Independent mental health advocate jobs in twickenham, greater london

About The Advocacy Project

We help people speak up and make decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. We’re here to make sure people who are vulnerable because of their circumstance can understand their rights, make effective choices about their lives and voice their concerns.

Some of the ways we do this include:

· advocacy services that make sure people can express their wishes when decisions are being made about their care or wellbeing

· user involvement projects that help organisations improve what they offer by listening to people who use their services

· local Healthwatch services, which act as health and social care champions for the areas they serve and give people a direct channel to share their feedback

· innovative Personal Health Budget projects that allow people to access items and services to improve their wellbeing.

Our services are independent, confidential, and free to those receiving them. Together, our teams are standing up for essential rights and supporting people to have a say on the issues that matter to them.

About the role

The post-holder will provide independent advocacy in various settings, including in the community, people’s homes, and hospital settings including mental health wards. You’ll raise awareness of advocacy, including for people from minority ethnic communities. You’ll work as part of a team of independent advocates, reporting to the Advocacy Service Manager. 

You will work as part of the Ealing advocacy team. You may also need to carry out your role in other London boroughs.

Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the post holder will be required to visit CQC registered care homes and would be subject to government requirements.

Key responsibilities

î  Provide advocacy for eligible people under Mental Health Act 2007, the Health and Social Care Act 2012, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and under the Care Act 2014.

î  Provide a one-to-one advocacy service for people and undertake case work, evidencing and uploading case notes and data in a timely manner.

î  Provide instructed and non-instructed advocacy, where appropriate.

î  Provide information, support or signpost clients in order to inform or empower individuals on any issues about their treatment under the relevant legislation.

î  Act as duty advocate for our Single Point of Access referral line on a rota basis.

î  Meet case-working standards, monitoring system requirements and the goals for our service, making sure everyone needing advocacy is referred into the service in the right way.

î  Work within the location-specific engagement protocols, security, confidentiality and safeguarding policies (in addition to the Advocacy Best Practice Handbook).

î  Actively promote self-advocacy throughout all work with patients, where practical.

î  Raise awareness of independent advocacy and referring pathways to eligible people and referring agencies.

î  Keep your knowledge of legislation and policy up-to-date, including the mental health act, mental capacity act, care act, and local / national policy.

î  Keep up to date with developments and good practice in independent advocacy (including different advocacy models).

î  Develop good working relationships with key staff within health and social care services.

î  Be an active member of the advocacy service, contributing to service planning and providing cover for other colleagues when needed.

General responsibilities

î  Participate in team meetings and training.

î  Participate in personal, team and organisational development.

î  Contribute to monitoring reports.

î  Keep to our policies, including health & safety, and risk regulations.

î  Work to our mission, vision, and values.

î  Carry out other projects and tasks as needed.

Person specification

We welcome applications from people with transferrable skills and qualities, and people with diverse employment histories and personal backgrounds.

Essential qualities and attributes:

î  Understanding of the role and responsibilities of an advocate.

î  Understanding of issues faced by people with mental health conditions, physical health conditions and learning disabilities.

î  Ability to listen and build trust, to encourage people to express their own views and to represent clients’ self-defined interests.

î  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal). Good at working with a wide variety of people including commissioners, service users and colleagues.

î  IT literate, including working knowledge of Microsoft packages (Excel, Word, Outlook).

î  Commitment to working within The Advocacy Project code of conduct, equality and safeguarding policies.

î  Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative, to plan and prioritise your own workload.

î  Willingness to promote The Advocacy Project and its services in line with our mission, vision and values.

î  Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Desirable knowledge, experience and qualifications:

î  Experience of delivering different forms of advocacy (instructed and non-instructed; IMHA, ICAA, IMCA, IHCA,) within a statutory advocacy service.

î  Knowledge of the Mental Health Act / Mental Capacity Act / Care Act and other statutory legislation as it applies to advocacy.

î  Knowledge of mental health sections and social care services, including current issues in policy and practice.

î  Understanding of the Accessible Information Standard.

î  Advocacy qualification.

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.

Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.

All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.

We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer.

Be Part of Something Bigger: Join the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Help Shape Safer Communities

Are you passionate about making a real, lasting difference in people's lives? Do you have the resilience, empathy, and adaptability to support victims and help drive real change?

If you thrive in an innovative, collaborative, and learning-focused environment, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
For nearly 40 years, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust has been at the forefront of personal safety, standing up for victims, influencing national policy, and raising awareness to creat safer, more confident communities. 
From launching award-winning services to being a trusted voice in national media, our work has real visibility, real credibility, and real impact.  When you join us, your work doesn't disappear into the background it makes headlines, shapes policy, and changes lives.

