Mental Health Recovery Worker Jobs in Croydon, Greater London
Are you interested in helping people who have, or are recovering from, mental health problems, integrate back into work? Would you like to be part of an organisation that counts on the professionalism, insight, expertise and passion of its staff to inspire individual recovery for the people they work with? Then join us as an Employment Specialist.
Right now, one of our partners, Richmond Fellowship, is looking for an Employment Specialist to join their Surrey Employment service. We help individuals with mental health problems to find paid employment or return to their current role after a period of ill health. We also assist employers and employees to successfully resolve mental health problems in the workplace. But, it’s only possible with the help of people like you.
Your challenge? To do everything you can to help the individuals we work with to source appropriate work experience placements and paid roles with local organisations/employers. Day to day, you’ll offer support, careers advice and guidance, helping people to set their own recovery and employment focused goals and provide training in personal and skills development such as CV preparation, interview techniques etc. You’ll also be responsible for establishing and maintaining positive links with community mental health teams (CMHRS), Early Intervention Into Psychosis (EIIP) Teams, partner organisations, local employers and other relevant agencies and have the initiative to develop and promote the service. Additionally, you will have responsibility for maintaining efficient admin systems to ensure referrals, assessments and reviews are completed in a timely manner.
As well as a good understanding of the IPS model of working, mental health problems and the issues and barriers this can create for our clients, you’ll need excellent motivational, presentation and listening skills and a willingness to travel in the local area and to work outside of office hours as required.
There is one vacancy being recruited for covering a smaller geographical area of East Surrey however the delivery is Surrey and borders wide. The successful candidate will be based in Leatherhead office. The post-holder will therefore be a car driver, with access to their own vehicle.
This is a permanent part-time role requiring the post holder to work 22.5 hours per week.
We are committed to increasing our diversity and we would welcome applications from those with lived experience and/or who are from a BAME background.
To apply, please visit our website via the apply button and then send a CV and covering letter explaining why you feel you are right for the role.
This is a rolling recruitment process. Candidates will be interviewed as and when they are shortlisted.
Richmond Fellowship is part of Recovery Focus, a national group of charities highly experienced in providing specialist support services to individuals and families living with the effects of mental ill health, drug and alcohol use, gambling and domestic violence. From 1st June 2024 Richmond Fellowship will be merging with the mental health charity Humankind to form a single organisation that provides the joined-up mental health, housing and drug and alcohol support we’ve all known has been needed for decades. In October 2024, Humankind will then be renamed to reflect the new, bigger and better organisation.
You have recent experience within the mental health field (or a related area) and know how the use of IPS (Individual Placement and Support) can help the people we support to find paid employment and have awareness of the Recovery and Personalisation agenda. All you need is the perfect environment to put your skills to great use. Welcome to Richmond Fellowship as an Employment Specialist.
We need someone like you to join the team at our Hammersmith & Fulham Employment Service. We support people living with mental health problems to develop a sense of independence, purpose and fulfilment; to develop their social networks and gain the skills they need to return to work or training where this is their goal. But we need your help. Your challenge? We help individuals with mental health problems to find paid employment, or unpaid voluntary work, plus we assist employers and employees to successfully resolve mental health problems in the workplace.
You will support the delivery of our Employment Service which will see you focus on motivating, supporting and providing person-centred advice and guidance to people receiving support to enable them to move into suitable and sustainable work.
As well as a good understanding of people with mental health problems, you have experience of networking/liaising with local employers and the initiative to develop and promote a service. Excellent motivational, presentation and listening skills are essential too, as is a willingness to travel in the local area and occasionally work outside of office hours. Customer focused, well organised and collaborative in approach, you are a great administrator and pride yourself on your word processing skills and ability to keep accurate computer records/use a database. A flexible approach to working to ensure effective service delivery is essential.
This is a full-time role requiring the post holder to work 37.5 hours per week.
We are committed to increasing our diversity and we would welcome applications from those with lived experience and/or who are from a BAME background.
It is a mandatory requirement of the application process for this post that candidates submit a CV and Supporting Statement, thus only candidates that provide this, and who meet the essential criteria within the person specification, will be considered for an interview.
This is a rolling recruitment process. Candidates will be interviewed as and when they are shortlisted.
Richmond Fellowship is part of Recovery Focus, a national group of charities highly experienced in providing specialist support services to individuals and families living with the effects of mental ill health, drug and alcohol use, gambling and domestic violence. From 1st June 2024 Richmond Fellowship will be merging with the mental health charity Humankind to form a single organisation that provides the joined-up mental health, housing and drug and alcohol support we’ve all known has been needed for decades. In October 2024, Humankind will then be renamed to reflect the new, bigger and better organisation.
