Somerset received trailblazer funding in 2020 to develop and implement new models of community based mental health care, that integrate clinical and voluntary sector provision, in line with the NHS Long Term Plan and the NHS community mental health framework.
If you want to know about the requirements for this role, read on for all the relevant information.
An alliance of charities was been formed to develop a bold new community-based mental health support service for Somerset residents which is now known as Open Mental Health. Rethink Mental Illness is the lead accountable body for the delivery of the Open Mental Health contract.
The shared ambition for the Somerset Open Mental Health VCSE Alliance is to ensure that people living with mental illness get the right support at the right time. As well as reducing waiting times for clinical services, it aims to ensure that people can live a full life in their community, accessing housing, jobs or volunteering opportunities, community activities and physical exercise, to help support and improve their wellbeing and quality of life. Services also include measures to improve the experience of people going through a mental health crisis, including community alternatives.
The Alliance is working to create a ‘no wrong door’ approach, meaning that a person’s mental health support needs can be responded to regardless of where they come into contact with services, so that the system is easier to navigate and more efficient.
The ambition for Open Mental Health is aligned with Rethink Mental Illness vision for Communities that Care.
The formation of the alliance, now a partnership of nineteen organisations, was amongst the first in England and represents an innovative and significant change to mental health care in Somerset
This is an exciting time to be part of this innovative and trailblazing approach.
As Head of Contracts, Delivery and Collaboration: Open Mental Health VCSE Alliance, you will be responsible for working closely with the other alliance members to ensure that the alliance delivers on their contractual requirements and in turn ensure that Rethink Mental Illness effectively discharges its role as lead accountable body for Open Mental Health.
You will manage existing and foster new relationships with partner agencies including existing members of Open Mental Health, more widely within the local VCSE and with the statutory bodies (such as the NHS, Local Authority and Integrated Care Board).
You will work alongside lead organisations in the four Somerset localities and other specialist lead organisations, to coordinate delivery of the ambitions of Open Mental Health.
Reporting to the Associate Director for Strategic Partnerships and Alliances, you will lead, co-ordinate and be responsible for multiple workstreams, oversee a large and growing VCSE alliance budget currently over £5 million per year, and ensure the smooth running of the VCSE alliance role in supporting community mental health transformation in Somerset.