Psychology jobs

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: 302
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £26,000 - £27,000 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 aim of the service will be to support refugees in the community with multiple needs who have mental health support as a primary need.

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

‘Complex needs’ are defined by the National Complex Needs Alliance as a combination of health needs and social needs.

Purpose of Post

• The purpose of the Hertfordshire Mind Network Refugee Community Outreach Worker role is to:
• 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.

The successful candidate will have experience of caseload management, a good understanding of Mental Health conditions and experience of working with vulnerable individuals who are affected by housing difficulties and/or displacement. Understanding and knowledge of the concerns and challenges for refugees and asylum seekers and lived experience would be desirable.

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: Ongoing. Applications are being reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Interview date: Held on a rolling basis. Shortlisted applicants will be notified of interviews dates.
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.

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

Peer Support Worker
Post no: 655
Location: Luton Wellbeing Centre, Dumfries Street, Luton
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 7 hours per week, Tuesday (4.5 hours group facilitation + 2.5 hours admin)
Salary: £23,492.03 per annum, FTE (£4,444.44 per annum actual)

We are searching for a Peer Support Worker to join our mental health services. The role is a peer support worker, who use own lived experience of mental health difficulties to support others on their recovery journey through the facilitation of group based, peer support.

Our peer support and recovery services are a key element of the services we offer, and we are looking for someone who can use their own lived experiences to provide support to help individuals achieve their goals.

Service Delivery

• Facilitate Peer Support groups and ensure outcomes which support individuals
• with mental health and wellbeing needs across Luton in line with Mind BLMK’s agreed peer support model and service’s KPIs and contract requirements.
• To support the Service Manager, when required, by assessing individual’s suitability for attending the peer support service in the line with the organisations Access to Services process.
• Signpost individuals to wider services and encourage and support people to access local activities and community services.
• Use own lived experience of mental health challenges to show hope, empathy and understanding in a safe space where people feel accepted. Share ideas and approaches that support the improvement of mental health and wellbeing and embed this in working practices as a peer.
• Work closely with Service Manager to ensure that our peer support service meet the needs of Luton’s diverse community.
• Encourage and support client engagement with Mind BLMK through the influence and participation process, Guarantor Membership, and training opportunities.
• Contribute to maintaining an effective volunteer workforce for the service in line with Mind BLMK’s HR policies, procedures and guidance (workload planning and support).
• Carry out Cash Handling, Health and Safety and Data Collection responsibilities as directed by the Team Leader in line with Mind BLMK’s policies, procedures, requirements and guidance.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Westfield Health Plan – includes access to everyday healthcare and indemnifies towards the cost of routine health care.
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

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

Closedown: 5pm on Monday 2nd December 2025
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

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.

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

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

No agencies please.

Please see the full job pack on our recruit page, you'll be forwarded here once you press apply. 

THE ROLE:
The Service Manager plays a central role in ensuring that every young person who engages with Empire Fighting Chance receives high-quality, personalised support.

In this role, you will ensure that every young person who connects with Empire Fighting Chance receives an outstanding experience. You will oversee the full journey of young people through our programmes. From referral and assessment to onboarding, scheduling and progression. You will ensure their experience is safe and impactful.

You will champion a safety-aware culture across the organisation, embedding safeguarding into everyday practice and leading on case management and risk mitigation. This role is key to building a strong operational foundation for our Centre of Excellence in Bristol. Through strategic management, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement, you will help shape an environment where young people feel safe, supported and empowered.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:
1. Manage the recruitment of young people

Accountable for the recruitment of suitable young people onto the programmes of Empire Fighting Chance.

