FAQ's for applicants
1. What will my rota pattern be for the Mental Health Support Worker?
You will be available to be called out when you are rostered in Green. The pink days are your scheduled days off
You will be available to be called out when you are rostered in Green. The pink days are your scheduled days off
2. What are the shift times like for the Mental Health Support Worker?
The role doesn't have shifts as such, please see below cut from the Job description
"You will be home based and be expected to be available to respond at any time within the 24 hours each day you are scheduled to be working. The shift pattern is 5 days per week with two days off each week and alternate weekends. You will be on a minimum 160 hours per month basis. This means you will earn £2000 per month minimum and any overtime above the 40 hours will be paid on a monthly basis."
The role doesn't have shifts as such, please see below cut from the Job description
"You will be home based and be expected to be available to respond at any time within the 24 hours each day you are scheduled to be working. The shift pattern is 5 days per week with two days off each week and alternate weekends. You will be on a minimum 160 hours per month basis. This means you will earn £2000 per month minimum and any overtime above the 40 hours will be paid on a monthly basis."
3. What's the furthest I will have to travel as an Mental Health Support Worker?
We operate throughout the UK so it can be anywhere
We operate throughout the UK so it can be anywhere
4. Would I have to stop over at places as an Mental Health Worker?
This can happen on occasions where a bed watch is required or if their is continuation for another job. Accomodation will be paid for if the Company asks you to stop over
This can happen on occasions where a bed watch is required or if their is continuation for another job. Accomodation will be paid for if the Company asks you to stop over
5. The Mental Health Support Worker isn't for me, is there anything else?
We do employ for the role of "residential support worker" which do operate on 12 hour shifts with the following rota
We do employ for the role of "residential support worker" which do operate on 12 hour shifts with the following rota
6. Is there a probationary period?
Yes, this will be for 3 months
Yes, this will be for 3 months
7. If I am based at home, how will I get paid as an Mental Health Support Worker?
We guarantee a minimum of 16o paid hours every four weeks. See question 2 above.
We guarantee a minimum of 16o paid hours every four weeks. See question 2 above.
8. I cant make the weekend you have provided, are there other dates?
The courses are held on the third week of every month, however, during large recruitment campaigns we add extra weekends
The courses are held on the third week of every month, however, during large recruitment campaigns we add extra weekends
9. How come I don't get an interview?
Many potential employees are from across the UK. An interview doesn't always get the best out of people and sometimes people are good in interviews but not for the job.
We start the session with an open forum to ask any questions specifically about the role that may not have been answered here to ensure the role is what you are looking for. For those that wish to leave after the open forum or come back another weekend to do the training that's fine.
For those that continue with the training, allows us to "interview" whilst training and for you to understand more about what we do.
Many potential employees are from across the UK. An interview doesn't always get the best out of people and sometimes people are good in interviews but not for the job.
We start the session with an open forum to ask any questions specifically about the role that may not have been answered here to ensure the role is what you are looking for. For those that wish to leave after the open forum or come back another weekend to do the training that's fine.
For those that continue with the training, allows us to "interview" whilst training and for you to understand more about what we do.
10. What if I attend the two days but then decide I don't want to continue with the role?
The job isn't for everyone and by conducting some scenario based training and trying to demonstrate what the role may consist of, it allows people to make a full judgement before accepting. This is the reason we hold our "interviews" this way to ensure potential employees are fully informed before coming onboard.
The job isn't for everyone and by conducting some scenario based training and trying to demonstrate what the role may consist of, it allows people to make a full judgement before accepting. This is the reason we hold our "interviews" this way to ensure potential employees are fully informed before coming onboard.
11. What if I am still unsure about the role after the training?
Not a problem at all, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. We would suggest to trial a bank shift to get a taste of what its like before leaving one job for another.
Not a problem at all, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. We would suggest to trial a bank shift to get a taste of what its like before leaving one job for another.
12. Is this a full time job?
Yes the role is full time, however we do also offer Zero hour contracts (bank staff)
Yes the role is full time, however we do also offer Zero hour contracts (bank staff)
13. If I am an Mental Health Support Worker do I travel from home to the office?
Sometimes this may be the case but we try and pair up crews depending on locality, so general meeting points for Sheffield are at Junctions 35a and Junction 30 of the M1. This becomes more apparent once doing the role.
Normally a senior has a vehicle and arrangements are made between the crew of where to meet. Once you have met up you head over to the destination which could be anywhere in the UK
This of course would be the same for those applying in other areas. If you are applying outside of Sheffield then it would be meeting points in your local area.
Sometimes this may be the case but we try and pair up crews depending on locality, so general meeting points for Sheffield are at Junctions 35a and Junction 30 of the M1. This becomes more apparent once doing the role.
