What does a Mental Health Support Worker do?
Mental Health Support Workers are employed to assist other healthcare professionals with the treatment of mental health patients. Registered Nurses typically supervise them. These professionals help patients with mental illness and other disabilities to complete daily activities. Mental Health Support Workers work in psychiatric hospitals and residential facilities. They typically work for up to 37.5 hours per week, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
Mental Health Support Worker skills and qualifications
A successful Mental Health Support Worker will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications needed to perform duties effectively. These include:
- Empathy and interpersonal and relationship building skills
- Excellent psychological skills to understand the mental state of patients
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in stressful situations
- Ability to support patients with mental illnesses
- Ability to remain balanced and nonjudgmental while listening to patients
- Excellent observational skills to identify behavioural changes in patients
- Proficiency in deescalation techniques for effective crisis and emergency management
- Ability to use a computer, including proficiency in the use of word processing and data entry tools
Mental Health Support Worker experience requirements
Knowledge of mental health procedures, inpatient experience, remedies such as cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling are essential requirements for Mental Health Support Workers. Some employers prefer candidates who have worked or volunteered in social services and charities that provide mental health services. Experience in a nursing role and other supporting roles in the healthcare industry can also be beneficial for this position. Other experience requirements may depend on the employer, industry and the role.
Mental Health Support Worker education and training requirements
Mental Health Support Workers need at least a certificate such as the National Vocational Qualification Level 2 in Mental Health to qualify for employment. Some employers recruit Mental Health Support Workers through an apprenticeship scheme as an Apprentice Social Therapist. Candidates with voluntary or paid experience in mental healthcare can also apply if they have suitable qualifications.
Mental Health Support Worker salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for Mental Health Support Workers in the UK is £33,574 per year. Actual pay may depend on the employer, location, job duties and responsibilities.
Job description samples for similar positions
Here are job description samples for similar positions if you are not looking to recruit a Mental Health Support Worker:
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.