Mental Health Adviser at Birmingham City University

Permanent (22.8 hours)

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Monday 26 February 2024

The BCU Mental Health and Wellbeing team is seeking a part-time (22.8 hours) Mental Health Adviser to join its team of mental health and wellbeing professionals. The postholder will assist the Senior Mental Health Adviser and Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing, in the provision and development of advice and practical support for prospective and current students with mental health difficulties, including the assessment of support needs.  

The responsibilities of the role include:

• Manage a caseload and communicate with other Mental Health and Wellbeing staff to provide advice, information, guidance and support to prospective and current students on the provision of mental health support and facilities available within the University.
• Undertake assessments of students’ support requirements and co-ordinate support for students with mental health difficulties.  
• Provide support for students, and advice for staff, at times of crisis and liaise with appropriate University and community-based services.
• Facilitate and help monitor student applications for Disabled Students’ Allowance and other funding sources, liaising with relevant internal staff and external organisations.
• Contribute to mental health awareness-raising activities generally, including events to promote the maintenance of good mental health and wellbeing for students.
• Attend and participate in relevant internal and external meetings as required and be a member of the University Mental Health Advisers’ Network (UMHAN) and other appropriate professional organisations.
• Develop and provide self-help information for students and staff on mental health issues and available support, in liaison with other professionals within Student Services.

The requirements of the role are: 

Essential criteria

• First degree or equivalent.
• A nursing, social work or other relevant professional qualification.
• Significant experience of working within a voluntary, community or statutory mental health setting.
• Significant experience of providing emotional support in a professional setting.
• Some counselling skills training.
• Experience of crisis management.
• A sound knowledge of statutory and voluntary mental health provision.
• A sound understanding of the principles of Safeguarding and the ability to recognise and act upon a safeguarding concern.

Desirable criteria 

• Experience of higher education or working with students or young people.
• Experience of developing and delivering training on mental health issues.
• Experience in the development of mental health policies, procedures or protocols.
• An understanding of the principles of Single-Session Therapy.

If you have any queries or wish to have an informal discussion about the role they can contact me at alice.wilson@bcu.ac.uk

With around 31,000 students from 100 countries Birmingham City University is a large and diverse place to work and study. We put students at the heart of everything we do, giving them the best opportunities for future success.

Generous employer pension contribution of up to 16%, with life cover and income protection included.