Normally a senior has a vehicle and arrangements are made between the crew of where to meet. Once you have met up you head over to the destination which could be anywhere in the UK
This of course would be the same for those applying in other areas. If you are applying outside of Sheffield then it would be meeting points in your local area.
14. When does my day start and finish as an Mental Health Support Worker?
A day normally starts from midnight through a 24 hour period. However, sometimes jobs may progress into your day off. If this happens then you will be paid at 1.25 and we would also extend your schedules days off from the time you finish (although you can choose to come back earlier)
A day normally starts from midnight through a 24 hour period. However, sometimes jobs may progress into your day off. If this happens then you will be paid at 1.25 and we would also extend your schedules days off from the time you finish (although you can choose to come back earlier)
15. What vehicles do you use and will I have to drive?
We have a fleet of Mercedes Vito (extra long wheel base) in Silver which we are very proud of. We have chosen these vans as they are the best for this role. All staff members are expected to be able to drive and this will be included as part of your induction
We have a fleet of Mercedes Vito (extra long wheel base) in Silver which we are very proud of. We have chosen these vans as they are the best for this role. All staff members are expected to be able to drive and this will be included as part of your induction
16. Do I get paid for attending the two days training?
No, this is your voluntary time for us to assess you and for you to assess us
No, this is your voluntary time for us to assess you and for you to assess us
17. Do you provide accommodation during the training?
No, however there are some rooms nearby that can be found on booking.com at reasonable prices
Here are some suggestions:
Check out The Renishaw on Booking! http://www.booking.com/Share-EBE3Mi
Check out ibis Chesterfield North - Barlborough on Booking! http://www.booking.com/Share-5StPVQ
Check out Dusty Miller on Booking! http://www.booking.com/Share-BY4SZOl
No, however there are some rooms nearby that can be found on booking.com at reasonable prices
Here are some suggestions:
Check out The Renishaw on Booking! http://www.booking.com/Share-EBE3Mi
Check out ibis Chesterfield North - Barlborough on Booking! http://www.booking.com/Share-5StPVQ
Check out Dusty Miller on Booking! http://www.booking.com/Share-BY4SZOl
18. I have noted that the induction days are based in Sheffield over 2 days, can you please clarify if accommodation and travel costs will be catered for beforehand or if they're reimbursable?
The accommodation and travel costs are not reimbursable.
The accommodation and travel costs are not reimbursable.
19. Can I just be a driver in the role of Mental Health Support Worker?
No, the role is a highly experienced role almost to the same level as the Police as we are often called to emergency situations that are volatile and have to ensure we have the right calibration of staff to ensure the job gets done. I suppose we are like the “5th emergency service”.
No, the role is a highly experienced role almost to the same level as the Police as we are often called to emergency situations that are volatile and have to ensure we have the right calibration of staff to ensure the job gets done. I suppose we are like the “5th emergency service”.
20. Do we only drive around the country transporting those sectioned under the mental health act / informal patients and young people?
Whilst this is the main part of the role, there are occasions where this may extend to a bed watch if a client becomes physically unwell or a stay in hospital is required. This can often lead you to being away from home even at last minute so we would advise carrying a “grab-bag”.
We also provide cover for emergencies on units where the clients staffing pool has dropped or an episode of violence and aggression that the current staff force may not be used to.
The benefit of this to us is we get to see both sides of you have never worked in High Secure Units.
Whilst this is the main part of the role, there are occasions where this may extend to a bed watch if a client becomes physically unwell or a stay in hospital is required. This can often lead you to being away from home even at last minute so we would advise carrying a “grab-bag”.
We also provide cover for emergencies on units where the clients staffing pool has dropped or an episode of violence and aggression that the current staff force may not be used to.
The benefit of this to us is we get to see both sides of you have never worked in High Secure Units.
21. Why is the training in Sheffield and not in our local area?
Our training centre and head office is based in Sheffield. We can arrange to do training in your local area if you wish to wait until we get numbers to make it cost effective. Just let us know
Our training centre and head office is based in Sheffield. We can arrange to do training in your local area if you wish to wait until we get numbers to make it cost effective. Just let us know
22. On the job description it says you'll be home based, then on call during working hours as an Mental Health Support Worker?
It’s a bit like being a retained fire fighter, we never know when an emergency will be needed so staff are expected to respond on the days they are working and be able to be on their way within 15 and 30 mins to meet up with their crew members
It’s a bit like being a retained fire fighter, we never know when an emergency will be needed so staff are expected to respond on the days they are working and be able to be on their way within 15 and 30 mins to meet up with their crew members
23. Is the job guaranteed after training for the Mental Health Support Worker?
No, so on the day listen and work hard. There are chances to come back and redeem yourself if you don’t pass, however you have to remember that we are almost doing a job that most people would expect the police to do so when someone is violent and aggressive towards us we have to be able to deal with that situation, that’s where most people fall down as they think is like what they see on a 999 programme 😉. However not all jobs are such high risk but that’s where complacency comes in and people switch off
No, so on the day listen and work hard. There are chances to come back and redeem yourself if you don’t pass, however you have to remember that we are almost doing a job that most people would expect the police to do so when someone is violent and aggressive towards us we have to be able to deal with that situation, that’s where most people fall down as they think is like what they see on a 999 programme 😉. However not all jobs are such high risk but that’s where complacency comes in and people switch off
24. If I don’t get called on my days rota’d To work will I still get paid? Also do you have any training in the West Midlands?
