Crisis Alternatives Manager

West Essex Mind; Harlow; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local mental health charity based in Harlow is seeking a Crisis Alternatives Manager to lead their mental health crisis service. This role requires strong leadership and crisis management skills to oversee operations and ensure effective service delivery. The ideal candidate will have experience in mental health management and a passion for supporting individuals in crisis. The role is full-time with hours mainly between 4pm and 11pm.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership skills in a mental health environment.
• Experience in crisis intervention and support.
• Ability to develop and implement effective policies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of mental health service.
• Coordinate staff and manage service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with relevant mental health regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Crisis management

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Experience in mental health management

Relevant certifications

Job description

Job Title: Crisis Alternatives Manager
Reporting to: Community Services Manager
Location: Harlow (Travel across West Essex essential)
Hours: 37.5 per week (mainly between the hours of 4pm and 11pm)
Pay: £18.62 per hour

The organisation:
Mind in West Essex is a local, independent mental health charity. We affiliate to Mind (the National Association for Mental Health) a charity with which we share common values and principles.
Our vision is for West Essex to be a place where people talk openly and positively
about mental health, and where everyone gets the support and respect needed to live well.
We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation and
recognising different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

About the role:
The Crisis Alternatives Manager will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day
operations and ensuring the effective and compassionate management of the West Essex mental health crisis alternative service. The role involves coordination and management of staff, implementing policies and procedures, and creating a supportive environment for individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Service Objectives:
● To provide outside of usual working hours support to people experiencing a
mental health crisis as an alternative to hospital admission.
● To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health crises in
West Essex.
● To increase early access to help for people experiencing mental health crisis
by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided.
● To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
● To reduce the use of police, ambulance and statutory mental health
services for people experiencing crisis.
● To contribute to the effective delivery of Crisis Support in partnership
with Essex Partnership University NHS Trust, as part of the
Hertfordshire and West Essex ICS.
● To liaise with West Essex CCG, Essex Partnership University Foundation
Trust and the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System (ICS)
on delivering the West Essex Crisis Alternative as part of the wider Crisis
Transformation agenda.
● To support a small number of people requiring practical and emotional
support in a supportive safe environment
● To welcome people referred to the service and address immediate
presenting issues.
● To support service users to develop emotional management, personal and
life skills to enable them to grow in self-confidence and attain greater
independence.
● To develop links with a range of external agencies including
accommodation providers, health services, police, housing, debt advice,
drug and alcohol services etc.
Key Task Areas and Responsibilities:
Leadership and Team Management:
● Provide strong leadership to the sanctuary staff, including recruitment,
training, and supervision.
● Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, encouraging a
culture of empathy, respect, and open communication.
● To create, manage and maintain staff rotas for Mind in West Essex Crisis
Alternative Services
● To work as part of the Mind in West Essex Management Team on
the development and delivery of the Operational Plan
● To work as part of the Mind in West Essex Management Team on
the development and delivery of the Operational Plan
Service Development and Implementation:
● Design, implement, and evaluate crisis intervention programs and
services to meet the needs of individuals seeking support.
● Collaborate with mental health professionals to develop and enhance
support strategies for guests.
● To develop the Mind in West Essex Crisis Alternatives offer in
Partnership with our ICS partners as part of the ongoing Mental health
Transformation programme.
Policy Development and Compliance:
● Develop and enforce policies and procedures to ensure the safety and
well-being of people using the service, staff and volunteers.
● To follow all of Mind in West Essex policies and procedures.

● Work in a way that acknowledges the personal, social, cultural and
spiritual strengths and needs of the individual.
● Stay informed about relevant mental health laws and regulations,
ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Crisis Intervention and Support:
● Provide guidance and support during mental health crises, collaborating
with trained professionals to address immediate concerns as
appropriate.
● Foster an environment that promotes de-escalation and the use of non-
restrictive interventions.
● Community Outreach and Collaboration:
● Establish and maintain positive relationships with EPUT, ICS, PCN’s
community partners, and government agencies.
● Actively participate in community events and initiatives to raise
awareness about mental health and the sanctuary's services.
● To promote Mind in West Essex, our values, ethos and brand externally
whenever opportunities arise.
● Budget Management:
● Manage the budget for the sanctuary, ensuring efficient use of resources
and financial sustainability.
● Identify potential funding sources and grants to support the sanctuary's
mission.
● Data Collection and Reporting:
● Maintain accurate records of sanctuary activities, including
demographics, interventions provided, and outcomes.
● Prepare regular reports for senior management, trustees, stakeholders
and funders.
● Quality Assurance:
● Implement quality assurance measures to continuously improve the
sanctuary's services.
● To work in accordance with Mind in West Essex Aims, Objectives and
Values.
● Conduct regular evaluations and assessments to identify areas for
improvement.
● Proactively share areas of concern with the Community Services
manager and CEO.