Peer support and co production administrator jobs

Age UK is hiring an Executive and Governance Officer to provide essential support to two Executive Leaders and their associated Trustee Committees. This is an important role at the heart of our leadership team, ensuring seamless operations and effective communication across trustees, executives and stakeholders.

You will manage diaries, coordinate meetings and travel, handle expenses, and oversee departmental administration. Alongside this, you will deliver full governance support for Trustee Committees, including preparing agendas and papers, taking minutes, tracking actions, and ensuring compliance with governance standards. The role also involves organising team meetings and events, supporting recruitment processes, and maintaining accurate records and office systems.

We are looking for someone highly organised, detail-oriented, and confident in managing multiple priorities. Experience in executive support and governance administration is essential, along with strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

If you want to make a real impact and play a key role in supporting Age UK's mission, please review the job description below and apply today.

This is a hybrid opportunity, a blend of homebased and office working. Our linked office for this role is in London (near Tower Hill). You will be expected to attend the office circa twice a month. Travel costs to the London office are not covered by the charity.

Age UK internal grade - 6L

Must haves:

The below competencies will be assessed at the indicated stage of the recruitment process:

Application = A, Interview = I, Test = T, Presentation = P

Experience

* Administrative and coordination experience - agenda planning and minute management, diary management and travel support to Directors and teams. A

* Executive administrative experience including handling board meetings and supporting governance processes. A, I

* Experience of organising events. A, I

* Experience of maintaining electronic files and records and managing confidential material. A, I

Skills and Knowledge

* Competency with current office technology including MS Teams, Microsoft 365 applications (including Co-Pilot or other AI tools), emails and calendars, and associated communication tools. A, I

* Excellent communication skills to work effectively with a range of colleagues including board members, external stakeholders, staff colleagues and peers. A, I

* Reasonable knowledge and a willingness to learn about digital functionality that can support governance processes, including AI. A, I

* Understanding of governance frameworks and board-level protocols. I

Personal Attributes

* Confidence working across a complex organisation with multiple departments and the ability to build strong working relationships with stakeholders at all levels. I

* Ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines. I

* Able to use initiative and judgement in dealing with urgent or sensitive situations without direct supervision. I

* Ability to work with discretion on confidential matters. I

* Strong attention to detail and integrity in managing sensitive information. I

What we offer in return

• Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
• Wellbeing days - 2 paid days per year (pro rata for our part-time colleagues)
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, Bupa health cashback plan and EAP
• Car Benefit scheme, Cycle to Work scheme
• Home & Tech - apply to buy any Home & Tech items from 'Currys' & 'IKEA', up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free. (subject to affordability)
• Blue Light Card scheme
• You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.

Additional Information

The role will be required to be in the linked office at least twice a month. In this case the linked office is One America Square (EC3N 2LB).

Supporting statements and anonymisation
Candidates are expected to provide a supporting statement that explains how they meet the competencies annotated with an 'A' in the job description, to assess suitability for the position. Age UK acknowledges and accepts that AI may be used to support the application; we do expect candidates to personalise experience, knowledge and skills and failure to do so, may result in your application being rejected.

Please submit a Word version of your CV as it will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role. Our system is unable to anonymise supporting statements and heavily formatted CVs. Please could you remove any personal information including your name before you upload to support our inclusive recruitment process. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us if invited for interview.

Equal opportunities & Disability Confident Scheme
Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. Age UK is a Disability Confident Scheme employer. Due to high numbers of applications received, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.

Reasonable adjustments
Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the disabled job seeker to best meet their needs, by contacting the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform hiring decisions.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Peer Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Havering Crisis Alternatives Service.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The main purpose of this role is to provide high-quality support and interventions to clients with mental health needs who require early intervention and prevention. The postholder will support clients throughout their time in the service, empowering them with the skills to cope independently, while working in line with organisational values, the ethos of recovery, and principles of co-production. Responsibilities include managing a caseload of clients, delivering group activities and programmes, and clearly communicating the aims, objectives, pathways, and service model to enable clients to fully participate in and co-produce their support. The role also involves helping service users engage effectively with community professionals, developing peer support networks and community-based approaches, monitoring the health, wellbeing, and safety of service users, and contributing to the core work of the service. Accurate and timely administration, referrals, assessments, and service reviews are required, alongside participation in supervision, appraisals, training, and team development activities. Flexibility, initiative, and a collaborative approach are essential to ensure effective service delivery and support for both clients and colleagues.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

