Job Description
Expression of Interest
Job Title
Mental Health First Aider (MHFA)
Grade
Open to all grades
Vacancy Status
Permanent – The role is in addition to the applicants existing
job role
Location
All CMG sites
Business Area
All CMG regions
Working Pattern
Any Working pattern type
Eligibility
All DWP Employees AA to Senior Civil Service. We are keen to
attract applicants from all grades and backgrounds so that our
MHFA team represents our diverse work force.
Terms of Transfer
This is a voluntary position and is in addition to current role
Background
In the UK around 70 million working days are lost each year due
to mental ill health. In CMG we recognise that by supporting
our people with mental health conditions, we are investing in
our people.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised
approach that teaches us to spot the first signs and symptoms
of common mental health problems and to guide individuals to
appropriate help and support. Early intervention has a positive
impact on recovery.
We are looking for employees willing to be a first point of call for
our people facing mental health challenges, to support them
and the people around in the workplace. The role sits alongside
an individual’s usual job role with Mental Health First Aiders
responding to incidents as and when required in much the
same way as physical First Aiders currently do. Mental Health
First Aiders will form part of the Regional Attendance and
Wellbeing Lead group where they will be supported in their First
Aider role and may work alongside these colleagues to
progress Mental Health Wellbeing initiatives in their region.
Key Tasks
The role of a Mental Health First Aider will be to provide
immediate support for colleagues experiencing mental ill health
by:
Acting as a nominated contact point for individuals
experiencing mental ill health
Listening non-judgementally and confidentially
Signposting colleagues to DWP and external sources of
support
Being alert to immediate risks
To promote and raise awareness of the mental health
Job Description
agenda within local business areas; tackling the associated
stigma and discrimination.
Mental Health First Aiders will not diagnose symptoms,
recommend treatment or provide counselling.
Person Requirements
A self-starter with plenty of initiative who can work
individually and as part of the existing MHFA team
As the role involves discussions of a sensitive nature, the
ability to maintain confidentiality is essential
Commitment to the need to improve awareness of
mental health issues
Good interpersonal skills – you may be required to work
with leaders of all grades to embed a better
understanding of mental health issues
Good communication skills, to include empathy and
listening skills
Training
Places on a MHFA have been secured and attendance will be
mandatory for all new first aiders.
Further information
Please contact: XXX To be updated with regional contact
Applications
Applications should be made on the
Expressions of Interest
form . Candidates should demonstrate their skills and
experience for the role in not more than 250
words in total. In
particular include evidence which reflects the qualities listed in
the Person Requirements.
Please discuss your interest in this opportunity with your
line manager.
Send your application, with ‘‘application private” in the subject
box by email to XXX To be updated with regional contact
Please ensure you indicate your home office in the email
Depending on the number of applications, an interview may be
held with questions seeking to test evidence of the personal
requirements detailed above.
Closing date
XXX