Mental Health Support workers can be based in a hospital or in the community, working in places such as schools, day and residential centres, supported housing schemes or prisons. They may also work independently as care co-ordinators for individual clients.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of mental health support worker jobs will grow by 18% from 2016 to 2026. This is much faster than the average for all occupations.
A mental health support worker’s average salary is $31,000.
What to Include in a Mental Health Support Worker Cover Letter?
Roles And Responsibilities
- Provide support to individuals with mental health problems.
- Help individuals improve their mental health, daily living skills and ability to function in the community.
- Work closely with individuals to create a tailored plan for recovery in areas dealing with personal hygiene, socialization, time management, finances and more.
- Maintain accurate records of all interactions with clients.
- Communicate with family members and other healthcare professionals.
- Suggest updates to treatment methods and programs.
Education & Skills
Mental Health Support Worker Skills:
- Excellent patience and understanding.
- Collaborative team working approach.
- Excellent communication and listening skills.
- Good observation skills.
- Sensitive to the needs of others.
- Able to respond in an emergency and administer first aid appropriately.
Mental Health Support Worker Education Requirements:
- A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement for becoming a mental health support worker; some employers may require an associate’s degree or completion of a training program in social work or human services.
Mental Health Support Worker Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Dear Mr. / Ms. [Recruiter Name],
I am writing to apply for the Mental Health Support Worker position at Home Community. I am a social work graduate with a firm understanding of the physical and emotional needs of people with health-related issues.
In my previous role as a Support Worker at Family Care, I was responsible for providing practical and emotional support to patients in their homes. This involved developing care plans, maintaining records, and coordinating services for individuals under my care. I have extensive experience supporting people with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Some of my achievements in the current role include:
- Developed and implemented new support plans for patients.
- Supervised patients with various mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
- Made sure patients were healthy and passed all necessary tests.
- Supported and assisted clients with everyday tasks, such as taking medication, doing laundry and preparing meals.
- Organized and participated in group therapy sessions with other workers to promote positive team building skills.
Supporting people with mental health issues is a passion of mine. I believe that you are only as well as your mind allows you to be and it is essential that we look after our minds just as much as our bodies. I hope that my enthusiasm for this field shines through in my application and that you will give me the opportunity to further discuss my skills at interview stage.
Please find attached my CV along with references from my previous employers. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips
When writing a mental health support worker cover letter, be sure to emphasize your experience in the field, as well as your ability to provide support to those who may be struggling. You should also highlight your customer service skills, as you will likely be interacting with clients on a regular basis.
If you have any experience working with individuals who have mental health conditions, be sure to mention this in your cover letter. This can be a valuable asset, as it shows that you have a good understanding of the needs of those who are dealing with mental health issues.
Refer our Mental Health Support Worker Resume Sample for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.
