Crisis recovery worker jobs

Join the fight for mental health!

Everyone deserves the help and respect they need to recover. At West London Mind, we listen, support recovery, fight stigma, and work with partners to take action on mental health. 

Job Purpose

We are seeking an experienced mental health professional to join our exciting new project, working with those engaging in gambling harms behaviours and affected others. The role will include various workstreams to the service, including: crisis de-escalation, casework, psychoeducation workshops and facilitating a space for peer-led activities.

Your role as a support worker will be to de-escalate those in a state of crisis which is exacerbated or influenced by gambling related behaviours. You will be expected to manage crises within a drop-in model. You will be expected to hold your own caseload of clients, providing 1:1 bespoke advice surrounding gambling and mental health support. In addition, you will aid in facilitating peer-led psychoeducation groups addressing root causes of gambling and a safe environment for loved ones to build meaningful peer connections. You will be joining a small team and be expected to work in partnership with your peer support workers and service lead. We are seeking autonomous, creative individuals with experiences of working with behaviours around addiction.
 

Key Responsibilities

• De-escalate immediate mental health crises
• Co-produce and facilitate various psychoeducation workshops
• Hold your own caseload of clients; providing advice and support on various matters eg financial management, debt, housing and other social issues pertaining to gambling behaviours
• Work autonomously and proactively
• Co-produce and hold a safe environment for peer-led activities
• Engage in extensive outreach across the borough of Hounslow
• Work within an integrative model with existing clinical pathways: collaborative working with NHS and Public Health colleagues
• Ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with relevant legislation and guidance
• Finalise case reports, including clear outcomes of preventative measures in place
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and stakeholders to gather outstanding information
• Management of own safeguarding disclosures and incidents, in line with West London Mind Safeguarding Policy.

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What we are looking for:

• Minimum of 1 year working in mental health services
• Minimum of 1 year working with those impacted by addiction
• Experience of managing safeguarding risks and understanding legal requirements for safeguarding adults and children
• Understanding of relevant legislation and policies
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Ability to work independently and deliver within the tight deadlines
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to manage sensitive information under GDPR with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations if they occur.
• Awareness of issues in mental health service provision
• A good understanding of mental health conditions
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload
• Empathy and non-judgemental approach
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good IT skills including Word, Outlook, Salesforce, Excel and PowerPoint.

Desirable

• Full UK driving licence and car owner

We are an equal opportunities employer; and are proud to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Join the fight for mental health!

Everyone deserves the help and respect they need to recover. At West London Mind, we listen, support recovery, fight stigma, and work with partners to take action on mental health. 

Job Purpose

We are seeking an experienced mental health manager to join our exciting new project, working with those engaging in gambling harms behaviours and affected others. The role will include overseeing various workstreams to the service, including: crisis de-escalation, casework, psychoeducation workshops and facilitating a space for peer-led activities. You will have a small team of support workers and volunteers to manage.

Your role as a team manager will be to directly support a team of support workers and volunteers in all areas of the service. You will aid in de-escalating those in a state of crisis which is exacerbated or influenced by gambling related behaviours. You will be expected to manage crises and your team, within a drop-in model. You will be expected to hold your own caseload of clients, providing 1:1 bespoke advice surrounding gambling and mental health support. In addition, you will aid in overseeing peer-led psychoeducation groups addressing root causes of gambling and a safe environment for loved ones to build meaningful peer connections. We are seeking autonomous, creative individuals with experiences of working with behaviours around addiction and direct management responsibilities.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and empower a team of varied personalities and skills
• Work closely with senior managers, stakeholders including commissioners
• De-escalate immediate mental health crises
• Co-produce and facilitate various psychoeducation workshops
• Hold your own caseload of clients; providing advice and support on various matters eg financial management, debt, housing and other social issues pertaining to gambling behaviours
• Work autonomously and proactively
• Co-produce and hold a safe environment for peer-led activities
• Engage in extensive outreach across the borough of Hounslow
• Work within an integrative model with existing clinical pathways: collaborative working with NHS and Public Health colleagues
• Ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with relevant legislation and guidance
• Finalise case reports, including clear outcomes of preventative measures in place
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and stakeholders to gather outstanding information
• Management of own safeguarding disclosures and incidents, in line with West London Mind Safeguarding Policy.

