Overcoming Age Barriers: An Interview With a Mental Health Specialist Support Worker
16 Dec, 20241-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- The career journey of a Mental Health Specialist Support Worker.
- The responsibilities of a Mental Health Specialist Support Worker.
- How to look after your own mental health when working in the mental health field.
- Where the latest Mental Health Support Worker jobs are and how to apply for them.
Curious to know what it’s like to work in mental health services?
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Emma-Leigh Dennis, an experienced Mental Health Specialist Support Worker, to hear her insights from the field.
Emma-Leigh began working as a Mental Health Worker in 2022, supporting individuals with complex needs, including those with criminal records and mental health disorders. She then progressed to a Senior Mental Health Support Worker before transitioning into her current role as a Specialist Mental Health Support Worker.
Despite there being age restrictions for Specialist Support Worker roles, Emma-Leigh secured her position at just 22 years old, overcoming the age requirement of 26.
Throughout the interview, Emma-Leigh shares valuable insights, what it takes to succeed in the mental health field and what initially drew her to the role of a Specialist Support Worker.
Tell us about your academic journey to becoming a Mental Health Specialist Support Worker
I began working in mental health services in 2022 and currently work as a Mental Health Specialist Support Worker in a private company.
I got this job role primarily from my previous experience working in various different areas of mental health services.
I would say for anyone who is wanting to work in mental health services, obtaining an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care and/or BSc Psychology will be a great stepping stone to start working in mental health services. This also will put you at an advantage to other candidates when applying for Specialist Support Worker roles or Support Worker roles in mental health.
Can you tell us about your career journey as a Mental Health Specialist Support Worker?
I started working in forensic mental health services as a Mental Health Worker at 21 where I was working with individuals who had severe complex mental health disorders and criminal records. I supported these individuals in trying to go back into the community after being discharged from hospital and adjust to everyday life.
After a year in this role, I then progressed to a Senior Mental Health Support Worker where I worked in clinical mental health settings such as private psychiatric wards and rehabilitation facilities.
I’m now a Mental Health Specialist Support Worker and work with clients on a one to one basis to promote their wellbeing, support their daily lives and cultivate a safe, supportive and caring environment.
Initially what drew me into this role was working with individuals with complex mental health disorders. I wanted more of a challenging role.
What does a typical day look like for you?
As a Mental Health Specialist Support Worker, I play a key role in supporting and managing individuals with complex mental health disorders and challenging behaviours.
My responsibilities include direct care and support such as emotional and practical support and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the client in their own home. I also administer medication and medication management as well as conducting risk assessments.
This includes monitoring potential risks, maintaining a safe environment and addressing any concerns to management and multidisciplinary teams that work with the clients.
Do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals? If so, who and why?
I work a lot with Team Leaders and managers within the specialist department in my company. I also work with outside professionals such as Community Psychiatric Nurses, Psychiatrists and Social Workers.
I work in partnership with these professionals in order to provide the best care, support and treatment that I can for each individual that I work with.
I do this by creating plans to support individuals in promoting independence, improving their wellbeing and supporting them in overcoming challenges they may be facing.
What advice would you give to aspiring mental health professionals entering the field today?
If you want to go into mental health services and you're unsure whether it's the right fit for you I would suggest doing some volunteering in hospitals, charities and online mental health services such as Shout.
This experience can give you an understanding whether it’s right for you as working in mental health can be very emotionally challenging at times.
Do you have any professional goals?
I would like to progress back up to a Team Leader as I would like to have extra responsibilities, additional challenges and experience under my belt.
I also hope to complete a BSc in Psychology and progress into the psychology field such as being an Assistant Psychologist or becoming a Mental Health Nurse.
What do you do to look after your own mental health in a demanding role like this?
I think it's important to reach out to others. I always reach out to family or friends if I’m struggling with my own mental health. It’s also important to take part in hobbies you enjoy outside of work, you need to be able to switch off from work and focus on yourself.
I really enjoy doing different things such as hiking, travelling, roller skating and socialising with my friends.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your role as a Mental Health Specialist Support Worker?
Being a Mental Health Specialist Support Worker has its challenges but it's also a very rewarding role.
It’s important to be aware that most Specialist Support Worker roles have age requirements but don't be discouraged as I managed to get my role at the age of 22 when the age requirement was 26.
Mental Health Support Worker jobs
If you’re searching for your next Mental Health Support Worker job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Metal Health Support Work recruitment services
As healthcare recruitment specialists, we support local authorities and private sector businesses nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent recruitment needs.
If you’re struggling to fill a Mental Health Support Worker vacancy, why not get in touch with our healthcare specialist, Kaylah Henderson on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
Share your experience
Every individual brings a unique set of experiences, thoughts, and insights to the table. We believe in giving a voice to a community of professionals to inspire positive change and champion reform in the healthcare sector.
If you work in the healthcare sector and would like to share your own personal and professional experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Perhaps you have a different perspective, could offer a fresh angle, or want to challenge assumptions.
Simply reach out to our Head of Content, Nicole Sherwood, to discuss a collaboration which makes your voice count.
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re a vibrant and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West.
We continually reimagine the recruitment process to challenge convention and defy expectations; from creating a better recruitment experience to remodelling employee engagement, we thrive off doing things differently and turning heads along the way.
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