Are you interested in helping people who have, or are recovering from, mental health problems, integrate back into work? Would you like to be part of an organisation that counts on the professionalism, insight, expertise and passion of its staff to inspire individual recovery for the people they work with? Then join us as an IPS Employment Specialist.
Right now, one of our partners, Richmond Fellowship, is looking for two Employment Specialists to join our team in Chertsey and Leatherhead, Surrey. We help individuals with mental health problems to find paid employment. We also support people to retain their employment when they are struggling at work due to their mental health. We also advise and support employers about mental health in the workplace. But, it’s only possible with the help of people like you.
Your challenge? To do everything you can to help the individuals we work with to source appropriate work experience placements with local organisations/employers. Day to day, you’ll offer support, careers advice and guidance, helping people to set their own recovery and employment focused goals and provide training in personal and skills development such as CV preparation, interview techniques etc. You’ll also be responsible for establishing and maintaining positive links with partner organisations, local employers and Mental Health teams and have the initiative to develop and promote the service. Additionally, you will have responsibility for maintaining efficient admin systems to ensure referrals, assessments and reviews are completed in a timely manner.
As well as a good understanding of mental health problems and the issues and barriers this can create for our clients, you’ll need excellent motivational, presentation and listening skills and a willingness to travel in the local area and to work outside of office hours as required.
The post holder will be a car driver or have the ability to travel independently across a large geographical area within Surrey.
We have one positions available, based at Bradmere House in Leatherhead covering the Epsom & Mole Valley area.
This is a permanent full time post, requiring the post-holder to work 37.5 hours per week.
We are committed to increasing our diversity and we would welcome applications from those with lived experience and/or who are from a BAME background.
To apply, please visit our website and send a CV and covering letter explaining why you feel you are right for the role.
This is a rolling recruitment process. Candidates will be interviewed as and when they are shortlisted.
So, are you ready to take on this rewarding role that comes with some really great benefits?
Richmond Fellowship is part of Recovery Focus, a national group of charities highly experienced in providing specialist support services to individuals and families living with the effects of mental ill health, drug and alcohol use, gambling and domestic violence. From 1st June 2024 Richmond Fellowship will be merging with the mental health charity Humankind to form a single organisation that provides the joined-up mental health, housing and drug and alcohol support we’ve all known has been needed for decades. In October 2024, Humankind will then be renamed to reflect the new, bigger and better organisation
About us
Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We know that homelessness is not inevitable. We know that together we can end it.
This is an exciting time to join the Housing First team, an innovative and supportive team offering open-ended, flexible, and intensive support to people who face multiple disadvantages. Housing First is an evidenced based model of support that alleviates homeless for people who other models of support may not be able to reach.
About the role
As a Housing First Coach you will deliver high quality person-centred support, using psychologically and trauma informed approaches, in line with Housing First principles. You will establish open and trusting relationships with people who have had long histories of homelessness or in temporary/insecure accommodation, enabling them to access and sustain accommodation and enable them to exercise choice and control over their lives. The team is multi-disciplinary in our approach – coaches, peer support worker, clinical psychologist – which allows us to formulate innovative approaches. The team operates across London, providing numerous opportunities to build effective partnerships and contribute towards systems change.
Location: Office-base in Tower Hamlets, outreaching London-wide
About you
To be successful in this role you will be a self-starter, flexible and have experience of working collaboratively as part of a team and with internal and external partners. You may have a background in adult safeguarding, drug or alcohol recovery services, mental health or housing support and have significant experience of working within a multidiscipline setting with the ability to create strong professional relationships and creative solutions. You will have experience of working with people who have faced severe and multiple exclusion and who may have complex needs; with an understanding of the needs of people who have been homeless for long periods of time. You will be willing and able to provide practical assistance with moving into and maintaining a home – including direct help where necessary with tasks such as shopping, budgeting, cooking, and cleaning.
You will also have a knowledge of Housing First and Housing Led approaches and the ability to work within a psychologically informed approach.
We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities and backgrounds.
Working at Crisis
As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:
- Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
- 28 days’ annual leave which increases with service to 30 days and option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay
- Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm
- And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)
Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.
When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.
How to apply
If this sound likes the opportunity for you, please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below.
Closing date: Sunday 19th May (at 23:59)
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 4th June
Accessibility
We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.
Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Team Leader to join our Islington Mental Health Accommodation Pathway Service.
£31,535.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.
Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
About the Role:
Islington Mental Health Accommodation Pathway provides support to people living with various mental health conditions and complex needs. The service consists of a 24-hour supported accommodation service, and 3 medium-low supported accommodation services across the borough of Islington. The service provides support with emotional, social, physical & domestic needs. You will be skilled in engaging both customers and stakeholders and have a good understanding of the needs and diversity of this client group. You will be able to demonstrate the ability to work in a therapeutic environment that at times can be challenging and provide quality, evidence-based care and risk management strategies. You will be highly motivated and committed to continuous professional development. You will be committed to supporting customers through their recovery journey and skilled in engaging them with their move-on pathway. You will work flexibly to respond to emerging needs and effectively address the needs of the customer group.
For full job details, please visit our website.
This role requires a valid Right to Work for the UK as Look Ahead are not a sponsoring organisation.
What you'll do:
Lead and motivate your team to ensure the championing of and maintenance of a positive local culture within your service
Deliver effective supervision and team meetings with staff and ensure that information, reporting and communication
Responsible for the personal development of staff, identifying high performers and feeding into the organisations succession plans
Ensure that Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) required as part of the Contract are met and recorded correctly
Collate and update electronic data bases and systems to record and monitor customer files and outcomes
Coordinate and assess new referrals
Budget management of petty cash and invoice payments
Develop key business relationships with all appropriate relevant customers/external partners to ensure service delivery excellence and maximise new business opportunities in own patch
Participate in and monitor the initial and continuous assessment of needs and ensure that support planning is carried out in line with assessed needs of the customer
Carry out other administrative tasks as relevant to the service and directed -by the Contract Manager/Heads of Operations
Deliver an out of hours on-call service for region, where required
Ensure that all safeguarding cases are managed in line with safeguarding protocols and are reported to Contract Manager/Head of Operations, as appropriate
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, networks in local business community
Approachable and open behaviour
Prefers working as part of a group or team
Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement.
Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised.
Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments.
Is confident with high levels of self-esteem.
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication.
Is passionate and enthusiastic about his/her career and job experiences.
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude.
What you'll bring:
Essential:
Educated to degree level or equivalent
Experience building and develop strong professional partnerships with external providers aligned to their specialism
IT Literate
Desirable:
Other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications are desirable
About us:
Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us. Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Trauma Informed Care Specialist to join our homelessness & complex needs service in Hackney.
£28,486.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.
Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.
East London Apartments provides 24-hour accommodation based support for up to 31 individuals with complex histories, multiple traumas, complex personality disorder(s) and a varied, disrupted housing history with experience of homelessness as well as individuals who have been diagnosed with severe and enduring mental health conditions who are under the Care Programme Approach (CPA).
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
What you'll do:
Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and external partners, creating a positive atmosphere
Carrying out holistic assessments of new customers which incorporate relevant statutory referral information
Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
Key-working the most complex service-users with particular needs aligned with the post holder's specialism - Trauma informed Care
Create support plans for providing appropriate services based on on-going assessment and reflecting the services and resources available to enable customer to progress in their recovery
Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
Provide support and access to relevant services to enable customers to continue their recovery and empower customers to self-manage their medication regimes through individual re-enablement programmes and informed decision making
Undertake support work in partnership with external stakeholders to compliment their interventions, leading on partnering with specialist stakeholders;
Upskilling staff team in particular area of expertise - Trauma informed Care
Developing productive relationships with partner organisations to improve service outcomes
For the full list please see our website.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
Embraces a Psychologically Informed approach
Is capable of maintaining unconditional positive regard
Views challenging behaviour as a support need
A strong specialist support worker with excellent interpersonal skills
Socially adept, networks widely, well connected in sector, influential
Approachable, open & professional behaviour
At ease in directing others, is assertive and independent minded, will challenge others, and skilled in resolving conflict
Drives change, enjoys dynamic diverse environments and demonstrates entrepreneurialism, creativity and innovation
Demonstrates significant confidence and high levels of self-esteem
Demonstrates significant levels of emotional resilience and a positive attitude
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
Is passionate and enthusiastic about the business
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
Is Customer focused
We welcome applications from individuals with lived experiences of using services
What you'll bring:
Essential:
Up to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a relevant area (e.g. psychology, Health and Social Care, Mental Health) OR experience in the social care/charity sector.
Experience building and develop strong professional partnerships with external providers aligned to their specialism
Desirable:
2-3 years experience providing targeted recovery focused support to individuals with needs around trauma, mental health, substance use and dual diagnosis.
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 120 services, providing support to around 6000 customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Holloway Road, London base with service delivery in various locations across London boroughs
We are currently seeking dynamic Practitioners to join our Children & Young People’s service (CYPS), working directly with young people affected by domestic abuse.
Domestic Violence Intervention Project (DVIP), a division of Richmond Fellowship since 2018, has been a leading provider of Respect accredited community perpetrator programmes working to stop domestic violence, increase safety for women and children, and reduce harm to families for over 29 years.