What we are looking for:

• Minimum of 1 year working in mental health services
• Minimum of 1 year working with those impacted by addiction
• Minimum of 1 year of line management
• Experience of managing safeguarding risks and understanding legal requirements for safeguarding adults and children
• Understanding of relevant legislation and policies
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Ability to work independently and deliver within the tight deadlines
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to manage sensitive information under GDPR with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations if they occur.
• Awareness of issues in mental health service provision
• A good understanding of mental health conditions
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload
• Empathy and non-judgemental approach
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good IT skills including Word, Outlook, Salesforce, Excel and PowerPoint.

Desirable

• Full UK driving licence and car owner

We are an equal opportunities employer; and are proud to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

HFEH Mind are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Trauma Stabilisation Worker

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Due to the nature of the service, it is an occupational requirement that the post holder is female and the post is therefore exempt from the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 in terms of Schedule 9, Part 1, and Paragraph 1 of the Act.

Job Title: Trauma Stabilisation Worker

Location: Based in Hove. Unfortunately there is no step free access available at this service. 

Salary: £31,000 (Full Time Equivalent)

Shift Pattern: 8 hours a week Monday to Friday between the hours of 09:00 - 17:00. You may be required to work outside these hours as per service and resident needs. 

About the Role

We’re hiring a Trauma Stabilisation Worker to join our team based in Hove. In this role, you will support women who have experienced significant trauma and multiple disadvantages, including domestic and sexual violence, exploitation, homelessness, mental ill-health and substance use.

As a Trauma Stabilisation Worker, you will deliver person-centred support and structured interventions to help residents manage trauma, build emotional regulation skills and develop coping strategies to support recovery and housing stability. You will work closely with colleagues and external partners to maintain a trauma-informed, psychologically informed environment that promotes safety, consistency and positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Support residents experiencing trauma, mental ill-health, substance use, homelessness and complex needs

• Deliver structured 1:1 trauma stabilisation interventions and maintain a manageable caseload

• Help residents build emotional regulation, coping skills, and confidence to sustain housing and move forward positively

• Create and review personalised support plans through one-to-one work, group sessions, and multi agency collaboration

• Recognise and respond to risks, including safeguarding concerns and deterioration in mental health

• Plan and deliver trauma-informed group activities and contribute to house meetings

• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to provide joined up support

• Keep accurate, timely records and maintain high standards of case management and confidentiality

• Support residents in crisis while maintaining clear professional boundaries

• Lone working is part of the role, with support from a wider team

About You

We’re looking for an empathetic and resilient individual who understands the impact of trauma and the challenges faced by women with multiple and complex needs. You will have experience supporting people affected by issues such as domestic abuse, mental ill-health, homelessness, and substance use. You will be confident delivering structured support, including one-to-one interventions and group work and be able to engage individuals who may be in distress or disengaged from services. 

You’ll be proactive, organised, and able to manage a varied workload, while working collaboratively within a team. You will be able to work collaboratively as part of a team, and will have alignment with our SIG values. You will be keen to support our residents to achieve their individual goals and support them to be the best versions of themselves. 

• Due to the nature of this service, it is an occupational requirement that the postholder is female
• Be compassionate, non judgmental and trauma informed in your approach

• Understand safeguarding, risk management and professional boundaries

• Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programs; Maintaining accurate records. 

• Be committed to supporting residents to achieve their goals and independence

• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

About the role:

At the heart of Camden’s mission to end rough sleeping, we are recruiting Project Workers across two short-stay accommodation services, with one role based at Gray’s Inn Road and one role based at the Rough Sleepers Hub Assessment Centre at 165 King’s Cross Road. Both services support people experiencing rough sleeping to move away from the streets and towards safe, sustainable housing, but each plays a slightly different role in that journey.

Gray’s Inn Road provides short-stay accommodation for 16 people, usually for three to six months. Funded by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Greater London Authority, and delivered in partnership with One Housing Group and Camden Council, the service offers focused, trauma-informed support for people facing overlapping challenges including homelessness, poor physical and mental health, substance use, trauma and contact with the criminal justice system. As a Project Worker, you’ll hold a caseload, complete in-depth assessments, build tailored support plans and work alongside each person to develop practical life skills, confidence and clear pathways into longer-term housing and independence.

