Do you have the key qualities to work in mental health?
LOOKING after our minds is just as important as looking after our bodies – and while many people use the New Year to start on a physical fitness regime, it’s just as important to nurture your mental wellness.
This year Blue Monday- billed as the most depressing day of the year – falls on January 15.
It’s a timely reminder that one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year, while one in six report experiencing a common mental health problem, such as anxiety and depression, in any given week.
Mental illness costs the UK economy an estimated £105bn each year, so both the NHS and private companies are focussing on boosting mental health services.
It takes a special kind of person to be a mental health worker, so here’s all you need to know to start supporting others, with help from Sun Jobs.
What personal qualities do I need to work in mental health support?
The NHS lists six key qualities to be successful in the field on mental health.
You’ll need to have good judgement and also be a problem solver.
Naturally compassionate, you’ll be comfortable offering advice and skilled at interpersonal communication.
Finally, you must be skilled at observing people and also aware of the ‘psychosocial’, which means how a person’s individual circumstances may be impacting their mental health.
Is it possible to build a career in mental health support?
Absolutely – with firms investing heavily in supporting their staff, the number of jobs is growing.
Currently there are 54,000 open roles with an average salary of £32,000, but senior clinical staff can earn six figure salaries.
There are a vast range of jobs from mental health nurse to counsellors to art and drama therapists.
Find out more at https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/working-in-mental-health.
What qualifications will I need?
This will depend on the type or role you are drawn to. All jobs in the sector require intensive specialist training with many needing degree level study.
Although the training might be tough, you will be changing lives for the better.
Assess what you may need to study at nationalcareers.service.gov.uk.
How do I find a job in mental health support?
Start be working out if the sector is right for you. Volunteer for local mental health charities or undertake work experience.
Qualifying as a mental health first aider will help your application and is a short training course designed to help you support staff in your current workplace.
See mhfaengland.org/individuals/adult/mental-health-first-aid.
If you feel the field is right for you, then talk to the National Careers service to find a role which best suits your skills. You can reach them on: 0800 100 900.
More employment stories
Made up your mind to go into mental health support? Here are three jobs where you can make a big difference, from Sun Jobs.
Mental Health Nurse Functional Assessor, SJB Medical, Colwyn Bay
Support your own mental health and that of others with this work-life balance focused role.
The Job: SJB Medical is looking for a Registered Mental Health Nurse who is looking for a better work-life balance, for a role where you’ll have the opportunity to hone your assessment skills and develop your clinical knowledge, while making a difference to people’s lives.
What You’ll Do: Drawing on your experience as a clinical expert, you will assess and examine individuals with disabilities and illnesses who have applied for employment and support allowance.
You’ll Need: You should be currently and fully NMC-registered with a valid licence to practise in the UK, along with eligibility to live and work in the UK.
Apply Now: Find out more about the job role, or see what else is on offer at SJB Medical.
Registered Mental Health Nurse, Ability Recruitment Group, Blackpool
Keen to build a compassionate environment? This special role could be right for you.
The Job: Ability Recruitment is seeking a Registered Mental Health Nurse for an NHS role based in Blackpool.
What You’ll Do: The Registered Mental Health Nurse will conduct assessments, develop tailored care plans, and administer therapeutic interventions, collaborating within a dynamic, supportive, multidisciplinary team. You will be responsible for managing medications, providing crisis intervention, and contributing to a compassionate environment.
You’ll Need: The successful candidate will be a registered nurse specialising in mental health. Great time management, the ability to foster a therapeutic and supportive environment, and a desire to continuously learn and develop within the role are all essential.
Apply Now: See more details of this Registered Mental Health Nurse role here, along with other opportunities via Ability Recruitment Group, here.
Community Mental Health Nurse, Hays Recruitment, East London
Be a key part of your local community with this vital London-based job.
The Job: Highly motivated and compassionate Band 6 Community Mental Health Nurses are being sought to conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and develop personalised care plans.
What You’ll Do: In this role, you will provide exceptional care and support to individuals with mental health conditions in the community setting. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, and deliver effective treatment plans and therapies.
You’ll Need: A valid NMC Pin, registration as a mental health nurse, PVMA training plus the to work in the UK are all required.
Apply Now: Apply for this position, or see other opportunities at Hays Recruitment.
Discover thousands of open vacancies for jobs all across the UK now on The Sun Job Board.