Mental Health and WellnessWhat type of job are you looking for? I would like to work with people who are experiencing mental illness. I would like to be able to support these people to move back into the community and become a respected and valued member of society. What nationality are you? New Zealander What languages do you speak (and at what level)? English only. What country or area are you looking to work in and why? Accra , Ghana as I have contacts there. What countries have you worked in? Only New Zealand What countries do you have a visa to work in? Nil at this time. What field do you currently work in? Mental Health Services. NGO sector What fields have you worked in before? Aged Care, Teachers Aide. What qualifications do you hold? National Certificate in Mental health Support Work. Level 4. Diploma in Social Work. Levels 5 & 6. Bachelors Degree in Social Work with a focus on Bi Culturalism.Levels 5, 6 & 7. Which do you consider more valuable? Formal education or skills and why? I consider both of these to be important in moving forward in life. They prepare us for the world and with the formal education it lays a foundation for us to build on in the future.It may teach us that we continue to learn throughout our lives.All skills are equally important in that they assist us with initiative so that we may learn to be proactive and our skill base widens. Describe the benefits of working with others Working with others may mean to work within a team whereby many ideas may help to formulate a better outcome or may mean to assist or support someone to better themselves or regain something they have lost. Describe the benefits of working alone Working alone gives one the experience of autonomy whereby whatever decision is made, has to be well thought through for a positive outcome.Working alone may give the person complete control on how something should be done and only they are answerable hence they would ensure that all procedures were adhered to as per policy and procedure. What was your worst working experience? Having to do CPR on a client. I was lucky to have been working with such a good colleague. We worked together as close partners. She was on the phone with the emergency services and was instructing me and encouraging me whilst I was perfoming CPR. When I tired we swapped positions. After everything the whole team had a debrief. What is the most important lesson you have learnt throughout your career? As a Mental Health worker the most important lesson learnt would have to be about repecting a persons right to have a respectful and decent life in the community of their choice. What unique skills do you have? I believe I am a very positive person and have a great repect for other people and their cultures. I believe I have great vision and innovation in how to assist a person to wholly live in the community. What would you consider as your 'dream job'? Working as a Team Leader for a mental health facility or a community mobile team. What are the most interesting aspects of your field? Seeing people take more responsibility for themselves and to gain more control over their lives rather than people telling them what they can or can't do. What are the least interesting aspects of your field? Seeing people being discriminated against because of their mental illness / disability. Seeing people unmotivated and having no goals or vision of what their life could be like. Where in the World would I like to work and why ? I would like to work in Ghana in the field of Mental Health as a support worker or a social worker. I would like to be based in Accra due to having contacts there. I have seen the work that the organisation 'Basic Needs Basic Rights' do in the mental health field and would really like to do the same. How can potential employers contact you? By personal email. lynn@slingshot.co.nz | 