The ideal candidate will have lived experience of mental health care pathways, including emergency department attendance, acute admissions, and community mental health services, alongside a solid understanding of the issues affecting individuals with a range of mental health conditions. They will be able to communicate effectively and provide support with dignity and respect, forming and sustaining trusting relationships with service users, carers, peer support workers, and professionals. Strong listening and verbal communication skills are essential to engage appropriately with service users in crisis, colleagues, and external agencies, both in person and over the phone. Knowledge of recovery tools, local mental health and wellbeing support, and the ability to assess needs, risks, and aspirations to provide appropriate signposting are required. The candidate will demonstrate strong prioritisation, time management, and the ability to work dynamically under pressure. Proficiency in IT, including MS Word, Outlook, and internet functions, as well as good literacy and numeracy skills to produce clear written correspondence, is expected. They will have a sound understanding of safeguarding issues and the ability to address them appropriately, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and support the induction of new peer staff and volunteers. Strong communication, partnership building, and interpersonal skills are essential.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Peer Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Islington Recovery Cafe.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The main purpose of this role is to provide high-quality support and interventions to clients with mental health needs who require early intervention and prevention. The postholder will support clients throughout their time in the service, empowering them with the skills to cope independently, while working in line with organisational values, the ethos of recovery, and principles of co-production. Responsibilities include managing a caseload of clients, delivering group activities and programmes, and clearly communicating the aims, objectives, pathways, and service model to enable clients to fully participate in and co-produce their support. The role also involves helping service users engage effectively with community professionals, developing peer support networks and community-based approaches, monitoring the health, wellbeing, and safety of service users, and contributing to the core work of the service. Accurate and timely administration, referrals, assessments, and service reviews are required, alongside participation in supervision, appraisals, training, and team development activities. Flexibility, initiative, and a collaborative approach are essential to ensure effective service delivery and support for both clients and colleagues.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

The ideal candidate will have lived experience of mental health care pathways, including emergency department attendance, acute admissions, and community mental health services, alongside a solid understanding of the issues affecting individuals with a range of mental health conditions. They will be able to communicate effectively and provide support with dignity and respect, forming and sustaining trusting relationships with service users, carers, peer support workers, and professionals. Strong listening and verbal communication skills are essential to engage appropriately with service users in crisis, colleagues, and external agencies, both in person and over the phone. Knowledge of recovery tools, local mental health and wellbeing support, and the ability to assess needs, risks, and aspirations to provide appropriate signposting are required. The candidate will demonstrate strong prioritisation, time management, and the ability to work dynamically under pressure. Proficiency in IT, including MS Word, Outlook, and internet functions, as well as good literacy and numeracy skills to produce clear written correspondence, is expected. They will have a sound understanding of safeguarding issues and the ability to address them appropriately, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and support the induction of new peer staff and volunteers. Strong communication, partnership building, and interpersonal skills are essential.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Responsible to: Youth Services Manager

Hours: Full time 37 hours (Job share considered)

Salary: £27,500

Based: Hybrid (Bedford + one day per week in Q:alliance Head Office, Milton Keynes)

Contract: Fixed term for 2 years, with possibility of extension (subject to funding)

Closing Date: 18th February 2026 at 23:59

Interview Date: Tuesday 3rd March

Context

Q:alliance provides support, information, and representation for LGBTQ+ young people in Bedford, drawing on our wider experience delivering established services across Milton Keynes for the last 50 years.

We have detailed knowledge of the issues and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and organisations locally, and it is our goal to create more safe spaces and resources to ensure the LGBTQ+ community in Bedford is visible, well represented, and supported.

Scope

This is a newly created role within our Bedford services, delivering Q:alliance’s established youth support model developed in Milton Keynes and shaping pathways and support that respond to local need in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire.

You will manage a one-to-one caseload of support for LGBTQ+ young people, while building relationships with schools and developing a collaborative schools’ network informed by young people’s insights. You will also develop and deliver LGBTQ+ inclusion training for teachers, education staff, and youth workers. This work will contribute to safe, affirming environments that strengthen resilience, wellbeing, and mental health.

You will work closely with the Youth Services Manager and youth teams across our service areas, building on existing Q:alliance provision in Bedford, where a dedicated youth team already leads on LGBTQ+ youth group delivery.

The role includes outreach across Bedfordshire’s urban and rural communities, supporting young people who may experience increased isolation due to limited access to LGBTQ+-affirming spaces.

You will work collaboratively with the Youth Services Manager to agree outreach and engagement targets, contributing to effective monitoring and reporting systems to ensure robust evidence of impact.