We're Hiring: Advocates - London Stalking Support Service, Stalking Threat Assessment Centre and National Advocacy
In partnership with MOPAC, this specialist role is your chance to support victims of stalking with expert advice and advocacy for London, all while hlping to shape a trauma-informed, survivor-led approach that leads the sector.  The Stalking Threat Assessment centre is a multi-agency partnership involving the Metropolitan Police, NHS mental health services and Probation services to effectively manage stalking perpetrators and support victims.  Advocates within this team are co-located within the STAC unit, minimum one day a week.

You will be:

• Part of a respected, mission-driven team
• Contributing to a legacy of nearly four decades of meaningful impact
• Part of a strong culture of learning, support, and inclusivity
• Working in a space where your voice matters, and your work truly counts

Initially office-based (London) for 3 months to support a meaningful induction, moving to a blended working model (40% office / 60% home). While London-based candidates are ideal, we'll consider applicants from nearby areas too.

What we offer in return:

In return for our staff’s commitment and dedication, we offer a range of Company Benefits:

• Hybrid working (minimum 40% in the office and agile working enabled to work from home) after 3 monts
• Flexitime Policy 
• 28 days annual leave (which increases after 3 and 5 years to a maximum of 33 days pro rata) + public holiday
• Special leave for life events, such as 1 day off for moving house and a paid day off for your birthday
• Pension scheme with 5% employer contribution 
• Health & Wellbeing App with access to advice, counselling, support and a wide range of discounts 
• Occupational Sick Pay (which increases after 3 years)
• Cycle to Work scheme (cycle racks on site) 
• Interest-free travel loan for annual season ticket 
• Regular all-staff off-site meetings and events

Hours: 35 per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £30,135

Deadline: 11th August end of day
First Interviews to take place Wednesday 20th August, Friday 22nd August

About The Advocacy Project

We help people speak up and make decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. We’re here to make sure people who are vulnerable because of their circumstance can understand their rights, make effective choices about their lives and voice their concerns.

Some of the ways we do this include:

· advocacy services that make sure people can express their wishes when decisions are being made about their care or  wellbeing

· user involvement projects that help organisations improve what they offer by listening to people who use their services

· local Healthwatch services, which act as health and social care champions for the areas they serve and give people a  direct channel to share their feedback

· innovative Personal Health Budget projects that allow people to access items and services to improve their wellbeing.

Our services are independent, confidential, and free to those receiving them. Together, our teams are standing up for essential rights and supporting people to have a say on the issues that matter to them.

About the role

The post-holder will lead a team of advocates working with adults and young people across NHS and private hospitals and the local community.

You will be required to provide line management support, be the point of contact for our stakeholders and ensure high quality delivery of our advocacy contracts.

Key responsibilities

î  Lead the delivery of assigned advocacy services actively encouraging your team to contribute to service planning, quality improvement and development.

î  Ensure the team provides instructed and non-instructed advocacy and signposting, working to the advocacy empowerment cycle and actively promoting self-advocacy throughout all work with service users where practicable.

î  Ensure the team capture high quality advocacy notes, outcomes information and other evidence into the Case Management System in a timely manner.

î  Maintain up-to-date knowledge of new legislation and reports and current trends and issues in mental health, mental capacity, care act, and health and social care legislation, local and national policy relating to people with mental health issues and disseminate across your team.

î  Ensure quality standards are achieved by implementing operational policies and procedures to maintain professional and consistent advocacy services.

î  Ensure contracts are delivered within budget, to agreed key performance indicators, case work standards and monitoring requirements, eg producing reports including quarterly monitoring reports.

î  Lead on raising awareness of the advocacy service to service users and potential referrers.

î  Ensure referrals are allocated efficiently, appropriately and within the requirements of the contract.

î  Provide support and supervision to your staff team including professional development, appraisals, team meetings and work review meetings, and organisational activities such as CPD lectures and staff briefings.

General responsibilities

î  Participate in team meetings and training (and make sure your staff to attend).

î  Keep to our policies, including health & safety, and risk regulations.

î  Work to our mission, vision, and values.

î  Carry out other projects and tasks as needed.

î  Participate in personal, team and organisational development.

î  Contribute to monitoring reports.

Person specification

Essential

î  Experience of delivering advocacy.

î  Achieved qualification in advocacy.

î  Proven leadership ability and strong people management skills.

î  Experience of managing contracts and delivering advocacy services.

î  Understanding of statutory and non-statutory advocacy.

î  Sound knowledge of current issues in health and social care policy, practice and legislation.

î  Exceptional stakeholder management abilities with experience of building effective relationships with ranging commissioners, partners, service users and colleagues.

