Mental Health Social Worker

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Mental Health Social Worker, within the Ministry of Health and Social Services.

The Government of Montserrat is inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Mental Health Social Worker, within the Ministry of Health and Social Services. 

JOB PURPOSE

The Government of Montserrat is seeking to create a new Specialist Mental Health post within the Ministry of health and Social Services. This is in line with mental health being one of the identified priorities on the agenda of the GoM. As such GoM is seeking to recruit a highly qualified specialist Mental Health Social Worker with a wealth of extensive social worker experience, keen to work with those impacted by mental ill health. The post holder should also be willing to impart their knowledge, skills, and experience with social work trainees, newly qualified social workers and others where appropriate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage case load and maintain accurate case files for safeguarding and protection of mental health clients.  
• Coordinates, monitor, evaluate and assist with the development and implementation of mental health social and community programmes and interventions.
• Perform psychosocial assessments and prepare reports as appropriate.
• Visit designated geographical areas in the community to monitor, address social needs and maintain up to date community profiles and reports 
• Serve on special committees dealing with matters pertaining to Mental health, Social Development and Social Protection when requested.
• Support and encourage learning amongst staff and in particular contribute to the practice development of newly qualified social workers and social work assistants. 
• Provide psychoeducation to mental health clients and families on intervention and relapse prevention.
• Provide social rehabilitation support for individuals with disability causes by mental illness.
• Work with Senior Social Workers in identifying and responding to specific learning themes and vulnerabilities within the mental health service area.
• Assist with the formulation and implementation of Corporate, Business, Operational Work Plans, and Disaster Preparedness Plans for the Department.
• Provide public education on Mental Health issues.
• Attend workshops and seminars pertaining to Mental Health issues.
• Monitor, assess and respond to all conventions, which place a social obligation on the Government of Montserrat
• To collaborate with others on projects and initiatives to raise standards of the service.
• Build the capacity of staff and assist with a mentorship programme for supporting new qualified Social Worker and Social Worker Assistant.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of preventative and rehabilitation programmes for Mental health clients.  
• Collect data, record trends and advise the Senior Social Worker on required program and intervention changes.
• Submit data and information for the quarterly reports to the Director of Social Services Department which details data such as demographics, referrals, utilisation of service, and preventive programmes. 
• Prepare and regularly update client case files. 
• Undertake the preparation of an end of contract report submitted with recommendations and agreed action plan prior to departure. 
• Identify and seek opportunities for personal development in areas such as mental health case management training, psycho-social programmes and interventions and other relevant outcomes.  
• The Post Holder may be required to perform any other duties as directed by the Director of Social Services from time to time.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATIONS

The applicant should possess:-

• Degree in Social Work 
• Masters in Social Work with specialization in Mental Health
• The person engaged will be expected to have worked as a Qualified Mental Health Social Worker for at least 5 to 10 years within a hospital or community mental health setting.
• Experience of the statutory role of Mental Health interventions
• Must be a current member of a recognized professional accreditation or licensing body. Membership should be maintained for the duration of the period of engagement.  
• Demonstrates robust and person-centred skills relating to safeguarding, self-neglect, mental capacity and mental ill health
• Effectively use reflective approaches to inform mental health related decision making
• Computer literate with good written skills for report and assessment writing and presentation
• Creative skills
• Good Interpersonal and basic counselling skills to communicate effectively with a range of agencies
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work within a framework of Mental Health values ethics and confidentiality
• Excellent technical, analytical report writing skills
• Good Time management
• Ability to work unsupervised
• Ability to work in compliance with local operating protocols and policies 
• Use contemporary research to critically engage with practice issues from a theoretical perspective
• Must be able to work in a small community, and have an understanding of how the diverse cultural practices and beliefs may impact on current social work practice may have on a different culture. 
• A flexible approach to work with a willingness to assist with the provision of services when there are staff and technical capacity shortfalls.
• Exercise good judgement, integrity and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Manage caseload and assist in various initiatives while meeting deadlines.
• Bring a distinctive social perspective to mental health practice be recognising the role of social factors as antecedent, determinants and perpetuating factors in the experience of mental distress
• Promote recovery practice emphasising hope, control and opportunity as core to the culture of mental health services through your practice

REMUNERATION

Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the successful applicant.

DURATION

The terms of engagement will be for a contractual period of two (2) years.