What you’ll bring to the team

This role is a key opportunity for Q:alliance to grow our work in Bedford, build local relationships, and better understand and respond to the needs of LGBTQ+ young people across the area. You will play a central role in shaping a new service, reaching young people who may not yet be connected to support, and helping both staff and the board of trustees develop a strong, place-based understanding of LGBTQ+ youth experiences in Bedford.

You will act as a first point of contact for schools, colleges, and youth settings in Bedford, building trusted relationships and establishing a collaborative network of school and college leads. You will share insights gathered through this work with the wider Q:alliance team, helping to strengthen our responses to local need and inform the development and sustainability of services, including future funding.

You will help ensure continuity of support between schools, our support spaces and Q:alliance’s wider youth service provision.

Main Responsibilities

· Networking – Support teachers, education staff and youth workers to access resources, implement inclusive learning environments and provide support for LGBTQ+ young people in their settings. Develop a network of school representatives to provide peer-support on shifting needs, priorities, and situations in a local and national context.

· Data capture and intelligence - Support Q;alliance’s commitment to sustaining a contemporary data and monitoring mechanism, guaranteeing we can deliver thorough evaluations of our services and competent feedback to our funders and stakeholders on the efficacy of our work. Analyse local intelligence directly from LGBTQ+ youth communities and use this to co-produce plans with young people to ensure our youth services are engaging and meeting needs.

· Support, information and empowerment – develop and implement resources for 1:1 education and resilience work with LGBTQ+ young people, provide support and advocacy for young people, ensuring effective signposting to relevant services and collaboration with parents, guardians, teachers and education staff where appropriate.

· Innovation – work with the Youth Services Manager, school representatives and young people to innovate a schools accreditation system that will acknowledge and cultivate schools’ competence to provide safe spaces and support for LGBTQ+ young people.

· Stakeholder and community engagement – Forge and support enduring relationships with key partners, strengthening our commitment to building an alliance of cross-sector compassionate advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in its diverse forms.

· Education – Plan, develop and deliver positive and engaging classroom workshops and school assemblies to a wide range of young people, ensuring key messages are inclusive of diverse perspectives, including those from black and minoritized communities.

· Training - Develop and deliver training for teachers, education staff and youth workers with the aim of improving the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth communities and the capacity of those with the power to assist in this endeavour.

Skills and Experience

Expertise

· Experience working with and supporting young people

· Experience of developing and sustaining a network

· Ability to deliver innovative education and training packages, delivery, and evaluation

· Knowledge of the challenges affecting young LGBTQ+ people

· Knowledge of issues affecting young people’s mental health and the skills required to build resilience

· Excellent planning, organisation and administrative skills

· Expertise in safeguarding young people, ensuring welfare of all by following policy and procedures in relation to recognising, recording, and responding to safeguarding concerns and liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead

· Ability to observe strict confidentiality at all times with respect to matters concerning young people and the schools, colleges and youth settings in which you support through your role in the developing network

· Capable to respond to a young person in crisis, signposting to appropriate resources and support.

Communication

· A high standard of written English, including an ability to write thorough reports, make referrals to partner agencies, maintain outreach files, and record minutes of forum meetings

· An engaging and charismatic public speaking style with the ability to adapt delivery style dependent on context and audience

· Ability to adopt a positive constructive language style when talking to young people 1:1

· Confidence to communicate with relatives, guardians, social workers and related professionals or advocates of young people

· Knowledge of social media and a recognition of the role it plays in young people’s lives

Behaviours

· Skills in forming constructive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels

· Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of professional boundaries when working with young people and the importance of consistency

· Passionate about equality, the rights of LGBTQ+ people and neurodiversity.

· Evident desire to improve service delivery using co-production initiatives with young people

· An ability to listen with empathy and act compassionately

· Competence to work on own initiative and demonstrate innovation and creative problem solving

· Model conduct essential for successful teams, such as reliability, honesty and courage

Desirable

· Qualifications in youth work, teaching or mental health support

· LGBTQ+ lived experience

Other

· Full driving license and use of own vehicle

· Ability to work flexibly, with occasional evening and weekend working

· Commitment to further personal development and training

· Please note: Enhanced DBS is required for this role

The LGBTQ+ Youth Outreach Practitioner will have responsibility for the following documents.