î  Excellent communications (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills. Effective in working with a wide variety of stakeholders ranging from trustees to service users and employees.

î  Commitment to working within The Advocacy Project code of conduct, equalities and safeguarding policies.

î  Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative, to plan and prioritise your own workload.

î  Willingness to promote The Advocacy Project and the mental health service in line with our mission, vision and values.

Desirable knowledge, experience and qualifications:

î  Achieved qualification in advocacy management Advocacy qualification.

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.

Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.

All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.

We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer.

Job Title: Experienced Associate Independent Investigating Officers (IOs) for Stage 2 Complaints (This role sits within our Independent Person for Complaints (IPC) service)

Contract: Associate

Hours: Variable, according to demand for services/caseload and role in investigation

Salary: £25.25 per hour

Location: Associate Independent Investigating Officers for Complaints primarily work from home. Some travel may be required as part of an investigation – location will vary according to the referral received from the Local Authority. Cases will be allocated to Associate IOs living locally to the referring authority, wherever possible.

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity, founded by Thomas Coram in London, helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

About the role

We are seeking additional experienced Associate Independent Investigating Officers (IO) for Complaints, to increase our capacity to respond to referrals from Local Authorities to provide an independent element to the formal Stage 2 investigations under the Children Act 1989.

The IO will lead investigations, and will give the complainant (who may be a child, young person or adult) the opportunity to express their view, ensure the child or young person’s rights and best interests are at the centre of the investigation and that the investigation/review process is open and transparent. They write a report on the investigation/review, which is submitted to the referring agency.

The Job Description document sets out the expectations for an Associate Independent Person for Complaints (IPC) who is approved by Coram Voice. IPCs are independent, freelance and responsible for their own work. Nevertheless, IPCs are accountable to the organisation for their professional standards and are expected to comply with Coram Voice Code of Ethics and Practice Guidelines.

Please note: the nature of associate work means that we cannot guarantee a regular amount of work, and complaints will be allocated dependent on the associate’s availability, location and the needs and demands of the individual case. Investigation work takes place Monday to Friday within working hours. This position is not suitable for applicants who already work or have commitments more than two days within the working week.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing date: Please note this is a rolling recruitment campaign

Interview date: TBC

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBTQ+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Reporting to: Active Minds Manager

Responsible for:  Volunteer Peer Buddies. No staff responsibilities

Hours: 36 hours per week, worked Mon-Fri

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9am – 5pm

At least two evening shifts Tuesday and Thursday 11:30am-7:30pm

Location: Orchard House, 15A Purley Road, South Croydon, CR2 6EZ, although required to work at other sites as requested by the Manager. Travel to different sites across Croydon throughout the week.

Mind in Croydon is a charity concerned with the welfare of people with mental health problems living in the London Borough of Croydon and the surrounding areas. Mind in Croydon delivers Mental Health Transformation Program services alongside Croydon BME Forum, these include Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space and Mental Health Personal Independence Coordinators. Other services include Recovery Space, Advocacy, Active Minds, Carers Support, Peer Support In Reach, Social Networking and a Counselling Service.

Mind in Croydon’s Active Minds Project is a support service which promotes improving both physical and mental health through connecting with others and being active, This empowers individuals to regain lost skills and obtain new skills and the confidence necessary for independent life in the community, through joining activities such as yoga, badminton, gardening etc.

Mind in Croydon is an equal opportunities employer. No job applicant or employee will be discriminated against on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We encourage applications from those with Lived Experience.

To apply please send your CV and a Covering Letter explaining:

• Why would you like to apply for this role?
• How your skills and experience relate to the competencies in the Person Specification of the job description?
• What value you can add to the service?

Job Title: Duty IDVA

Hours: Part time, 28 hours per week

Salary: £26,000 - £28,000 pro-rata

Location: Hammersmith with some home working

Contract Type: Part-time-4 days per week on a fixed term contract until the end of March 2026

This post is open to female applicants only as this is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Advance is committed to equality and diversity and strongly encourages applications from women with diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, BAME and LBT communities.

Job Summary

The IDVA will work within a dynamic, fast paced, crisis intervention, advocacy and support service to ensure the voice of survivors informs every stage of the process.

They will advise women on criminal justice and civil remedies and related matters, support women to attend court where necessary, and coordinate the provision of multi-agency support.

The post holder will hold a reduced caseload of survivors and will also be required to work as part of Advance’s duty team based in Hammersmith which will involve completing intake assessments and providing crisis intervention support.

The post holder will have an excellent understanding of domestic abuse and its effects on women and children, and of best practice within the domestic abuse sector. As an experienced domestic abuse advocate who has worked with complex and multiple needs, the post holder will be skilled in risk management and safety planning, remaining calm in a crisis and in handling sensitive information on a daily basis.

