This new Family and Carer Ambassador post at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust supports families and carers of people with complex mental health needs on inpatient units. The work combines practical and emotional support with advocacy, and joint working with health, education, social care, voluntary and adult services. Lived experience as a carer is essential, and the post-holder can shape the role. Applicants need the right to work in the UK, as sponsorship is not offered.
What the job involves
- Work with carers and families from admission to discharge, explaining the inpatient system and giving clear information
- Liaise between inpatient units and families and carers, helping units take a compassionate, responsive approach
- Advocate for families and carers so their views are heard and they are treated as equal partners in care, escalating concerns where needed
- Empower families and carers to take part in care planning, with the consent of children and young people where relevant
- Provide carer support, including 72-hour carer calls, carer packs and letters, and invitations to ward reviews
- Lead the monthly carers group and follow up attendeesCreate relapse prevention and support plans with carers, and initiate and follow up referrals to carer support
- Refer carers to carer services and build links with local carer charities
- Attend the quarterly Triangle of Care meeting to represent the carers' voice and review carer involvement
- Signpost families to rights frameworks, community teams, local groups, legal advice and key policies
- Monitor the carer strategy, collate themes from carer cards and feed these into service development
- Maintain accurate records on Carenotes, circulate carer input to the team, and involve the public and patients in decision-making
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
- GCSE Maths and English or equivalent
Experience
- Relevant previous experience in an administrative or secretarial environment
Skills & knowledge
- Lived experience as a carer of a person with a mental health condition or illness
- Proactive and compassionate approach
- Excellent organisational skills
- Strong communication skills
- Strong eye for detail
- Passion for effecting change and empowering patients, families and carers
Checks & eligibility
- Right to work in the UK
Nice to have
- Specialist Peer Support Training
- Previous experience in a healthcare environment
What’s offered
- 27 days holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service
- Pension of up to 14.5% of pensionable pay
- Staff discounts including Blue Light Card and NHS offers
- £8K relocation package if moving to Essex
- Interest-free season ticket loans for tram, rail or bus travel
- Flexible working available from day one for most roles
- Job share applications welcomed
- Supervision, wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling
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Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