At 165 King’s Cross Road, the Rough Sleepers Hub Assessment Centre provides 16 beds through a shorter, assessment-led model, with planned move-on typically within 28 days. This is a fast-paced service focused on momentum, opportunity and the right next step. You’ll carry out meaningful assessments, respond to complex situations, create personalised support plans and offer practical, hands-on support around housing pathways, wellbeing, daily living skills and opportunities to access training or employment.

Whichever service you join, you’ll work in a psychologically informed and trauma-aware environment, alongside partners including Camden Routes off the Streets, Inroads, Connect Forward and the Adult Pathway. You’ll also contribute to the safe and effective running of the service, while being supported through reflective practice, high-quality training and clear development opportunities. Most importantly, you’ll be part of a team that believes rough sleeping should be rare, brief and not repeated, and that every person deserves the chance to move forward with confidence and hope.

About you:

• You build trust quickly and support people facing multiple disadvantage to set goals, take control and move forward at their own pace
• You stay calm under pressure and respond confidently to crisis, making safe, thoughtful decisions in complex situations
• You understand how to maximise income and financial stability, helping clients navigate benefits, rent and budgeting
• You work with clear, professional boundaries and bring a trauma informed, non-judgemental and strengths-based approach to every interaction
• You’re organised and proactive, able to manage a varied workload, prioritise what matters and adapt to a rota including evenings and weekends

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Please note applications will be reviewed and suitable candidates invited to interview as they are submitted. Therefore, please submit your application as soon as possible to be considered. We reserve the right to close the advert as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. 

There will be a second stage interview for suitable candidates in our service in Camden.

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant. 

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient/without current right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role. 

About the role:

This is your chance to begin a career that changes lives – starting with your own. At Single Homeless Project (SHP), we believe in developing new talent and giving you everything you need to thrive in the homelessness sector.

You will be part of a mission that helps people across London – in Lewisham, Camden, Islington and Leyton – move from crisis to stability and towards a life they can truly enjoy. From day one, you will be supported by experienced colleagues and immersed in a training programme designed to give you the skills, confidence and knowledge to succeed.

As a Trainee Project Worker/Young Person's Worker, you will be based within a project team, working directly with clients or young people to build trust, create safety and support meaningful progress. You will help people settle into the service, engage with support, develop practical life skills, manage day-to-day challenges and take steps towards greater independence. Whether you are supporting adults or young people, you will play an important role in creating a consistent, encouraging environment where people feel listened to, respected and able to move forward.

As a Trainee Floating Support Worker, you will travel across London to meet clients in their homes and communities, tackling housing issues, supporting health and wellbeing, and helping them achieve personal goals. The work is varied, fast-paced and deeply rewarding, with every shift – whether early mornings, late evenings, weekends or bank holidays – bringing the chance to see real change happen.

In return, you will be part of a comprehensive and engaging Trainee Programme, with support around you from day one. You will learn through trainee-specific workshops, formal training, reflective practice, service visits and hands-on experience alongside knowledgeable colleagues across SHP. Over the course of the traineeship, which usually runs for up to 9 months with the possibility of fast-track at 6 months, you will build skills in areas such as housing, benefits, mental health, safeguarding and recovery-focused support. As your confidence and practice grows, your salary will increase at six and nine months, recognising your development and achievements as you build a meaningful career helping people move from homelessness and crisis towards safety, stability and independence.

*We are seeking to recruit a group of trainees to form a cohort starting between August - September. 

About you:

• You do not need previous experience in homelessness, supported housing or a formal support role — what matters is your passion for people, your values, and the transferable skills you bring from your work, study or life experience.
• You can build trust with others, listen without judgement and bring patience, empathy and consistency to people who may be facing complex challenges.
• You are curious, motivated and ready to learn — open to feedback, willing to ask questions, and excited to build your confidence through training, teamwork and hands-on experience.
• You bring energy, creativity and a problem-solving mindset, with the confidence to encourage people to recognise their strengths and take positive steps towards the life they want.
• You believe people deserve to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect, and you want to be part of work that helps clients feel safer, more hopeful and more in control of their future.

