Community Outreach Worker ( Flourish)
Mind Hertfordshire Network
Purpose of Post:
The purpose of the Hertfordshire Mind Network Refugee Community Outreach Worker role is to:
• To provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients with mental ill health.
• Support to build social networks and reduce isolation whilst settling into the Hertfordshire community this includes building a sustainable and empowering peer support network and building confidence and self-esteem.
• To ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and solution focused approach in all aspects of the role.
• To work in a trauma informed way including awareness of the 6 principles of trauma informed practice, putting the clients emotional and practical needs at the forefront of this work.
Responsibilities of the post
• Working closely with all key delivery partners across the system to ensure the service is responsive, inclusive and easy to access.
• To take allocated referrals from any agencies including the Community Navigators, Borough and District Councils, Herts Help, Housing Providers, the Refugee Council and self-referrals including walk in contacts at any of the Mind wellbeing centres across the county.
• Hold a caseload of clients, supporting for approx. 10 weeks
• To create a safe space for the individual to be able to explore their feelings and improve their understanding around their mental health.
• To complete a holistic needs assessment, making use of assertive outreach work to achieve the initial client contact, if required.
• Ensure all person-centred risk assessments and support plans are completed as appropriate.
• Proactively recognise the indicators of deteriorating mental health and facilitate appropriate action, whilst liaising with relevant agencies.
• To provide safeguarding intervention support. This will include responding to problems, which pose an immediate risk.
• To work alongside translators when required to provide a robust package of support for clients.
• To provide advocacy services to clients experiencing mental ill health.
• To accompany clients to initial visits and appointments as necessary in order to ensure the sustained use of existing support services in the Borough.
• To work with the third sector and signpost to other agencies as necessary to improve the health and wellbeing of clients referred to the service.
• To liaise with other agencies to ensure that clients receive appropriate support and continue to remain engaged with the service.
• To assist clients to access appropriate mental health services, housing/tenancy services and other services according to assessed needs.
• To establish effective pathways across a variety of agencies to maximise and provide effective partnership working.
• Support clients to build their emotional resilience, promoting self management through building an understanding of their own triggers/coping strategies.
• To actively seek the views and feedback from refugees and hosting families in order to shape and improve service delivery.