Mental health worker job interview!

EuanF said:

Felt like I gave some pretty vague answers to some things that, of course, now I think about it I have the perfect answer for. 

You could send a letter or email following up on the interview and include those 'perfect' answers. If you disclosed autism they should be aware that you may struggle to come up with answers on the spot.

It's worth a try. If nothing else it'll show you're keen on the role. If they haven't made a decision yet it might just tip the balance.

Congratulations on getting through the interivew! That's the hard bit done :) 

Keep us posted, I'll keep my toes crossed for you (I need my fingers to type!).

Hi all, thanks you for all the well wishes! Thought I'd update yous all as I had my interview today a couple of hours ago!

Honestly not too sure how it went. It wasn't a disaster thankfully, but there's definitely things that on reflection I wished I'd mentioned more of in my answers to questions. Felt like I gave some pretty vague answers to some things that, of course, now I think about it I have the perfect answer for. 

But yes, a very anxious and challenging experience but one that I'm proud I got through. Should hear back by the end of next week on if I'm successful or not.

Take care all! 

I have done a variety of jobs which include mental health support work… so feel free to ask anything. 

interview wise id say don’t put too much pressure on yourself. They can be intimidating things. Make sure you’ve researched the job prior. Lots of interviews in that field are scenario based questions things like… talk about a time where you have solved a problem or dealt with conflict. I always like to think of a variety of scenarios before an interview that I could apply to various skills/situations like empathy, inclusion, diversity, equality etc.

id also like to add.. do not be put off with the negative comment of what qualities autistic people lack. Everyone is different and everyone has different experiences and qualities. Think of what positives skills and qualities your autism brings to the role.

well done for getting an interview and best of luck with it! Be really proud of yourself for getting shortlisted for an interview :) 

Mine was already on my records though they mistakingly thought it was a mental disorder which was unfortunate.

When I was in hospital I just hid my diagnosis and told them that I was just odd. 

Fortunately, here in Northern Ireland, Mental Health Professionals are better trained with Autism. Plus, in general, we tend to be better people. Whereas others aren't as friendly.

"you pay circus wage, you get clowns"

Autonomistic said:

What we actually need is autistic people in those roles, who can understand what it is like and how to help and support

Yes! This is exactly what's needed. Would have made my hospital admission much easier for me.

The neurotypicals may have those skills in abundance but they don't seem to be able to use them when dealing with autistic people. They do not understand the autistic experience and even worse they often do not even try to understand.

It's the double empathy problem in action.

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/double-empathy

What we actually need is autistic people in those roles, who can understand what it is like and how to help and support.

Last time I had a mental health support worker I was incredibly frustrated by their attitude and lack of understanding of autism.

Then I looked up their job description online and realised the role was minimum wage, with absolutely no requirements for knowledge or experience in mental health or autism. My expectations greatly reduced once I learned that.

She was pretty useless and just kept trying to 'normalise' me. Obviously the mission failed 

Agreed they should pay more but the NHS likes to do things on the cheap.

It's better to have a job that you find rewarding and worthwhile than a higher paid one that causes stress and burnout.

Yep definitely needed. When I was in hospital none of the nurses had any experience and understanding of autism.

This must change.

Good luck EuanF I hope it goes well.

Do you know that this means that many of your colleagues will be the worst people you will ever meet? I had to deal with some of them, their attitude was: "I am already doing too much for what I am paid ."

I'm lucky enough to have recently moved back in with my mum at my family home, so the pay rates are not as much of an issue with reduced rent. So I'm willing to take the lower pay for the opportunity to partake in work that is meaningful to me. I agree the pay rates for these positions - the ones that arguably the most crucial to society - are no where near what they should be.

I have checked the site, and the pay rate is... interesting. No wonder why those positions attract  either the hopelessly idealistic or the worst bums. There is no way somebody could survive with those pay rates. 23K in Nottingham? Only if you live in a shelter and eat at the Salvation Army

That's like saying that we need more cardiologists with a weak heart. We need people with logical intelligence, emotional intelligence, empathy and skill. Those four characteristics are usually lacking in ASD people.

Nailed it.

No, but Good Luck.  We aren't going to see any improvements to mental health services for autistic people until we have autistic people in those roles

You are very welcome!