Experience of direct work with female survivors of domestic abuse and of working within safeguarding procedures is essential for this post, as is the need to adopt and promote a strong partnership approach to service provision.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Ensure effective access to the service for women and girls and encourage their engagement with services through multi-agency working and service flexibility.
• To work within the team to conduct comprehensive assessments of needs and risk for women experiencing domestic abuse referred to our services.
• To carry out short- and longer-term risk management, safety planning and support; and identify and refer to services appropriate to their needs, including attendance at specialist/dedicated courts and MARAC as required.
• Develop and deliver safety and support plans that include delivery of high-quality face-to-face or telephone crisis intervention, information, advocacy, and support, in respect to criminal and civil remedies, housing, health, welfare rights, children’s legislation and other appropriate interventions.
• Advise women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, making referrals and co-ordinating the provision of multi-agency support where necessary, and proactively advocate ensuring barriers to accessing support and protection are minimised.
• Proactively assess the needs and safety of any children that women using the service may have, ensure that any risks/needs identified are addressed directly with the woman, and take appropriate action to safeguard them.
• If a client is involved in the criminal justice system as a witness, provide them with information, advocacy, and support as cases progress through the criminal justice system, supporting them to apply for special measures and to give impact statements, to maximise their safety to help them give best evidence and accompanying women to court where necessary.
• Work with the management team and Data Insights Analyst to ensure all monitoring and evaluation for the project is accurate and fully maintained, keeping managers informed of any issues and successes.
• Ensure that agreed case recording and monitoring systems are kept up to date and secure, and write internal and external reports where required, including for safeguarding conferences, team meetings, managers and others as required.
• Use appropriate institutional advocacy to maximise positive outcomes and use the appropriate reporting mechanisms to highlight persistent or recurring issues that arise.
• Be responsible for your own personal learning development and keep up to date on research, relevant legislation, policy and practice, and other literature relevant to the role.
• Participate in supervision, training and meetings as required and assist in the development of services in line with agreed development plans.

How to apply

Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits

• A 35-hour working week
• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee eye-care scheme
• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
• Organisation wide away days
• Thorough induction and training
• Career development pathways

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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing

At our Safe Space Cafe, we believe in the power of connection and understanding. Join us in making a positive impact in the lives of our clients through this key role which will provide a warm welcome to all accessing mental health support.

What you’ll do 

• Provide a supportive Safe Space Café as part of our warm welcome for people accessing our services
• Work collaboratively with the Connecting Communities team to signpost people to local services, activities, and events.
• Support people with mental health issues to develop employment skills through volunteering and work-based placements in the Safe Space Café
• Support trainees, apprentices and volunteers on placements in the Safe Space Café

See the job pack for full details

Are you passionate about making a real and lasting difference to the lives of young people in London?

The Role

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and experienced support worker to join our Young People Support Team based in Hackney. You will provide client directed, person centred support to help young people achieve personal goals and aspirations for independent living, training, employment, and education. You will assist and collaborate with young people to create and carry out a support plan designed around their needs and aspirations, providing information and inspiration, practical support, innovation, and encouragement. You will have an individual caseload but will work alongside a team of Support Workers, with similar client groups, working to the same principles and goals. 

Our Organisation

You will work a combination of office, client-home, community, and home-based working. Causeway is a 4-day week employer, and this role is part-time 16 hours per week, worked over 3 days. Your working hours will be Wednesdays 11am-3pm, Thursdays 10am-4:30pm (with an unpaid 30 minute break), and Fridays 10am-4pm (with an unpaid 30 minute break). Causeway is a London living wage employer, with a competitive pension scheme. We also offer an employee assistance programme that provides free financial, legal, and mental health advice and support to our employees. We provide core training, and continuous learning and development throughout your career with us. 

About You

You will have experience of working in support, supported housing or advice services. You will have experience of supporting young people to develop aspirations and form healthy relationships. You have a drive for and commitment to equal rights and diversity. You have knowledge of the issues confronting young people and the needs of vulnerable homeless people in general, with a sound knowledge of safeguarding and risk assessments. You love to work in a client- centred way and plan your work and deadlines to get the best for your clients. You are flexible, creative, and offer a personalised approach to your clients. You are a team-player, and you are passionate about driving your own performance and development at work. 