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 28th June at Midnight

Interview date: Wednesday 8th, Thursday 9th and Friday 10th July online via Microsoft Teams

Please note, there will be a second round of interviews for those progressed from our initial first stage interviews in person in an SHP service. 

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient/without current right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role. 

We are SIFA Fireside, the support service for any adult in Birmingham that faces homelessness. For 40 years we have supported Birmingham’s most vulnerable people through Homelessness Intervention, Prevention and Recovery services.

The Adult Lead Worker service is based at our main hub in Digbeth but provides city-wide support to adults experiencing multiple disadvantages. This service provides flexible, strengths-based advice and support to people aged 18 years plus who experience two or more of substance use, poor mental health, history of repeat homelessness and offending history. Clients may also be serially excluded from services or be at risk of exclusion from mainstream services.

This is a targeted service that aims to build resilience, improve health and wellbeing and move people towards independent living at an early stage, in order to prevent or delay the need for crisis interventions.

The Lead Workers will also act as a community navigator linking the client into local services and activities, ensuring access to and receipt of necessary care and support that will vary for each client.

Key tasks (selection of)

To ensure that the service operates in a strength-based way, taking a flexible and psychologically informed approach to support.

To ensure that clients are provided with choice and meaningful involvement in decisions about how they receive support, and in identifying and setting goals as agreed with them. To work proactively to reduce barriers and support clients to access services, including for on-going health, mental health and substance use treatment / services.

Manage an active caseload of clients, keeping effective and up to date records and monitoring outcomes through our CRM database system.

To work in partnership with other agencies to ensure that clients receive a coordinated service e.g. substance misuse services, DWP, GP’s, pharmacies.

For the full list of Key Tasks, Managerial Responsibilities and Requirements, please see the Job description and Person Specification on our website.

Housing Interventions Worker - Custody based - HMP Swansea and HMP Parc

Location: Bridgend

Salary: £26,339 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent

If you’re an experienced, positive, and solutions-focused individual with a passion for preventing homelessness, reducing reoffending, and supporting meaningful change in the lives of people involved with Criminal Justice services, this could be the ideal role for you.

The service supports individuals with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement as part of their Community Supervision Licence, helping them prepare for returning to the community upon release. Our service is also available to unsentenced men on remand awaiting sentencing.

About the Role

You’ll be based primarily at HMP Parc (Bridgend) and HMP Swansea, working closely with Probation resettlement colleagues and directly with service users on the prison wings. At times, you may also support the service at HMP Cardiff, HMP Usk, or HMP Prescoed, depending on operational need.

In this role, you’ll deliver housing-focused interventions to improve housing opportunities and prevent homelessness for men on probation or approaching release. You’ll ensure holistic assessments are completed, make onward referrals to specialist services, and work collaboratively with prison, probation, and housing partners to achieve positive outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering 1:1 housing advice and interventions for men in custody or on probation in South Wales
• Completing housing needs assessments and developing structured action plans
• Actively engaging with Camau objectives to prevent homelessness and improve housing options
• Liaising with landlords, agents, and housing providers to source suitable accommodation
• Negotiating tenancy agreements and ensuring all properties meet Rent Smart Wales and safety standards
• Building and maintaining relationships with local authorities, registered social landlords, and private sector partners across Gwent, South Wales, and Dyfed Powys
• Supporting service users to access Forward Connect and other Forward Trust services

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong knowledge of housing and welfare benefits systems
• Experience providing housing or welfare advice to clients
• Proven ability to assess adults with multiple or complex support needs (homelessness, recovery, offending, etc.)
• Experience developing and delivering support plans to help clients sustain tenancies
• Understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in abstinence-based recovery or homelessness

At Forward, we believe in second chances and value lived experience. We encourage applications from people in recovery, those with previous experience of offending, or anyone who has faced homelessness.

All probation-based roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and HMPPS security vetting. These checks can take up to 6-8 weeks to complete. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion of both checks.

Please note if you have lived overseas within the last 5 years then checks may take longer.

