Crisis Support Worker – Relief Work

Role Purpose

You will be part of a team of Crisis Support Workers delivering mainly one-to-one support to clients over the telephone or face to face at our Bradford Hub. You will report directly to a Service Coordinator and will support people to regain control over their lives and access further sources of support. The role is emotionally demanding due to the nature of distress experienced by clients.

As a Safe Spaces Crisis Support Worker, you will also have the opportunity to be part of our bank staff, offering ad-hoc relief cover for absence/annual leave.

​Role Outcomes

• Deliver one to one support sessions (face to face, phone, video, instant messaging) to people in mental health crisis, in a recovery-focused and person-centered way.
• Use distraction and de-escalation techniques where needed
• Participate in or lead shift handover, huddle or meetings
• Manage referrals, book appointments and conduct follow-up calls after a crisis session.
• Make onward referrals and signpost where necessary
• Assist in risk assessments with multi-disciplinary staff, highlighting any changes in clients’ presentation relevant to their safety plan and feedback accordingly
• Participate in shift handover and team meetings
• Provide mentoring support to colleagues by sharing experience and knowledge gained
• Keep accurate records in a timely manner of all contacts on MYMUP (client management system)
• Commit to training and self-development and to undertake any training required to carry out the duties of the post.
• Work in line with all relevant organisational policies, including safeguarding, and ensure concerns are escalated appropriately.
• Support the Team Leader and take on any additional responsibilities deemed appropriate, taking a flexible, team-based approach to the role.

Person Specification

BDC Mind is committed to promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and improving the quality of life for people with mental health challenges. We value diversity, inclusion and lived experiences when recruiting our staff and volunteers.

​Qualifications

Essential:

• A minimum of 5 GCSE’s (or equivalent) grades A-C

​Experience

Essential:

• Experience of working with children, young people or adults in a health, social care or any other relevant setting
• Experience of supporting people in a clear, meaningful and non-judgemental way either via telephone or in person
• Experienced and confident in managing challenging situations, and recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns.

​Skills and Abilities

Essential:

• Excellent proven communication and organisational skills, including an ability to encourage and engage people in ways to make positive changes in their lives.
• Excellent IT skills, including use of Microsoft Packages
• Ability to work as part of a team and work alone and use own initiative
• Ability to gather relevant information to support and assess risks

​Knowledge

Essential:

• Understanding of the key issues within mental health, and the potential challenges that people may face
• Knowledge of other relevant health & social care organisations across the Bradford District & Craven
• Knowledge of risk management and health and safety issues
• Understanding of safeguarding and good practice
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection

​Attitude and Personal Attributes 

Essential:

• Healthy and secure personal boundaries
• Committed, passionate and flexible with a can do attitude
• Commitment to supporting people in a person-centred and non-judgemental way
• Committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Understanding of and commitment to Mind in Bradford values.