About the role:

At Single Homeless Project's (SHP) Elms, we’re looking for a passionate and experienced Support Assistant ready to make a lasting difference in people's lives. Elms is a vibrant service based in Leyton (Waltham Forest) that brings together supported housing, a daytime activity programme, and a small floating support service. The supported housing element provides longer-term placements for adults with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, some of whom may also be managing physical health needs. Here, you’ll play a vital role in supporting residents to maintain their daily routines, manage their treatment, and grow in confidence as they move toward greater independence. From encouraging healthy eating and personal care to assisting with medication prompts and helping to keep living spaces welcoming and safe, you’ll be a consistent and trusted presence in their journey.

You’ll also contribute to our lively day service, where activities like bowling, lunch clubs and gardening groups help individuals reconnect with their community, learn new skills, and find joy in shared experiences. In addition, you’ll support former residents who are now living semi-independently, offering that extra bit of help as they navigate life with increasing autonomy. Working closely with Project Workers, you’ll be involved in a wide variety of recovery-focused tasks across the service, with the chance to build meaningful, lasting relationships along the way.

Joining SHP means more than taking on a role – it’s a chance to grow your career within an organisation committed to learning, development and progression. You’ll be part of a supportive, skilled team that values your insight and initiative. And most importantly, you’ll be helping people rebuild their lives, rediscover their strengths, and shape futures they can be proud of.

About you:

• An understanding of the principles of planned support and working with clients with multiple disadvantage.
• A level of numeracy sufficient to carry out tasks such as budgeting with clients, calculating benefit entitlements and understanding rent arrears.
• The ability to be self-motivating, work under pressure and manage time effectively, prioritising different areas of work according to need.
• An ability to be self-servicing in the use of IT applications and basic keyboard skills to record activities and to send and receive emails.
• The ability to coach someone to undertake a range of practical tasks relating to their independent living including moving into a new home.

About us:

Single Homeless Project is a London-wide charity. Our vision is of a society where everyone has a place to call home and the chance to live a fulfilling life.

We help single Londoners by preventing homelessness, providing support and accommodation, promoting wellbeing, enhancing opportunity, and being a voice for change. From supporting people in crisis to helping people take the final steps towards independence and employment, we make a difference to 12,000 lives every year across all 32 boroughs.

We offer you more than a job; we offer you a chance to be part of a compassionate, driven team that's committed to making a real difference in people's lives. You'll have the opportunity to lead, co-create, and inspire change while enjoying a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Join us in creating a brighter, more hopeful future for individuals in need. 

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 10th August at midnight

Interview date: Monday 18th August at ELMS Service in Leyton

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 requiring sponsorship will not be accepted or progressed.

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: Refugee Community Outreach Worker
Reference: 297
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £26,000 - £76,000 per annum
Based: Flexible across our 7 Hertfordshire wellbeing centres

We have a vacancy for a Community Outreach Worker to join our team, supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the community with multiple needs who have mental health as a primary need, through providing advice, information and holistic support.

About the Service

This is an exciting and reasonably new project, ‘Flourish’ – Mental Health for Refugees in Hertfordshire, which is a highly flexible and responsive outreach service developed to meet the needs of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine & other refugees in Hertfordshire.

The countywide holistic service also provides emotional wellbeing support for families who are hosting refugees.

Purpose of Post

• To provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients with mental ill health.
• Support to build social networks and reduce isolation whilst settling into the Hertfordshire community this includes building a sustainable and empowering peer support network and building confidence and self-esteem.
• To ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and solution focused approach in all aspects of the role.
• To work in a trauma informed way including awareness of the 6 principles of trauma informed practice, putting the clients emotional and practical needs at the forefront of this work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working closely with all key delivery partners across the system to ensure the service is responsive, inclusive and easy to access.
• To take allocated referrals from any agencies including the Community Navigators, Borough and District Councils, Herts Help, Housing Providers, the Refugee Council and self-referrals including walk in contacts at any of the Mind wellbeing centres across the county.
• Hold a caseload of clients, supporting for approx. 10 weeks
• To create a safe space for the individual to be able to explore their feelings and improve their understanding around their mental health.
• To complete a holistic needs assessment, making use of assertive outreach work to achieve the initial client contact, if required.
• Ensure all person-centred risk assessments and support plans are completed as appropriate.
• Proactively recognise the indicators of deteriorating mental health and facilitate appropriate action, whilst liaising with relevant agencies.
• To provide safeguarding intervention support. This will include responding to problems, which pose an immediate risk.
• To work alongside translators when required to provide a robust package of support for clients.
• To provide advocacy services to clients experiencing mental ill health.
• To accompany clients to initial visits and appointments as necessary in order to ensure the sustained use of existing support services in the Borough.
• To work with the third sector and signpost to other agencies as necessary to improve the health and wellbeing of clients referred to the service.
• 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, 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.
• Support clients to build their emotional resilience, promoting self-management through building an understanding of their own triggers/coping strategies.
• To actively seek the views and feedback from refugees and hosting families in order to shape and improve service delivery.