• Implement a robust referral criteria process to ensure that Empire Fighting Chance targets the young people that it best supports.Contribute to the development of a ‘bank’ of recommended organisations to share with those young people who do not meet the charity’s referral criteria.
• Contribute to the development of a ‘bank’ of recommended organisations to share with those young people who do not meet the charity’s referral criteria.
• Ensure the recruitment of young people for different Empire programmes meets organisational, grant and contractual targets.
• Provide oversight of all referral partnerships held by Empire Fighting Chance, ensuring all are working as well as they can.
• Ensure the charity collects robust and accurate information from referral partners on young people signposted to Empire Fighting Chance.
• Contribute to building intelligence of local systems within Bristol to shape how we recruit young people, including understanding the education, Special Educational Needs and mental health landscapes.
• Ensure the recruitment of young people onto EFC programmes follows a robust quality assurance process, using data to inform and strengthen existing processes

2. Manage the triaging and scheduling of young people
Accountable for ensuring young people participate in the right programme with the right coach mentor or therapist at the right time.

• Improve the prioritisation criteria to ensure that the charity fast tracks individuals who are most in need of support.
• Identify new approaches to managing the charity’s waiting list, ensuring the programmes can meet their needs and offer the correct resources to support them.
• Implement our assessment process to ensure Empire Fighting Chance gains a full and accurate understanding of each young person’s needs and circumstances.
• Implement a process to match young people with the most appropriate Empire Fighting Chance programme and coach mentor/therapist.
• Strengthen the scheduling process of young people’s programmes at Empire Fighting Chance.

3. Manage a safety aware culture
Accountable for developing of a culture where safeguarding and safety are embedded into every aspect
of our work.

• Champion a safety-aware culture across the organisation, embedding safeguarding into everyday practice.
  Be a key part of the safeguarding team and ensure robust safeguarding practices are implemented across all areas of the charity.
• Lead on safeguarding case management, including referrals, reporting, and liaison with external agencies.
• Identify, assess and mitigate safeguarding risks in programme delivery and organisational operations.
• Empire Fighting Chance is a charity (1156690) and a company limited by guarantee (08752389) registered in England and Wales.

4. Manage young people’s ‘Empire Experience’
Accountable for Empire Fighting Chance giving young people the best possible experience (outside of the delivery of programmes).

• Identify and implement improvements to The Mill boxing gym to ensure that young people feel safe and have an enjoyable experience (while retaining the look and feel of a real boxing gym). 
• Oversee the onboarding process to ensure that young people have the best possible start to their Empire experience.
• Work alongside the Head of Programmes and Community Outreach Manager to develop a ‘bank’ of local organisations and services that young people can be referred onto during or after their programme. Ensure this information is shared with coaches and therapists so they can communicate it to the young person.
• Oversee the offboarding process that will support young people to continue their development after leaving Empire Fighting Chance (e.g. resources and pathways for young people – internally and externally).
• Use data and insights from young people to improve their experience.

5. Manage the provision of family liaison/support
Accountable for providing support to parents/carers of young people.

• Work alongside the Family Liaison Officer to enhance the information, advice, guidance and support provided to parents and carers to ensure young people engage with their programme.
• Oversee the development of practices and interventions that can provide support to parents and carers that will, in turn, have benefits for young people.

6. Line management of a team
Provide strategic direction to a small team in a supportive manner.

• Provide clear direction, support and motivation to team members, ensuring the Centre of Excellence objectives and the experience of young people is central to all decision making.
• Set clear performance goals and expectations for each function area within the operations team to ensure EFC programmes are operating to the highest standards and at optimal capacity.
• Ensure the team receive regular CPD and are equipped with the skills and knowledge to best support young people (many with complex needs).

We're closing applications in two weeks, so you'll need to apply by the 23rd November at midnight. 

We are looking for a committed individual with strong experience of working with vulnerable women to provide essential, tailored casework support for residents living in Ella’s’ safe house accommodation. You’ll need to be caring and professional, passionate about the vision and mission of Ella’s, and able to maintain and develop strong partnerships with other community organisations and groups, both locally within boroughs and London-wide. The ideal candidate will be welcomed into a small but dynamic organisation, supporting and empowering women to recover from the trauma they’ve been through, and build lives that are safe and free.

Special conditions
● You will be asked to provide a basic DBS check.
● Due to the nature of this work, this role is for women only.
● The postholder is expected to take part in the out of hours on-call service.
● Ability and willingness to work flexibly, and at other Ella’s locations.