About Us

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits - 

• Flexible working
• Training and development opportunities
• Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme 
• Cycle to work scheme
• Crisis Loan Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
• Access to Blue Light Card
• 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays 
• Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter 
• Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary) 
• Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

Main purpose of job:To work in the Navigator team supporting individuals who have or are experiencing sexual violence and or sexual abuse. As a first contact worker, you will act as a gateway to both specialist counselling and advocacy services and additional specialist support services in Essex. You will use your considerable experience to provide a high-quality telephone information and support service.

The support you deliver will help individuals on their pathway to wellbeing, recovery, and social inclusion through building trusting and collaborative relationships. You will guide users to make informed decisions about their own wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources/interventions.

You will work within a team of first contact navigators under the supervision of a service lead. You will be highly motivated and dedicated, have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision.

Start date: As soon as possible (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary:£26,496 - £28,845 (NJC Scales 12-17) per annum, pro-rata.

Contract: This will be a permanent contract.

Hours: 35 hours per week.  

Place of work: CARA premises in Colchester and some remote home working if a suitable environment is available.  Some travel to other locations in Essex may be required, particularly during the induction period.

Holiday: 25 days per year, pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications. 

Application deadline:  10am Friday 24th July 2026 

Interviews:  Week beginning 3rd August 2026

Start date: Immediate, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.

Mandatory Training Dates: To be confirmed.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1

Job Description

The First Contact Navigator posts will play a central role in the CARA team, ensuring that our service users and other agencies receive a high-quality service from the moment of first contact. You will work as part of a wider team of First Contact Navigators across Essex, based at our Synergy Essex Partner centres. The post liaises with clients, the CARA team and external agencies, providing advice, support and information.

The First Contact Navigator will engage with individuals who are experiencing, or who have experienced, sexual violence and or sexual abuse who require information, signposting and short-term support.  You will be the first contact and conduct first meetings, managing your own caseload and co-ordinating personalised support for individuals on their pathway to wellbeing. You will have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision. You will support people who use CARA services to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources. You will work collaboratively with service users, the CARA team and other professional agencies to navigate and coordinate services.  

At the outset, the main responsibilities of the post will be:

• To act as a first point of contact for new referrals and enquiries, providing information, emotional support, advice and signposting.
• To complete first contact calls and assessments with clients over the telephone, assessing client needs and suitabilty for services.
• To ensure information about new referrals/enquiries is accurately recorded on CARA’s database in real time.
• To work collaboratively and build trust with service users, agencies, personal and professional support networks to collate relevant information to effect individualised support requirements.
• To assess and engage service users not currently engaged in appropriate specialist sexual violence services.
• To seek and respond to referrals from a variety of internal and external sources.
• To assist survivors and relatives/supporters of survivors in understanding the range of resources and services available to them.
• To support service users to engage effectively with appropriate services to meet their individual needs and aspirations.
• To identify and respond to any safeguarding concerns
• To work as a link between clients, CARA staff and external agencies, ensuring appropriate information is passed on.
• To work closely with the Essex-wide team of First Contact Navigators and Information and Referral Coordinators to ensure effective referral processes across Essex.
• To act as a point of contact for external agencies making referrals to CARA, answering queries about our referral process.
• To cover the enquiry line and the office phone and deal with enquiries as required.
• To pro-actively promote CARA’s services to external agencies, ensuring they are aware of our referral procedures.
• To contribute to development of promotional information, to ensure information about the referral process is clear and accessible.
• To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.
• To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.
• To report to the Service Engagement Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports.
• To be administratively self-servicing.
• To undertake any other related activities as required by the Head of Operations, CEO or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy Essex

CARA is part of Synergy Essex – the Essex Rape and Sexual Abuse Partnership. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Community Support Worker (Primary Care Network)
Reference Number: 362
Salary: £26,000 - £27,000 per annum
Reports to: Team Leader (Complex Needs & Community)
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Work Pattern: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Contract: Permanent
Working base: Herts Mind Wellbeing Centre closest to Successful applicant(s).

We are looking for a Community Support Worker to join our team. The Primary Care Network Service works in partnership with GP surgeries in Hertfordshire to provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to individuals who are experiencing mental ill health or need support with their mental wellbeing. Supporting people in the community in their own homes and our wellbeing centres.