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.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• 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 is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of application: Ongoing until role is filled.

Interviews: Applications are being reviewed on an ongoing basis with flexibility around interviews.
Please note: we reserve the right to close the post once we have reached maximum applications or filled the 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. 

Equal Opportunities

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. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with a lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings. We create an environment where the sharing of experiences and vulnerabilities to support others and create positive change is welcomed and work towards breaking down the ‘them’ and ‘us’ culture. The organisation is committed to nurturing peer relationships that allow all staff to thrive.

No agencies please.

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.

Community Outreach Worker (Community Support Service)
Reference: 298
Salary: £26,000 - £26,500 per annum, depending on skills and experience, inclusive of Outer London Weighting (OLW)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (5 Days)
Contract: 12 months Fixed Term
Reports to: Team Leader or Services Manager (CSS/DAS)
Main base(s): Watford Wellbeing Centre, providing outreach around Three Rivers.

Purpose of Post

The Community Outreach Worker (Community Support Service) provides people with complex needs who have mental health as a primary need. This includes people who may have drug and alcohol difficulties. Particularly when they are coming into repeat contact with Police, Tenancy Sustainment Services, Housing and Homelessness Services and Environmental Health Services.

About the service

Our Community Support Service is here to provide advice, information and holistic outreach support to people who are experiencing mental ill-health or need help with their mental wellbeing. We work alongside people to develop an individually tailored package of support that meets their needs, working with clients to find the solutions that are right for them. This service is flexible to help resolve real-life difficulties and improve client’s independence, quality of life and wellbeing.

The service will be delivered in Three Rivers, based at the Herts Mind Network Wellbeing Centre, providing outreach around Three Rivers.

The purpose of the Community Support Service Outreach Worker is to:

• To provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients with coexisting drug and alcohol difficulties and mental ill-health. These will be clients who are presenting to the Police, Anti-Social Behaviour, Tenancy Enforcement, Housing and Environmental Health Services within Three Rivers.
• To ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and solution focused approach in all aspects of the role.
• To raise greater awareness of complex needs and the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) amongst local service providers. Supporting them to gain confidence in working positively and consistently with people who have multiple needs.

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.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• 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 is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 8th August 2025.
Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. Early submissions are encouraged.
Interviews to be held at Watford Well-being centre

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. 

Equal Opportunities 
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. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with a lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings. We create an environment where the sharing of experiences and vulnerabilities to support others and create positive change is welcomed and work towards breaking down the ‘them’ and ‘us’ culture. The organisation is committed to nurturing peer relationships that allow all staff to thrive.

No agencies please.

The successful candidate will be expected to endorse and promote the objectives set out as part of AvMA’s five year strategic plan.

Lawyers Service

• Providing high quality services to our lawyers including identifying and recommending appropriate medical experts to clinical negligence solicitors; maintaining and developing the medical expert database. Routinely considering the Experts’ Protocol and ensuring that it remains relevant and fit for purpose.

Inquest Service

• Assessing cases for eligibility for AvMA’s pro bono Inquest Service according to AvMA’s criteria.
• Preparing cases for the coroner’s court to include sorting medical records; liaising with bereaved families by phone and in writing; researching medical literature; taking and preparing initial statements; liaising with the Coroner’s officer; securing appropriate disclosure documents; instructing counsel; assisting with preparation of bundles of documents for the hearing. Identifying general and specific patient safety issues; considering need for Prevention of Future Death Reports and or Action Plans.
• Attendance at pre-inquest hearings and inquest hearings with counsel and the family. This may involve travel and overnight stays. Out-of-pocket expenses are paid. Although overtime is not payable, time out of the office is recoverable in accordance with AvMA Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) policy. Attendance may also be required to attend partial remote hearings via Teams/Zoom
• Capturing and recording key data from inquests, securing feedback from clients.
• Working with Medico Legal Team Leader to ensure appropriate publicity on case outcomes where appropriate to include obtaining relevant client consents and that the case is written up for potential publication in AvMA’s Lawyer Service Newsletter ​​​​​​​

Advice & Information Service

• Providing advice, support and information to the public through written casework. This involves helping people affected by medical accidents to obtain an understanding of what has happened to them, their rights and the most appropriate option(s) for resolving their concerns and meeting their needs including referrals to panel solicitors.

Helpline

• Providing advice and assistance to the public on AvMA’s specialist helpline. Training will be given and in due course assisting the Helpline Development Officer to train helpline volunteers.

