Mental Health Ethnic Inequalities Lead

Job purpose To play a key leadership role in developing city-wide capacity and initiatives that prevent and reduce the risk of mental illness, and improve equitable access to mental health services for ethnically diverse communities. To co-ordinate a city-wide grants programme to support this wholesystems approach. To establish, support and coordinate a city-wide network in order to share good practice, build connections across the city and develop collaborations within and beyond Leeds. To work closely with statutory and voluntary sector partners (including Leeds & York Partnership Foundation Trust, Leeds Community Healthcare, Forum Central) in order to build expertise and system capacity. To liaise closely with national organisations, ensuring that local approaches to addressing inequalities in risk and outcomes of mental illness take an evidence-based approach that has impact across the life course. The post-holder will work as part of a cross-city team (Adult Social Care, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds Office of the Integrated Care Board and Public Health) but will be hosted as part of the Public Health, Public Mental Health, under the supervision and guidance of Head of Public Health (Public Mental Health). Responsibilities To develop approaches that combine expert knowledge of research evidence with the narratives of people from ethnically diverse communities and leading work to address ethnic inequalities in mental health. To ensure all activities are informed by those with lived experience of mental illness. To establish and coordinate regular network meetings and communication between members. This will involve use of social media, and coordinating both formal and informal events that bring together a wide range of partners in order to understand and develop actions that address ethnic inequalities in mental health. To develop and co-ordinate commissioned programmes of work and a local grants panel to distribute funding for innovative systems work/development initiatives and activity. To work alongside Children & Families and Older Peoples practitioners to ensure work is aligned with their priorities and objectives across the life course. To champion the use of creative approaches and co-design principles as a way in which to engage and support system change and organise workshops and events. Participate in and provide training and development activities as necessary to ensure knowledge and skills are up to date. Comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council and Departmental policies, procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under the Health and Safety Policy and Procedures. To actively promote and support Leeds City Council's and Departmental Policies on Equal Opportunities and to work in an anti-oppressive manner. To attend and actively participate in support and supervision meetings and other meetings as agreed. Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements. Skills required High level of numeracy and literacy. Proven ability to engage groups of people, public speaking and facilitation. Proven ability to analyse information/and apply theory to practice. A proven ability to work constructively with conflict in order to bring about positive change. Ability to appraise and apply evidence from a range of sources. High level skills in working collaboratively and using co-design approaches and principles. Able to work on own initiative, work creatively and flexibly. An ability to work in partnership with colleagues across a wide range of organisations. An ability to take forward initiatives from planning and development to implementation. Able to work to agreed work programmes and timetables. An ability to work flexibly across a range of initiatives and with partners as part of a larger team. An ability to manage competing priorities and to respond and adapt to changing needs and opportunities. Able to develop good working relationships with colleagues, partners and older people that create respect, trust and confidence. Willing to take responsibility for the Health and Safety of yourself and others in line with Council Health and Safety policies. Knowledge/qualifications required Extensive knowledge about mental health services, mental health policy (in particular, the use of the mental health act) and community development approaches. Extensive knowledge and understanding of policy and strategy in relation to health, well-being and inequalities in ethnically diverse communities. Knowledge and understanding of the role that racism and discrimination plays in affecting the mental health and wellbeing of ethnically diverse communities. Strong local knowledge about the city of Leeds and the communities at highest risk of poorer mental health. Understanding of Local Government political systems, the Health Service and Voluntary sector Degree Experience required Extensive experience of working collaboratively with ethnically diverse communities. Experience of working with individuals, communities and organisations from different backgrounds and sectors. Proven experience of challenging racism and discrimination and affecting change within ethnically diverse Communities. Significant experience of using co-design/co-creation, collaborative and creative approaches. Experience of organising workshops and events. Experience of preparing, presenting and publicising reports in ways appropriate to different audiences. Experience of identifying where there is the potential for change, and working with others to achieve this. Experience of working in situations where there is a high level of challenge, and being able to manage conflict and disagreement. Managing a budget. Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics High levels of emotional intelligence and an ability to build strong networks and relationships across sectors and communities. Commitment to social justice and to addressing inequalities in health, specifically as they relate to people from ethnically diverse communities. An ability to be adaptable and to work creatively. To have a confident, warm and engaging manner. Belief in the value of using creative approaches to bring about change. Able to work flexibly-hours and location, and willingness to travel. Understand and embraceLeeds City Council Values and Behavioursand codes of conduct. Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering theBest City Ambitionof Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon. Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies. Carry out all duties having regard to an employees responsibility under Health and Safety Policies. Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities. Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities. Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures. Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council. Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person. The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters. Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates. Skills Required Extensive social media skills. Facilitating co-design, co-creation events. Knowledge/qualifications required Postgraduate diploma. In depth knowledge of the mental health act and how it disproportionately affects people from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Experience required Experience of managing a grants programme.

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