHS, Local Authority and Integrated Care Board). You will work alongside lead organisations in the four Somerset localities and other specialist lead organisations, to coordinate delivery of the ambitions of Open Mental Health.
Reporting to the Associate Director for Strategic Partnerships and Alliances, you will lead, co-ordinate and be responsible for multiple workstreams, oversee a large and growing VCSE alliance budget currently over £5 million per year, and ensure the smooth running of the VCSE alliance role in supporting community mental health transformation in Somerset.
Head of Contracts, Delivery and Collaboration employer: Rethink Mental Illness
Contact Detail:
Rethink Mental Illness Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Contracts, Delivery and Collaboration
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Open Mental Health initiative and its goals. Understanding the specific challenges and successes of community-based mental health care in Somerset will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the mental health sector, especially those involved with the VCSE Alliance. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the collaborative environment you'll be working in.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing contracts and partnerships. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex relationships and delivered on contractual obligations in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and policies in mental health care, particularly those affecting community services. This knowledge will not only enhance your discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to the field and the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Contracts, Delivery and Collaboration
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Contracts, Delivery and Collaboration position. Understand the key responsibilities and how your experience aligns with the requirements outlined.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in managing contracts, collaboration with various stakeholders, and any previous work in mental health or community services. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and coordinate multiple workstreams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only expresses your enthusiasm for the role but also addresses how your skills and experiences will contribute to the goals of the Open Mental Health VCSE Alliance. Mention your understanding of the 'no wrong door' approach and how you can support this vision.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Understand the Alliance's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the goals and values of the Open Mental Health VCSE Alliance. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to provide community-based mental health support and improve the lives of Somerset residents.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Skills
As the role involves working closely with various partner agencies, highlight your experience in collaboration and relationship management. Share specific examples of how you've successfully worked with multiple stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since you'll be overseeing a significant budget, be ready to discuss your experience in financial management. Prepare to explain how you've effectively managed budgets in previous roles and how you plan to ensure the efficient use of resources within the alliance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world situations. Think about potential challenges the alliance might face and how you would address them, particularly in relation to improving service delivery and navigating the complexities of mental health care.
