What does a mental health support worker do?

Friday, June 30, 2023

A mental health support worker delivers care to people with mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, eating disorder, anxiety and depression. The type of care they deliver depends on the client’s current condition, their medical requirements and also their general wellbeing needs.

At Thornbury Community Services (TCS), our Mental Health Service supports adults and children with the most complex mental health conditions. Our dedicated team of registered mental health nurses (RMN) and mental health support workers provide person-centred care and support to enable our clients to live rewarding lives.

To learn more about the care we provide in our Mental Health Service, read 18-year-old Maddie’s story with TCS here.

 

What is the role of a mental health support worker?

The role of a mental health support worker involves supporting individuals with complex mental health conditions and providing person-centred care tailored to their medical and wellbeing needs. In some instances, especially with paediatric clients, mental health support workers will need to work closely with the client’s family to ensure the best possible outcome for the client's care and safety.

 

What are the responsibilities of a mental health support worker?

The responsibilities of a mental health support worker can change regularly to ensure our client's care is tailored to their current health needs. Working as a TCS mental health support worker, you can expect to be responsible for:

  • Administrating medication 
  • Monitoring the client’s wellbeing and psychological needs
  • Carrying out personal care
  • Building strong professional relationships with the client and their family
  • Planning routines tailored to the client's likes and interests
  • Encouraging the client to complete activities  
  • Using the relevant physical intervention techniques (when required)
  • Regularly reviewing the client's present behaviour in conjunction with the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plan
  • Encouraging the client to engage with people in the community
  • Completing required documentation (e.g. MAR charts, body map, handover sheets)

 

Required skills and experience of a mental health support worker

To become a mental health support worker at Thornbury Community Services, you must be a passionate and resilient individual who aims to improve the quality of life for those under their care and has the following skills and experience:

  • A minimum of 12 months of paid UK care experience 
  • Previous experience with physical interventions and positive behavioural support (PBS)

 

Mental health support worker roles with Thornbury Community Services

If you’re ready to embark on a rewarding career as a TCS mental health support worker, we can support you in taking the next steps forward. TCS matches skilled and passionate mental health support workers to fulfilling community-based roles, helping make a positive difference in people’s lives every day.

Take a look at our latest mental health support worker jobs here or register with us using the form below. If you would like to speak to a member of our Resourcing Recruitment Team directly, contact them on 0333 323 3762 or email them using the button below.

Email the team