The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Research Assistant to support our Thriving Learners study in Glasgow. This is a part time fixed term post to 30th September 2022.

The Mental Health Foundation is the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health. We are home to Mental Health Awareness Week and, with prevention at the heart of what we do, we aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive.

Our focus is on three key areas:

Impact

• We systematically consider how to scale ideas informed by evidence. We build partnerships and alliances that increase the impact and reach of our work.

Influence

• We harness evidence and the voice of lived experience to advocate for preventive approaches and create campaigns which tackle the root causes of poor mental health.

Integrity

• We continue to build a strong organisation that lives its values - that is open, kind, outward-looking and sustainable.
• We have pioneered change for 70 years and we are not afraid to challenge the status quo. Come join us!

This exciting Research Assistant role will support the delivery of our Thriving Learners Study. Thriving Learners is the largest research study of its kind aiming to build a better understanding of mental health and wellbeing of students in Scotland. This work will lead to recommendations on prevention, early intervention and support of learners’ mental health and wellbeing within higher and further education institutions.

What does the role involve?

• To support the undertaking of primary research with a focus on quantitative research and the analysis of large data sets.
• To support research administration including survey dissemination, organising interviews and focus groups and supporting wider governance structures.
• To support the dissemination of research knowledge through contributing to sections of written reports and journal papers. In addition, supporting the organisation and running of face to face and online learning events.
• To work with team members to contribute to the production of research project plans, including agreed objectives, outcomes and measures, deliverables, and milestones, and leading on smaller sections of project plans as appropriate.
• To assist in reporting back to partners and funders on progress of projects as required throughout the life of the project, and on conclusion of the project.

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?

• Demonstrable experience of undertaking research and evaluation studies with a focus on quantitative methodology.
• Skilled in the use of dedicated statistical software packages such as SPSS or R (or equivalent).
• Evidenced successful strong written communication skills with experience of producing clear reports and articles for a range of audiences
• Demonstrable understanding of the principles of research and evaluation design.
• Demonstrable understanding of the impact of inequalities and adversity on mental health and wellbeing.

Why should you join the Mental Health Foundation?

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 27 after 5 years’ service (pro rata).
• 3 closure days between Christmas and New Year.
• Up to 3 wellbeing days per annum.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous non-contributory pension scheme, 8% at 3 months service, rising to 10% at 6 months service employer contribution.
• Life Assurance Scheme at four times annual salary.
• Flexible working.
• Season Ticket Loan.
• Cycle to work scheme.

Please note that for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a PVG/DBS check. Also, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

Scottish Government has announced an extension to the programme of Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) across Scotland. The extended programme will be available to support people whose mental health has been impacted as a result of the pandemic. SAMH are looking to recruit DBI practitioners to provide a Level 2 DBI service to Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Inverclyde

A Distress Brief Intervention is a time limited and supportive, problem solving contact with an individual in distress and is a two-level approach. DBI level 1 is provided by staff in the mental health hub in NHS 24 and involves a compassionate response, signposting and offer of referral to a DBI level 2 service.

DBI level 2 is provided by trained SAMH staff who receive referrals via NHS 24. The DBI Practitioner will contact the person within 24-hours of referral and provide compassionate, problem solving support, wellness and distress management planning, supported connections and signposting for a period of up to 14 days.

The position will involve a variety of shift patterns including evenings and weekends, and you will be required to be flexible in the hours you are available. As this secondment may be part time, any remaining contracted hours would be fulfilled in your current substantive post. Consideration will be given if your current service can accommodate this arrangement and would require your line manager’s support.

This post will be home based during the current government restrictions, however knowledge of local resources, support and service is vital in the delivery of this service. You will be provided with Level 2 DBI training. You will also be provided with a laptop and smart phone to allow you to work remotely.

This is a challenging and exciting opportunity to make a difference to peoples’ lives and support them to achieve their identified outcomes. You will be able to demonstrate good communication skills and a mature and compassionate attitude together with adaptability and enthusiasm. Knowledge and experience in supporting people with mental health problems is essential.

PVG Scheme Membership, a Right to Work in the UK check and proof of qualifications declared on the application form are required.

Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity.

SAMH has represented the voice of people most affected by mental health problems in Scotland for more than 90 years.

Today, in over 60 communities we work with adults and young people providing mental health social care support, services in primary care, schools and further education, among others. These services together with our national programme work in See Me, respectme, suicide prevention and active living; inform our policy and campaign work to influence positive social change.

SAMH is dedicated to mental health and wellbeing for all: with a vision of a society where people are able to live their lives fully, regardless of present or past circumstances.

Glasgow Personalisation covers all of Glasgow and its main office is based at 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow; providing practical and emotional support to adults with mental health problems. People using our service have access to staff daily, offering support with daily living and social inclusion.

The successful candidates should be able to establish therapeutic relationships with service users who have mental health issues and offer them emotional and practical support to gain independent living skills. Also, should have the ability to demonstrate a mature and caring attitude, with excellent listening and communication skills. Experience of working in the field of mental health or social care is desirable. You must be able to demonstrate a high degree of skill in report writing, assessing client need and developing professional support plans.

You will help to encourage and support individuals to engage/re-engage with other agencies such as health, education and employment agencies.

Previous experience of working in a Support Worker role is desirable as is the possession of an SVQ level 2 in health/Social care or equivalent or the willingness to undertake this.

The project operates, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There is a staff team support workers and one team leader and one on-site service manager. Staff are also required as part of work force flexibility to provide support to other services within the Greater Glasgow area as and when required.

This post will support and deliver Scottish Families’ communication strategy, using different methods, channels and creativity to maximise our reach and engagement throughout Scotland. The role will focus on providing a platform for family members to share their voices and experiences, to keep our online community informed about our work, to grow the number of supporters in our online community, and to raise awareness of the charity through our media profile.

The post-holder will be responsible for effectively managing our social media channels including content creation, research, relationship and community building with family members and partners; supporting more family members to share their own views and experiences across our communications platforms; delivering an ongoing programme of media training for family members; bringing new creative thinking and ideas into our communications work; working with the staff team with internal communications; supporting our existing campaigns and helping to deliver new campaigns; increasing our media engagement, being a contact for journalists and taking media enquiries; and developing and engaging with our mailing list.

The post will be based at Edward House, Glasgow – Scottish Families’ national office. (Please note staff currently working between home and office due to COVID mitigation arrangements). The post has a Scotland wide remit and may involve some travel and out-of-hours working. The post will be part of the Scottish Families’ staff team and be supervised by the Communications Development Officer.

We are seeking applicants who have a proven record of working across social media channels (specifically Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) for business purposes, as well as experience of copywriting, writing for publications and online campaigns with set engagement targets. Applicants should have knowledge of issues for families affected by substance use, alongside the ability to work as an effective team member, contributing ideas and assisting colleagues; use social media and social media management systems; communicate effectively with a wide range of staff and with external stakeholders, and prioritise tasks and work calmly under pressure. All applicants should be educated to HNC level, vocational qualification (level 4) or hold a relevant professional qualification.