Other Duties

• To endorse and promote the objectives set out as part of AvMA’s five year strategic plan: AvMA's 5 Year  Strategic Plan
• Junior Certification: Promoting the Certificate Competence Scheme (junior lawyer scheme) to include assessing applications received
• Feedback from clients: Working on the direction of ML Director and ML Team Leader to secure maximum feedback from clients on inquest and advice and information services
• Website: Helping to keep AvMA self-help leaflets up to date on the website
• Occasional representation of AvMA at meetings and events
• Conference: To help develop AvMA’s annual conference programme and other conferences as appropriate.

We are looking for 2 organised and dedicated Project Workers who have a strong empathy with single homeless people, to coordinate our intensive housing management services across our South London boroughs.

You will be joining a small , friendly registered charity and registered provider with a supportive team.

Job purpose

The Project Worker will be responsible for the delivery of a responsive intensive housing management service to clients allocated by the Team Leader.

The central aim of the role is to support homeless clients temporarily living in CLHT placements to become as independent as possible and to facilitate timely move-on into independent living settings.

This will be achieved through regular client-led keywork sessions and in close collaboration with external partners. 

The Project Worker will coordinate the day-to-day smooth running of each house they are responsible for.

Duties and responsibilities specific to the role

Intensive Housing Management

1. Responsible for a broad range of housing management activities, including signing up new residents, issuing licensing agreements, delivering new client inductions, occupancy management and eviction / abandonment.
2. Evictions are a last resort and CLHT works within the Homeless Link guidance on preventing evictions and abandonment.
3. Work collaboratively with the Finance team to coordinate rent/ service charge collections
4. Carry out regular occupancy checks.
5. Maintain accurate and timely records related to housing management activities, within the requirements of GDPR.
6. Maintain a healthy and safe environment and encourage clients to take individual responsibility for their living environment and for positive relationships with fellow residents.
7. Ensure the accommodation where clients live is clean and maintained to a high standard, in line with CLHT property standards.
8. Ensure the accommodation meets all legal and statutory health and fire safety requirements
9. Work in close collaboration with the Maintenance team to ensure all repairs and maintenance issues are correctly reported and resolved.
10. To promote and encourage client participation in the Intensive Housing Management process and to act as advocate for clients when necessary.
11. This includes leading regular house meetings and encouraging clients to become ‘resident representatives’.
12. To document each visit to projects, detailing tasks undertaken, any changes that have occurred and other relevant information.
13. Manage antisocial behaviour and clients complaints in line with our Anti-Social Behaviour and Complaints procedures.
14. Liaise with senior managers to ensure complaints are addressed in a timely manner.

Health and Safety

1. Adhere to best practice in meeting the requirements of health and safety legislation in all aspects of the organisation’s work.
2. Ensure you undertake required health and safety training.
3. Comply with Health and Safety requirements and conduct all activities in a manner which is safe for yourself and others.
4. Ensure you follow the Lone Working Policies and Procedures - making full use of the IT Lone Working tools made available by CLHT
5. To report and record any accident or incident which may occur- no matter how minor - whether to clients or staff, follow RIDDOR reporting procedures, report to the police where applicable in line with policies at all times.
6. To report immediately to management on any aspect of a service user’s placement that may warrant an investigation or urgent action.

Keyworking, Support planning, risk assessment

1. Ensure all clients have a robust risk assessment, needs assessment and support plan which identifies and meets their needs as far as possible within the remit of the service.
2. Use the SMART process to ensure all actions from keyworking are followed up.
3. Develop client engagement techniques, being creative in your approach to encourage client participation in the keyworking, support planning and risk assessment process.
4. Always ensure that clients are provided with the full range of information required to make informed decisions which encourages freedom and empowerment.
5. Signpost and refer to external statutory and voluntary sector partners where necessary
6. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with all key partners, escalating any concerns about partner agency engagement to your line manager.
7. Maintain up-to-date, GDPR-compliant records on CLHT IT systems, including clients signed copies of all keyworking, support planning and risk assessment documents.
8. Develop and maintain a thorough working knowledge of Adult Safeguarding

Team Working

1. Foster a positive team culture, being supportive of colleagues
2. Participate in minimum monthly one-to-one supervision and team meetings to assist you in carrying out your duties.
3. Perform in line with policies and procedures, including drawing to the attention of senior manager’s matters concerning capability.
4. Support apprentices and volunteers, ensuring that their skills are utilised to support quality service delivery.
5. Work to meet team targets.
6. Support new team members in progressing through an induction programme
7. To advise of any ideas which may enhance or improve the level of service delivered

Other

1. No job description can be entirely comprehensive. The post holder will be expected to carry out such other duties as may be required from time to time in accordance with the job description.
2. Willingness to work flexibly in response to changing organisational requirements.
3. Keep managers informed of all significant issues relating to and affecting service delivery.
4. Ensure compliance with CLHT Equality and Diversity policy & procedure
5. Ensure Client Information is stored in line with Data Protection and Confidentiality guidelines.
6. Attend regular meetings as directed by management. 
7. Adhere to the Company's medication policy at all times, and ensure that medical emergencies are dealt with appropriately.