This role requires a good understanding of adolescent development, domestic abuse, child abuse and trauma, and the impacts of these on young people’s development, as well as a good understanding of the nature of domestic violence and its effects on women and children, and on the parent-child relationship. You will have experience of direct work with young people and their parents/carers, working flexibly but robustly and supportively, responding to challenging or harmful behaviour to facilitate change. You will have experience of providing structured one-to-one and/or group work counselling or behavioural change interventions, and of working with both children and adults from diverse backgrounds. You will have an excellent understanding of safeguarding procedures and be confident working both independently and as part of a team, working closely and collaboratively alongside partner agencies such as Children’s Services, Schools and Youth Offending Services.
You will have the opportunity to play a key role in developing DVIP’s young people’s services, working in partnerships with a range of statutory and voluntary agencies to deliver effective community responses to domestic violence, in line with RESPECT practice standards. Day to day, you will be working flexibly across a number of locations, including providing outreach in schools and other relevant or referring services, managing referrals, assessing risk and suitability for therapeutic intervention, and engaging families.
In this rewarding role you will be working directly with young people and their parents/carers, delivering structured interventions to increase safety, as well as providing specialist support to other professionals working with families experiencing abuse, through provision of expert consultations and training.
You will be able to work independently and flexibly, including some early evenings if needed, within any London Borough, where DVIP is contracted, for part of the working week. You will be comfortable managing your own workload and related admin, and you will be able to communicate clearly with a range of people about sensitive and complex issues, including the writing of professional reports.
This is a permanent full time role requiring the post-holder to work 37.5 hours a week.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in facilitating positive change for young people and their families who have been impacted by abuse and violence.
To apply please visit our website. It is a mandatory requirement of the application process for this post that candidates submit a CV and Supporting Statement, thus only candidates that provide this, and who meet the essential criteria within the person specification, will be considered for an interview.
Closing date: 2nd June 2024. However, we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised date if sufficient applications are received.
DVIP are actively seeking to develop a workforce which reflects the diverse communities we work within; we offer flexible working arrangements and ongoing professional development to all staff and volunteers. Applicants who speak another language fluently are particularly welcome. We also welcome applications from those with lived experience and/or who are from a BAME background.
This post is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Disclosure.
Richmond Fellowship is part of Recovery Focus, a national group of charities highly experienced in providing specialist support services to individuals and families living with the effects of mental ill health, drug and alcohol use, gambling and domestic violence. From 1st June 2024 Richmond Fellowship will be merging with the mental health charity Humankind to form a single organisation that provides the joined-up mental health, housing and drug and alcohol support we’ve all known has been needed for decades. In October 2024, Humankind will then be renamed to reflect the new, bigger and better organisation.
Victim Support is proud to have been commissioned in Cumbria to provide support for victims of all crime, whether or not they have reported to the police.
The service will be a valuable point of contact for anyone affected by crime at any time to contact and receive help, support and information. It will be busy and fast paced receiving referrals and calls of varying nature from a variety of people, and working to provide an offer of support by a victim's preferred method and time of contact.
We have an opportunity available and are looking for dedicated, passionate and empathetic person to join and enhance our team as an Initial Support Agent (known internally as a Triage & Early Interventions Officer), this role is working 37.5 hours per week and is home-based.
What We Offer:
At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:
- Flexible working options including hybrid working
- 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
- An extra day off for your birthday
- £500 bonus paid on successful completion of probationary period (pro-rata for part time roles)
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
- High Street, retail, holiday, entertainment & leisure discounts
- Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
- Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
- Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression
About the role:
The role of Triage and Early Interventions Officer (TEIO) is a fast paced one which requires the post holder to answer incoming calls and make outgoing calls to victims of crime and those accessing the service in Cumbria.
As a TEIO, you will;
- answer incoming calls, speaking to those affected by crime & manage a caseload
- make outgoing calls, assess needs and risks and action plan with callers
- work on the case management system to allocate cases, provide administration on cases and assess/ensure data quality
- liaise with other agencies where required to find out more information, give information or make referrals or give signposting information
- work with the wider team to ensure an effective, trauma informed service is given to those affected by crime
You will be a confident, compassionate and empathic person who can work well under pressure. You will be speaking to people who may be upset, angry or in emotional difficulties and will need to be composed, empathic and be able to quickly assess situations.
You will be confident in using your IT skills to work on a case management system, access phone and online systems, email and Microsoft Office programmes.
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.
About Us:
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.
Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.
Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard.
Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.
How to apply:
To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.
We look forward to hearing from you.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.