Community Support (PCN) Service Objectives

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental ill health.
• To increase early access to help for people experiencing mental ill health, by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided by Herts Mind Network and other third sector and statutory providers.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• To ensure correct access via Primary Care into the HMN service therefore reducing the pressure on GP services
• To contribute to an improvement in the proportion of people with mental ill health who are accessing specialist support via their GP surgery
• To provide an assertive outreach approach for clients that may have complex or multiple needs.

The Successful Candidate will

• Provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients who are experiencing mental ill health or need support with their mental wellbeing.
• Maintain and enhance service delivery standards and effectiveness.
• Promoting the service, increasing visibility and being responsive to changing needs.
• Provide practical and emotional support to encourage service users to develop their independence within their local community.
• Ensure that the safety and wellbeing of service users using the service is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.

Key Accountabilities

• To receive referrals a wide range of referral pathways.
• To undertake initial contact with clients and complete a holistic needs assessment, making use of assertive outreach work to achieve the initial client contact, if required.
• To provide holistic support both outreach and in our centres and advocacy services to clients experiencing mental ill health.
• Ensure all person-centered risk assessments and support plans are completed as appropriate.
• To accompany clients to initial visits and appointments as necessary in order to ensure the sustained use of existing support services.
• To liaise with other agencies to ensure that clients receive appropriate support and continue to remain engaged with the service.
• To assist clients to access appropriate mental health services, drug and alcohol services, housing/tenancy services and other services according to assessed needs.
• To establish effective pathways across a variety of agencies to maximise and provide effective partnership working.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is on 6th July 2026 at 5pm
Interviews to be held on a rolling basis at our Watford Wellbeing centre.
Please note: this role may close sooner due to demand in applications.
N.B. Please quote reference number 362 when completing your application for this role.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Luton Wellbeing Service Manager
Post no: 664
Working base: Luton Wellbeing Centre, LU1
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Work Pattern: 5 days per week, Monday to Friday + some occasional out of hours work
Salary: £28,325 per annum

About our Wellbeing Centres

We offer a safe, non-judgmental space to take part in group activities, chat with others over a cuppa, play a game, read a book, or just sit quietly over some mindful colouring. Our sessions are facilitated by our recovery workers, students and volunteers who can also provide information about other services available locally and on ways to support your well-being.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to oversee the daily operation of the Mind BLMK Luton Mental Health Prevention and Recovery Service.

Based at our Luton Wellbeing Centre the service provides a range of activities, groups and support opportunities throughout the week, helping people to manage their mental health, build confidence and progress through their own recovery journeys.

The Service Manager role is varied and rewarding, ensuing the smooth running of the service and playing a key role in shaping and enhancing the service to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the local community. Working in line with Mind BLMK values, you will monitor performance and drive service improvement, promote the service across the area, and build strong partnerships with local organisations, community groups, and key stakeholders.

You will oversee referrals into the service, lead on the assessment of more complex cases to determine suitability, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, person-centred support. You will also provide day to day leadership and supervision to the staff, volunteers, and student team, while maintaining responsibility for the health, safety, and management of the Luton Wellbeing Centre and its facilities.

Service Delivery Includes

Operate a service and ensure outcomes which supports individuals to deescalate crisis and develop strategies for recovery and increased wellbeing, in line with Mind BLMKs Recovery Model and contract requirements and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).

Work with the Operational Services Manager to review, design and implement changes to service delivery and working models, ensuring the service meets the needs of the local community, identifying solutions to gaps in provision and seek opportunities to grow the service and maximise the use of the centre premises.

Contribute to the development of the Luton service plan in line with both Mind BLMK priorities and the wider Luton Mental Health Plan and 2040 vision.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata where applicable)
• Health Plan with a wide range of wellbeing benefits
• NEST Pension Scheme (3% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution)
• Access to ongoing learning and development opportunities, including in-house and external training
• Flexible working opportunities in line with organisational policy
• Supportive and inclusive working environment
• Disability Confident Employer

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date: Friday 26th June at 5:00 pm
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Mental Health Service Manager, Wellbeing Manager, Community Services Manager, Recovery Service Manager, Mental Health Team Leader, Service Delivery Manager, Community Support Manager, Operations Manager, Wellbeing Centre Manager or Mental Health Project Manager.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and actively promote equality, diversity and fairness. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of background or circumstances.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.