At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals experiencing homelessness with mental health needs through personalised case management.
- Company: SPEAR, a charity dedicated to ending homelessness in South West London.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, wellbeing support, career development, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to creating lasting change in the community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in mental health services.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of mental health services and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28392 - 28520 £ per year.
We are SPEAR, a charity working tirelessly to end homelessness across South West London and beyond. We believe homelessness should be rare, brief, and non‑recurring, and we work every day to make that a reality. Our services include street outreach, assessment hubs, supported accommodation, and tenancy support, helping people move off the streets and into safe, secure housing. We take a person‑centred, trauma‑informed approach, building trust and supporting people to achieve long‑term stability and independence.
We are looking for a Mental Health Access Worker to support people who are rough sleeping or have experienced homelessness and are living with mental ill‑health. You'll be a consistent point of contact, helping clients access the services they need to manage their mental health and wellbeing. We're looking for a self‑driven individual with a strong understanding of mental health services, who can assess needs, deliver personalised case management, and run Drop‑In sessions and workshops – supporting clients on their journey from homelessness towards independence.
YOUR ROLE
As a Mental Health Access Worker, you will provide personalized case management, drop‑in support, and workshop facilitation, guiding clients through the various services available to them and helping them navigate challenges as they transition from homelessness to independent living. You will actively assess individual needs, coordinate resources, and maintain regular contact to ensure clients are receiving appropriate mental health and welfare support.
WHY JOIN US
- Generous holiday – 26 days plus public holidays, rising to 31 days with length of service
- Wellbeing & EAP – 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme with free counselling, money and legal advice
- Health support – Occupational health service and free annual eye test (with contribution towards glasses if required)
- Cycle to Work – Save on a new bike and accessories through salary sacrifice
- Season ticket loan – Interest‑free loan for annual travel passes
- Moving house day – Extra day of leave when you move home
- Financial security – Life assurance (4x salary) and interest‑free emergency staff loan
- Family‑friendly policies – Enhanced maternity and adoption pay, plus flexible working options
- Career development – Ongoing training, learning and progression opportunities
- Blue Light Card – Discounts across a wide range of shops, restaurants and services
Mental Health Access Worker in London employer: SPEAR London
SPEAR is an exceptional employer dedicated to ending homelessness in South West London, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous holiday allowances, comprehensive health support, and a commitment to career development, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life environment. Join us as a Mental Health Access Worker and be part of a compassionate team that values your contributions and fosters personal and professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Access Worker in London
✨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 SPEAR London.
✨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 SPEAR London!
✨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 SPEAR London, 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 SPEAR London 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 Access Worker in London
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 SPEAR London:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to SPEAR London! 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 SPEAR London
✨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.
