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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support mental health services by providing advice, guidance, and administrative help.
- Company: Join Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity dedicated to improving mental health support in England.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive training, and enjoy flexible volunteering hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Excellent communication skills and basic IT knowledge are essential; empathy is key!
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Your role
All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application. Amazing, giving, inspiring are just a few words we would use to describe our volunteers. Our volunteers are integral to the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.
About the role
We are looking for Single Point of Access (SPOA) Volunteers to support our Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Service (DRPSS). You will be based at The Croft in Ripley and, ideally, you will be able to commit up to 4 hours per week to volunteering. You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.
About the service
We support people who are having difficulties with their mental health by offering targeted goal-focused support, developing peer support and volunteer opportunities across Derbyshire, and also peer support groups. We offer:
- Targeted support through one-to-one and group sessions.
- Self-help and peer support.
- Telephone support.
- Advice and information on mental illness.
- Recovery education.
- Social activities in the local community.
- Signposting to other sources of community and specialist support.
Our Single Point of Access is open from 9 am - 5 pm Monday to Friday.
What you will be doing as a Single Point of Access Volunteer:
- Help organise and file documents for the DRPSS service.
- Provide basic advice, guidance, and telephone support via SPOA line.
- Offer signposting and referral options as required.
- Upload documents to our systems.
- Follow up on ‘On Hold’ referrals, updating information as required.
- Help to respond to emails and organise the DRPSS Outlook inbox.
- Provide updates to those individuals currently on a waiting list for service.
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- Excellent communication skills.
- Basic IT Knowledge.
- Able to relate to people from all backgrounds and the ability to remain non-judgmental.
- Understanding the importance of confidentiality.
- Organisational skills.
- Good local knowledge of mental health support.
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services.
We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of becoming a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement. We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
Single Point of Access Volunteer employer: Rethink Mental Illness
Contact Detail:
Rethink Mental Illness Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Single Point of Access Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Rethink Mental Illness and its mission. Understanding our values and the services we provide will help you convey your passion for mental health support during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with our community on social media platforms, especially Facebook. This will not only give you insights into our activities but also show your genuine interest in the role and the people we support.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current volunteers or staff members if possible. They can provide valuable insights about the role and the organisation, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of confidentiality and non-judgmental attitudes in conversations. These qualities are crucial for the Single Point of Access Volunteer role, and showcasing them can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Single Point of Access Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Single Point of Access Volunteer position. Understand the responsibilities and the skills required, such as excellent communication and basic IT knowledge.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Emphasise any previous volunteer work or experience in mental health support, as well as your organisational skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for mental health support and your desire to make a difference. Mention specific reasons why you want to volunteer with Rethink Mental Illness and how you can contribute to their mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Show Your Passion for Volunteering
Make sure to express your genuine interest in volunteering and helping others. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to support mental health initiatives, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past experiences. Highlight your ability to listen actively and provide clear guidance, especially in sensitive situations.
✨Understand the Importance of Confidentiality
Familiarise yourself with confidentiality principles, especially in a mental health context. Be ready to discuss why confidentiality matters and how you would handle sensitive information responsibly.
✨Research Rethink Mental Illness
Take some time to learn about Rethink Mental Illness and their mission. Understanding their values and services will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to their cause.