· Contact Evaluation forms/data capture

· Monthly Outreach Report

· Resource library pertaining to our work with young people

· Network minutes (schools forum)

Apply via our website and complete an application form

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Community Engagement Practitioner to play a pivotal role in our Haringey Volunteer Community Service in Haringey.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

This role involves working within a multidisciplinary NHS team to support adults with moderate to severe mental illness by holding a caseload of service users and serving as their key contact throughout care planning, progress monitoring, and discharge, using the RiO system. The post-holder collaborates with individuals to develop person-centred recovery plans focused on social goals and community integration, building therapeutic relationships through trauma-informed, strength-based approaches. They support access to local resources, appointments, wellbeing activities, and peer or psychoeducational groups, while promoting recovery-focused, jargon-free communication and advocating for co-production and integrated care. Liaising with statutory and voluntary organisations ensures smooth service navigation and warm handovers, while active participation in clinical meetings and community events helps represent both Hestia and the Community Mental Health Team. The role also requires accurate documentation of all support activity, adherence to safeguarding and health and safety procedures, and engagement in supervision, training, and continuous professional development.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

The ideal candidate will hold an NVQ Level 4 in Care or possess at least two years' experience working in a mental health setting, with a strong understanding of mental health issues, recovery principles, and co-production. They will have a solid grasp of care planning, risk assessment, recovery tools, and relevant legislation such as the Mental Health Act. The role requires excellent communication and relationship-building skills, alongside the ability to facilitate groups effectively. Candidates must be confident using IT systems, including electronic case management tools, and be able to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. A commitment to person-centred, trauma-informed practice is essential, as is resilience, adaptability, and the ability to maintain professional boundaries. Desirable attributes include lived experience of mental illness or secondary care services, peer support training, familiarity with local resources, and skills in training, mentoring, report writing, presentations, or multilingual communication.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Community Engagement Practitioner to play a pivotal role in our Enfield VCS service.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary NHS team alongside clinicians, social workers, and community partners to support adults with moderate to severe mental illness. Holding a caseload of service users, you will act as their key contact, contributing to care planning, monitoring progress, and supporting safe discharge using the RiO clinical records system. Together with service users, you will develop person-centred recovery plans focused on social goals and community integration, building strong therapeutic relationships through trauma-informed and strength-based approaches. You will help individuals access local resources, attend appointments, and engage in wellbeing activities, peer support, and psychoeducational groups. Collaboration is central to the role, as you will liaise with statutory and voluntary organisations, attend clinical meetings and community events, and advocate for recovery-focused, jargon-free communication. You will ensure accurate documentation, uphold safeguarding and health & safety standards, and actively participate in supervision, training, and professional development.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

We are looking for someone with NVQ Level 4 in Care (or equivalent) or at least two years' experience in a mental health setting. You will bring a strong understanding of mental health issues, recovery, and co-production principles, alongside experience of working collaboratively with professionals, services, and communities. Knowledge of care planning, risk assessment, recovery tools, and the Mental Health Act is essential, as are excellent communication, relationship-building, and group facilitation skills. You should be confident using IT systems, resilient and adaptable, able to work independently or as part of a team, and committed to person-centred, trauma-informed practice.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Recovery Worker to play a pivotal role in our Complex Needs Service in Wandsworth.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The role focuses on providing high-quality support to individuals in mental health crisis. You will assist clients during their stay, helping to reduce immediate distress and develop plans to prevent future crises. This includes working collaboratively with statutory and voluntary mental health services to ensure effective, multi-agency support. All interventions should reflect the organisation's values and commitment to recovery, co-production, and person-centred care, while following established policies and procedures.​

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

You will have demonstrable experience supporting individuals with mental health and/or dual diagnosis needs, with a strong understanding of a range of mental health conditions, crisis management, and how to communicate with dignity and respect. You will be knowledgeable in relevant mental health legislation, including CPA processes, and committed to recovery-focused approaches. Able to work both independently and as part of a team, you will support and induct peer staff and volunteers while working effectively with statutory services such as the NHS. You will have a good awareness of health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities, alongside strong IT, literacy, and numeracy skills to maintain clear and accurate records. Flexibility is essential, as the role requires working Monday to Sunday between 9am–5pm, including bank holidays.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

THE CHARITY

Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.

James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it.   

James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected.  We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families. We have so far treated over 4,300 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.

In early 2026 we will be opening our fourth centre in Birmingham. Our new centre in Birmingham will be there to support suicidal men living in the West Midlands.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are looking to recruit Suicide Prevention Therapists to support men in suicidal crisis at our new pilot service in St Helens. This role is part of an exciting new initiative for our charity.

As a Suicide Prevention Therapist, you will be an experienced mental health professional or therapist with demonstrable interest in suicide prevention. You will support men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis and their supporter(s), delivering our unique intervention and co-producing effective safety plans to maintain their safety.