Two reasons why you should join Ella’s
1. You will make a difference: Ella’s is a London-based organisation working with women who have survived trafficking and sexual exploitation. Join us, and be a crucial part of ensuring survivors have all they need to recover and build lives that are safe and free.
2. You will work in a great place: We are a passionate, growing organisation. Of our staff, 100% say they would recommend Ella’s as a place to work. As a team, we are strong, women-led, authentic, professional, fun and supportive of one another.

Job description 
The purpose of this role is to provide essential, tailored casework support for residents living in Ella’s’ safe house accommodation. The main responsibilities of this role are:

● Provide one-to-one support for safe house residents This includes ensuring that survivors understand their rights and that these are met, coaching survivors to identify and work towards their personal goals, supporting survivors to access appropriate services/treatment providers and ultimately be supported into independence.
● Manage social work students, placements and interns.
● Maintain and develop borough related relationships.

We are looking for a passionate individual who has strong experience of working with vulnerable women, is aligned with the vision and mission of Ella’s and can maintain and develop strong partnerships with other community organisations and groups, both locally within boroughs and London-wide. The ideal candidate will be welcomed into a small but dynamic organisation, supporting and empowering women to recover from the trauma they’ve been through, and build lives that are safe and free. The role also offers opportunities to contribute to the direction and vision of Ella’s.

Key tasks
Casework provision
● Provide high quality casework support to residents (housing, financial, legal, mental health, and physical wellbeing support)
● Support survivor empowerment to speak out and self-advocate
● Carry out regular risk assessment with survivors and respond to any safeguarding concerns as per Ella’s’ safeguarding procedures
● Provide day-to-day support and build trusting relationships with the service users
● Be sensitive to the rapidly changing emotional and physical needs of the service users and respond accordingly
● Manage all paperwork, processing any personal data in accordance with Ella’s’ policies and procedures
● Ensure casenote records are recorded within 24 hours of each service user contact using Ella’s’ case management system
● Assist service users with administrative tasks as required: reaching out to supporting agencies, booking appointments, form-filling, and attending appointments
● Assume an advocacy role during external appointments, if required
● Assist in writing covering letters and support letters to compliment service users’ application forms, advocate for the service user in specific needs, or to keep other organisations updated as required
● Research the requirements for benefit applications and assisting service users to complete (as required)
● Liaise effectively with other agencies involved in the care or support of service users to ensure their needs are sufficiently met
● Manage referrals and new intakes
● Help create survivor led support plans
● Work collaboratively with other accommodation caseworkers
● Encourage and supporting survivors to attend sessions and activities inside and outside of Ella's

Volunteer coordination
● Oversee social work students and/or interns placed within the safe house, with support from the service manager
● Ensure relevant policies and procedures are upheld by self, all volunteers and visitors who come into contact with survivors
● Adhere to and ensure all students and interns have a good knowledge of Ella’s’ casework management forms and recording systems and oversee the consistent use of these
● Provide regular supervision to students and interns Safeguarding, and health and safety
● Work in collaboration with the Safehousee and Facilities Manager
● Ensure all major incidents, accidents, safeguarding concerns or potential hazards are managed, reported and recorded according to Ella’s’ policies and procedures
● Participate in the identification and assessment of risks and implement agreed working procedures to minimise their impact; writing risk assessments as required
● Promote awareness of health and safety amongst service users, including those who use emergency/on call systems, fire prevention and control systems as necessary
● Ensure the location confidentiality of Ella’s’ premises to protect survivors and safeguard staff and volunteers
● Participate in any relevant Safeguarding training and keep up to date with any changes to Ella’s’ safeguarding policies and procedures

Accommodation and risk management
● Run regular house meetings and house outings for residents
● Support residents with housing benefit and service charges
● Manage all paperwork in the premises, processing any personal data in accordance with Ella’s’ Data Protection Policy and procedures
● Handle emergency situations calmly and professionally
● Ensure all safety and security procedures are followed to keep self and others safe
● Maintain a safe and secure working environment
● Ensure the location confidentiality of Ella’s’ premises to protect survivors and safeguard staff and volunteers

Other/general duties
● Develop strategic partnerships with local agencies working within the Violence Against Women and Girls sector and other local organisations or businesses that could enrich the work of Ella’s
● Take part in the out of hours on-call service
● Attend any training required for the role, keeping up to date with any developments and changes within the sector
● Represent the work at Ella’s with integrity at all times
● Adhere to all of Ella's policies and procedures at all times
● Be an active member of the organisation, attending any team meetings that are required and contribute to Ella's’ strategic goals and input into its direction of growth
● Attend monthly supervision with the service manager and keep in regular contact
● Manage all paperwork, processing any personal data in accordance with Ella’s’ policies and procedures
● Support Ella’s’ fundraising and external communications by assisting with the gathering of stories, data and so on
● Complete any other duties as directed by the service manager which are within the scope of the role

See attachments for Person Specification and how to apply

About Unfold

Unfold is an established local charity supporting young people and families to reach their potential by identifying and achieving their goals through mentoring. We support families and young people in Westminster and its neighbouring boroughs through mentoring programmes and peer support groups for women with children.

For over 35 years, we have provided support to families and young people at risk of social exclusion. Working with trained and DBS-checked volunteers, we offer mentoring to women and children, building independence and helping people get where they want to be. We’ve also developed specialised programmes for refugees, children excluded from school, those with care experience, and families facing homelessness.

About the Role

The Programme Manager is responsible for the development, management and delivery of Unfold’s Broadening Horizons mentoring programme and peer support groups for children and young people aged 10–25.

The role includes managing a team of four (Senior Programme Officers and Programme Officers), ensuring effective planning and delivery of mentoring programmes in line with agreed strategies and workplans. You will oversee the development of specialised programmes, including mentoring for refugees, young people seeking asylum, those excluded from mainstream education, and those with care experience.

The Programme Manager will monitor performance, manage resources, ensure compliance with Unfold’s policies and procedures, and report regularly to the Deputy CEO and Board of Trustees. You will prepare reports and case studies, analyse monitoring data, revise training materials, and use findings to inform programme improvement.

Partnership management is a key element of the role, including maintaining and developing relationships with local authorities, schools, funders, and community organisations to enhance programme delivery. The postholder will also lead the Youth Advisory Council, supporting members to contribute to Unfold’s strategy and direction.

As part of the Senior Management Team, the Programme Manager will contribute to wider organisational planning and development. The role may include occasional evening and weekend work, for which time off in lieu will be given.

About You

You will bring:

• Experience developing and managing projects involving vulnerable children, young people, and families.

• Proven management experience, including performance managing and motivating a team.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience administering, monitoring, and evaluating projects effectively.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Experience developing programme strategy and workplans.

• Passion for supporting children and young people to improve outcomes.

• Ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Confident presentation and public speaking skills.

• Commitment to Unfold’s mission, vision, and values.

You’ll be a motivated, hands-on team player, empathetic to the experiences of vulnerable groups, and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Why Join Us?

• Holidays: 25 working days (along with additional Christmas closedown days)
• Pension: We offer a generous pension provision. New staff are automatically enrolled for a pension after three months, and after six months, we will match your contribution up to a maximum of 8%.
• Team working: We are a small but brilliant team: we're supportive, diverse, and we help each other out. There are always opportunities to get involved in different aspects of the organisation, or lead on new initiatives.
• Training opportunities: We want to ensure that our team is continuously learning and building expertise in their field. For this reason, we offer each team member two days per year dedicated to professional development and training opportunities.
• Wellbeing - How we feel matters: Staff have access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, and our staff Wellbeing Champions are leading on the design and delivery of our wellbeing strategy, including the review of our quarterly wellbeing survey. Staff have regular supervision sessions to encourage reflection and discussion on our work and wellbeing. Additionally, we’re excited to introduce three days a year dedicated to team-building activities. These days are an opportunity to build skills, foster connections, and recharge as a team!
• Flexible working: We're happy to consider flexible working arrangements in line with the requirements of the role.
• Working Environment: We work in a beautiful, accessible, eco-friendly co-working space with a number of other charities, with plants, a leafy roof terrace and free hot and cold drinks. With comfortable spaces to read quietly or talk in a group, our workspace is somewhere you'll want to be.