Yes you will still get your 160 hours per month as per contract but don’t worry, we will find you work or we would be paying people to simply sit around 😉
Yes you will still get your 160 hours per month as per contract but don’t worry, we will find you work or we would be paying people to simply sit around 😉
25. Do we get a car allowance or milage paid for work jobs if I have to travel distances of 50 miles or more in my own car?
Yes, any mileage accumulated over 50 miles can be claimed back at 30p per mile
Yes, any mileage accumulated over 50 miles can be claimed back at 30p per mile
26. How much notice do we get for our working shift pattern?
The shift pattern is shown in question 1 above, as a general rule you remain on this pattern throughout.
The shift pattern is shown in question 1 above, as a general rule you remain on this pattern throughout.
27. Do we leave the weekend away with a recognised certificate of training?
No as this is not a full training weekend, it is an assessment weekend to see if you are able to reach the assessed standards.
No as this is not a full training weekend, it is an assessment weekend to see if you are able to reach the assessed standards.
28. Are there options for pay rises doing Mental Health support worker job?
Yes, the progression routes are annual increase in salary based on annual appraisals and of course by changing to a senior role.
Yes, the progression routes are annual increase in salary based on annual appraisals and of course by changing to a senior role.
29. What is the critera to pass on the 2 day open / assessment program and how do you not pass. What's the expectations to have to pass?
It is assessment based over the two days to ensure you have reached the minimum standard acceptable by the instructors. The learning outcomes can be found here - https://www.mmva.co.uk/level-2-physical-intervention-2-days.html
It is assessment based over the two days to ensure you have reached the minimum standard acceptable by the instructors. The learning outcomes can be found here - https://www.mmva.co.uk/level-2-physical-intervention-2-days.html
30. What are the frequency of jobs or call outs within a day or the break between jobs after hours worked ?
It is very much an as and when required whilst balancing the commitment to clients whilst adhering to Health & Safety. Some days could be 6 hours or less, some could be 12 or 18 hours our more depending on the job and where it is from and to. Ideally we look to observe 11 hours break between each shift (where the shift is over 12 hours)
It is very much an as and when required whilst balancing the commitment to clients whilst adhering to Health & Safety. Some days could be 6 hours or less, some could be 12 or 18 hours our more depending on the job and where it is from and to. Ideally we look to observe 11 hours break between each shift (where the shift is over 12 hours)
31. What are the Midlands pick up areas I am Derby area?
You will be allocated to the nearest team in your area
You will be allocated to the nearest team in your area
32. As a ex police officer and trained to a advanced driving standard would I be able to utilise this skill within the role?
Although it is great that we have advanced skills we have to understand that none of our fleet has a "blue-light" requirement. Maintaining high standards within the guidance of the Highway code is whats expected
Although it is great that we have advanced skills we have to understand that none of our fleet has a "blue-light" requirement. Maintaining high standards within the guidance of the Highway code is whats expected
33. What is the dress code for the two days? I assume sports wear but just wanted to double check?
Casual and comfortable
Casual and comfortable
34. How does annual leave work if you are available for 24 hours when you are scheduled to work?
Same as all annual leave, the day you request will be your holiday
Same as all annual leave, the day you request will be your holiday
35. When do candidates find out if they were successful in securing a position within the company.
During the week following the initial course they attend
During the week following the initial course they attend
36. What PPE would we carry if going to 999 responses?
We don’t cover 999 responses, we are a specialist transfer company for mental health and young people
We don’t cover 999 responses, we are a specialist transfer company for mental health and young people
37. In one of the Q&A it states that we may need to go in a violate situation to help police out, what PPE and equipment will we be carrying?
We have training in conflict Management and Physical Intervention to a high level including handcuffing. No specific PPE is given as it has never been needed however any suggestions would be welcomed
As I’m sure you are aware, the police would not allow the transport of the risk was too high
We have training in conflict Management and Physical Intervention to a high level including handcuffing. No specific PPE is given as it has never been needed however any suggestions would be welcomed
As I’m sure you are aware, the police would not allow the transport of the risk was too high
38. Is there opportunity for promotions?
Yes the current Hierarchy within the company is
Yes the current Hierarchy within the company is
- Support Worker
- Senior Support Worker
- Senior Supervisor
- Team Supervisor
- Team Manager