The successful candidate will join an experienced and supportive team, gradually building a caseload to assist men in suicidal crisis as we expand our referral partnerships and raise awareness in St Helens. Training and support will be provided by the Head of Centre and Senior Therapist in Liverpool, as well as the wider James’ Place team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical

· Conduct initial Welcome Assessments with men in a suicidal crisis, assessing risk and the suitability of the James’ Place intervention and co-producing effective safety plans

· Deliver our therapeutic intervention, building trust and exploring the reasons for crisis

· Use the Lay Your Cards on the Table intervention to encourage men to talk about and explore their feelings, attitudes and behaviours and develop positive coping strategies

· Take full clinical responsibility of the men under James’ Place care, as a member of the clinical team and in consultation with Senior Suicide Prevention Therapist and Head of Centre when needed

· Escalate care to appropriate services when necessary, including emergency services and secondary mental health teams

· Deliver one-off guidance sessions to supporters of men under the James’ Place care

· Work collaboratively with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care

· Demonstrate self-awareness and regularly dedicate time and space, inside and outside of work, to keeping yourself well

· Undergo clinical supervision with a qualified supervisor to reflect on clinical work and raise any issues or concerns arising from work

· Remain up to date with developments in law, theories and research

· Engage in peer support sessions, caseload discussions and reflective practice with the team

· Contribute to an environment in which confidentiality, privacy and dignity are respected and be clear with clients about limits of confidentiality

· Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards

· Complete session notes in a timely and effective manner

· Participate in continuous professional development and engage in training provided both internally and externally

· Support the Clinical Administration team as and when necessary

Outreach and Engagement

· Support the local management team to increase contact with local community organisations able to refer to us or offer move on support for men completing our intervention

· Support the fundraising team to bring potential supporters into our building and showcase our work, including the facilitation of events

Values

· Demonstrate commitment to the James’ Place values of Focus, Bravery, Respect, Compassion, Professionalism, Collaboration and Hope through all aspects of work

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The role requires someone with a relevant qualification who can confidently support men experiencing a suicidal crisis. You will need to be able to effectively conduct risk assessments and deliver our clinically proven therapeutic intervention to ensure client safety. Strong therapeutic communication, the ability to work autonomously and teamwork skills are also essential to this role, as well as the ability to build trust and hope.

Essential

Qualification(s)

· A Core Profession such as Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Social Worker, counselling or practitioner psychologist registered with NMC, HCPC, or Social Work England

or

· Accreditation as a psychological therapist, psychotherapist, or counsellor registered with BACP, UKCP, BABCP or equivalent, or have completed training and awaiting accreditation

You must hold a relevant qualification to be considered for this role.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

· Demonstrable experience working with adults experiencing acute psychological distress

· Demonstrable knowledge of social and other factors which could lead to suicidal thinking and actions

· Demonstrable knowledge of the factors contributing to male suicide

· Evidence of being able to deliver a therapeutic session and work in a therapeutic environment  

· Effective communication skills (both written and verbal)

· Good interpersonal skills with the ability to manage difficult situations

· Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic interventions

· An ability to collaborate with clients in the development of a person centred, individual intervention plan

· An ability to engage clients in the intervention plan, overcoming barriers to communication

· Ability to conduct effective risk assessments and collaborative safety plans with men who are presenting with high risk of suicide, or be willing and able to learn how to do so

· Ability to identify if the James’ Place service is not adequate to maintain the person’s safety and facilitate rapid transfer to the most appropriate service

· Ability to maintain boundaries within a time-limited intervention

· Ability to work as an effective team member

· Ability to manage and prioritise own workload, using own initiative and confidence in decision making

· Strong time management

· Ability to maintain up to date client records in line with James’ Place standards

· Ability to maintain own personal safety and the safety of others within the centre

· Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding Procedures

Values

· Commitment to clinical supervision

· Ability to engage with James’ Place values

· Ability to promote people’s equality, diversity and rights

· Ability to work collaboratively and demonstrate commitment to co-production

· Ability to be transparent, honest and show discretion when needed

· Commitment to suicide prevention and working with men in a suicidal crisis

WE OFFER

· A 7% employer contributory pension scheme

· Family friendly policies

· Death in service insurance scheme

· 25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying period

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please follow the instructions using the URL link provided.

Closing date: 12pm on Friday 30th January 2026

Interviews to be held virtually via MS Teams on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th February.

James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.

If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.

Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.