Mental Health Adviser

About the job

Fixed term: up to 12 months or upon the return of the current post holder, whichever is sooner

Part time: 28 hours per week

Interview date: 31 January 2025

The purpose of this post is to deliver services in support of the mental health of our students.  This is primarily through direct 1-1 work with students, assessing and supporting them in managing their mental health, and enabling them to progress with their studies.  The post holder will also be expected to assess how students mental health is impacting on their studies and be able to consider and recommend reasonable adjustments, in partnership with students and in line with the Equality Act 2010.  You may also be required to deliver staff training and support mental health promotion activities and the work of the team.

Knowledge of local mental health services is essential, and an important part of the post is liaison with both external health service providers, and internal student services and academics where necessary to enable recovery and progression. 

Ideally the post holder will be able to start work early April 2025 and work a full year to cover maternity leave.  Our services are delivered in person and via video call and telephone.  The post holder will be required to work on campus 2 days a week (Tuesday and Wednesday) and remotely 2 days a week (Monday will need to be one of the days).  The 28 hours a week can be worked between 8am and 6pm to accommodate individuals’ circumstances.

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another.  With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.

This post is subject to a background disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service before any appointment can be confirmed.

About you

A knowledgeable and competent mental health professional is required to deliver an effective and high-quality service with Higher Education.  

You must be able to evidence that you have used your professional skills in working with adults with mental health difficulties. 

You must have a good understanding of the issues that may impact negatively on students’ mental health. 

We require candidates to be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills, and be able to deal with matters of a sensitive and confidential nature with tact and discretion. 

We expect team members to be supportive of their colleagues, adaptable and self-motivated, and able to work independently with minimum supervision.  

Essential Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent
• A relevant qualification in Mental Health Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy or be BABCP accredited
• Eligible for Non – Medical Helper registration to deliver Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) funded support under the NMH Provider Quality Assurance Framework. Please refer to pages 8 and 9: nmh-qualifications-matrix-july2023-updated-sept-23.pdf

Department

The post holder will be working within the Library, Learning and Student Services Department.  The Mental Health Service is part of the Counselling and Mental Health Team.   

About us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to work

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points-based immigration system are met.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON