DEPARTMENT:Student & Staff Services

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST:Sessional Mental Health Advisor

POST REF:

DEPARTMENT:Student & Staff Services

GRADE:6

REPORTING TO:Wellbeing Team Manager

JOB PURPOSE:

To deliver high quality mental health and wellbeing services to York St John University students during university term times, particularly those with more complex and on-going mental health issues. To undertake Wellbeing Assessments at drop-in sessions to produce a student support plan and make appropriate referrals to external agencies. This post is required on a sessional basis to support the team at the busiest times of the academic year.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.Deliver high quality support services to individuals and groups that encourage students’ independence in learning and enhance the quality of the student experience.

2.Contribute to the case management of students with complex needs and issues such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, eating disorders and mental health needs.

3.Assess clients’ needs at the daily Wellbeing Drop-In service.

4.Formulate, implement and evaluate therapy programmes for clients.

5.Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the number of client contacts offered, and clinical sessions carried out per week in order to minimise waiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient.

6.Keep up to date with research and advances in the sphere of mental health support and contribute to the professional development of colleagues to ensure best practice in delivery of wellbeing services.

7.Collaborate with Faculties in identifying and meeting the needs of students; advising staff who work with students with complex needs; and providing staff development.

8.Work closely with Disability Advisers to ensure that students who have disclosed a mental illness enjoy full inclusion in university life.

9.Develop and maintain productive relationships with external agencies that result in joined up approaches to service delivery and enhanced wellbeing of students.

10.Produce clear, concise reports, participate in quality enhancement activities and contribute to the development of policies and procedures.

11.Contribute to the implementation of the University’s critical incident policies and procedures in relation to student mental health and wellbeing.

12.Maintain appropriate records, respect confidentiality (guided by service agreements and the Data Protection Act 1998) and work within an agreed framework of professional ethics.

13.Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service.

14.Create an inclusive environment that welcomes and supports all students.

15.Ensure the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating, professional and accrediting bodies (e.g. HCPC, BPS, UKCP, BABCP)

16.Keep up to date on new recommendations/guidelines set by the department of health.

17.Ensure clear professional objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with the Line Manager on a regular basis as part of continuing professional development.

plus

• Any other duties as may reasonably be required.
• Ensure that the highest standards of professional performance are maintained
• Promote equal opportunities in the work of the department to include a commitment to the International Strategy of the University
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and statutory codes of practice, as advised
• Participate in the arrangements for performance review
• Ensure that professional skills are regularly updated through participation in training and development activities
• Ensure all University policies are implemented within the remit of this post

HEALTH & SAFETY

Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, whilst at work, members of staff must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of any other person who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

POST TITLE:Sessional Mental Health Advisor

DEPTARTMENT: Student and Staff Services –Wellbeing Team

The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively.

Please note that current York St John students will not be eligible for this role.

REQUIREMENTS
The postholder must be able to demonstrate: / ESSENTIAL (E)
DESIRABLE (D) / MEASURED BY:
A Application form
I Interview
T/P Test/Presentation
EDUCATION/TRAINING
(Academic, vocational/professional and other training)
Relevant first degree or equivalent. / E / A
Professional Qualifications in the areas of Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Occupational Therapy, RMN, CBT/DBT or health related field.
Professional CBT qualification (e.g. CBT certificate/low intensity IAPT training)
Registered with a regulatory body (e.g. HCPC, NMC, BPS) / E / A
D
E / A
A
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
(e.g. report writing, office experience, Microsoft office)
Substantial experience of managing caseloads of people with chronic/acute mental health conditions, supported by a mental health related professional qualification or equivalent professional experience.
First-hand experience of mental health assessment and crisis management in relation to people who pose a danger to themselves/others.
Experience of collaborative relapse prevention planning that can be used to ensure stability and progression.
Knowledge of NHS and voluntary sector mental health services and an understanding of how and when to refer to them.
Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how they can relate to this post.
Demonstrate understanding of how Anxiety and Depression may impact on the lives and functioning of students in higher education.
Knowledge of the medication for anxiety and Depression and other common mental health problems.
Experience in delivering quality staff development, programme evaluation and driving improvement.
Experience of working in a stepped care model of service providing CBT for anxiety and Depression.
Comprehensive understanding of the issues affecting home and international students in Higher Education and the statutory responsibilities of support staff.
Understanding of how diversity issues may impact on student needs. / E
E
E
E
E
E
D
D
D
D
D / A/I
A/I
A/I
A/I
A/I
A/I
A/I
A/I
A/I
A/I
A/I
SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES
(e.g. communication, interpersonal, decision-making, problem-solving, team player, reliable)
Excellent organisational skills including the ability to prioritise tasks and manage complex caseloads.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team and with colleagues in the University.
Excellent verbal, presentation and written communication skills and operational knowledge of MS Office.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to support students and colleagues to achieve an exceptional student experience.
An enthusiastic, creative approach and a commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of clients.
Commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards and maintenance of client confidentiality. / E
E
E
E
E
E / A/I
A/I
A/I
A/I
A/I
A/I
BEHAVIOURS
Behaviours will be tested at interview against the Contribution Framework (available on the recruitment web site under Our Culture & Values - Values & Principles)
Leading myself and others
Delivering a great service
Taking a professional approach
Working together as a team / E
E
E
E / I
I
I
I
SPECIAL FEATURES
(e.g. Travel, DBS)
Able to support the provision of evening appointments if needed. / E / A/I