Suicide Prevention Community Engagement Officer (REC1973)

Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity. Today, we operate over 70 services in communities across Scotland, providing mental health social care support, addictions and employment services, among others. Together with national programme work in respectme, suicide prevention, and physical activity and sport, these services inform SAMH’s 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.

For Scotland’s Mental Health

Post: Suicide Prevention Community Engagement Officer

Ref: REC1973

Location: Aberdeenshire

Hours: 37.5 per week

Salary: £30,467.00 to £33,515.00* (Point 26 – Point 29*)

*Whilst this is a scale for progression, the starting salary is point 26

Contract: Fixed Term - 1 year

About the Role

The Suicide Prevention programme in the North East of Scotland aims to reduce stigma and increase awareness and knowledge of suicide throughout Aberdeen. Working alongside and expanding the suicide prevention work already being undertaken in the area, the Community Engagement Officer role will be key in engaging local communities, businesses and services to improve and review suicide prevention practices within communities throughout Aberdeen. The Suicide Prevention programme also works towards reducing the stigma of suicide and suicide prevention across Aberdeenshire and to promote the North East Suicide Prevention App.

The Suicide Prevention Community Engagement Officer will engage with every part of the local area, from schools to social and leisure facilitates; supporting communities in developing suicide safer practices whilst being a visible presence within communities. They will map community needs, build a network of local community-based organisations and establish strong relationships.

The role also involves working within the newly launched ‘Support After a Suicide’ service where we support the next of kin in the immediate period following the suicide of a loved one.

What we are looking for:

You will be experienced and confident in working within suicide and suicide prevention, familiar with suicide prevention practices locally and nationally, and with delivering training and/or facilitating group work. You will also have experience in relationship management and engagement, and in working within community based projects.

As the post covers the Aberdeenshire area, you will be proficient in lone working and working from home, with the ability to work remotely and engage in meetings via digital technologies such as Microsoft Teams. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required and a full driving licence with access to a vehicle is desirable.

What we will provide for you

You will work in a supportive environment and will be provided with a full induction and training opportunities. You will be given the chance to develop your knowledge and skills, as well as develop professionally. Some of our benefits include;

· Fully funded SVQ qualification to meet the conditions of your SSSC registration

· Reimbursement of PVG, Disclosure & SSSC annual fees and registration costs.

· Funded continuous learning and development opportunities, access to over 100 courses online in addition to classroom and virtual training sessions

· 30 days annual leave rising to 33 after 5 years’ service (pro rata)

· 4 public holidays (pro rata)

· 2 paid wellbeing days off per year to use on what matters to you (pro rata)

· Team wellbeing budgets

· Workplace pension scheme

· Life Assurance policy

· Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date for applications will be Tuesday 30th June at 12 noon,

To apply please visit: https://www.samh.org.uk/information/work-with-us

This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship..

PVG Scheme Membership, a Right to Work in the UK check and proof of any qualifications declared in your application will be required.

Applications are welcome from people who have experienced mental health difficulties.

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high level of applicants and would encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.

SAMH is committed to promoting equality and diversity and to represent the communities we are here to support. We aim to have a truly diverse organisation – diversity of thought, background, experience and of all protected characteristics. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who have experienced mental health problems and individuals from minority communities.

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