Person specification

Knowledge

1. Working knowledge of the welfare benefits system, particularly in relation to clients accommodated in intensive housing management settings
2. An understanding of the common reasons for homelessness amongst single homeless people with support needs
3. Knowledge of other key partner agencies, such as Probation, Community Mental Health Teams , Local Authority homelessness services , the Refugee Council
4. Knowledge of the principles of Adult Safeguarding in a housing setting
5. Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of the Equalities Act

Skills

1. Able to develop a quick rapport with clients, particularly those who may be mistrustful of services and reluctant to engage
2. Ability to work under own initiative & maintain enthusiasm for a high level of contact with clients on a day-to-day basis.
3. Assertiveness and de-escalation skills
4. Able to proactively participate in a comprehensive induction to the organisation and the services provided
5. Coaching skills
6. Able to cope under pressure, using initiative to manage time and to meet deadlines
7. Ability to work within a team, promoting open communication skills and creative thinking
8. Proficient IT skills, including Excel and Word and basic keyboard skills.
9. Confident dealing with people at all levels; displays appropriate verbal and non-verbal behaviour 
10. Excellent numeracy & literacy - able to produce clear written records
11. Integrity, sensitivity and understanding.
12. Approachable, adaptable and assertive.
13. Able to recognise learning needs and seek out learning and development opportunities with your line manager
14. Is open and honest about mistakes and willing to use mistakes as tools for development

.

Experience

1. Experience of working with single homeless clients with support needs , or demonstrable equivalent experience
2. Experience of working in partnership with other agencies to achieve effective outcomes.
3. Experience of effectively prioritising your workload in a fast-paced environment
4. Experience of de-escalating situations where clients have exhibited challenging behaviour

Other

1. DBS Check.
2. Strong empathy with homeless people, demonstrating a non-judgmental approach
3. Commitment to the aims & objectives of the organisation.

Education and Qualifications

1. Minimum 5 GCSE’S (A*-C) or equivalent – Including Maths and English.
2. Evidence of a commitment to ongoing professional development
3. It is desirable for the postholder to have a valid driving licence

Job description

Treasures Foundation provides housing and support for women recovering from addiction, trauma, and involvement with the criminal justice system. We help women rebuild their lives through safe housing, access to essential services, and programmes focused on rehabilitation and long-term recovery. Our mission is to empower women to thrive in their communities and build a brighter future.

We are now seeking a Full Time and/or Part Time Keyworker to join our expanding Treasures team. 

Key Responsibilities

The Keyworker will report directly to the Specialist Support Manager and will play a critical role in maintaining the effective running of Treasures Foundation’s supported housing. The core responsibilities include:

Beneficiary support

·  Undertaqking key working activities including: referrals, risk assessments, support
planning

· Support beneficiaries communicating with them about their day or any difficulties that arise for them

·Take a holistic approach to support beneficiary needs, seeking and highlighting opportunities for change at the individual’s and project level

·  Fostering a holistic approach to supporting beneficiaries needs, seeking and
highlighting opportunities for change at the individual’s and project/ organisational
level

·   Jointly developing and delivering a group programme which meets the needs of the women
and aims of the project, such as effective communication and conflict resolution

·   Developing individual key work plans alongside the beneficiary and offering them
appropriate support to implement them

·  Supporting the beneficiaries to access voluntary work, extra-curricular activities and
educational courses

Reporting and Compliance

· Verbal and written handover to other staff

· Use on call if needed in an emergency

·  Ensure our monitoring system Lamplight is up to date

· Complete online training

· Gather data for monitoring and evaluation

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have a passion for working in the charity sector. They will be proactive, solution-oriented, and able to manage competing priorities in a sometimes challenging environment.

Essential Skills and Experience:

·  Flexible attitude with the ability to understand and implement policies and procedures, keeping the beneficiary at the heart of the work

· Demonstrable experience of lone working in a similar environment

· Excellent organisational and time-management skills

· Strong communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly to other staff members

· IT literate

Desirable Skills and Experience:

· Evidence of trauma informed qualifications or experience

What We Offer

· The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of women recovering from addiction and trauma.

· A supportive and passionate team dedicated to creating lasting change.

· Opportunities for professional development through training and teaching.

· Therapy for staff

· Regular Supervision