Mental health support worker

We are looking for a compassionate, proactive and motivated Mental Health Support Worker to provide person-centred support to individuals living in supported accommodation. You will play a key role in helping customers develop the skills, confidence and resilience they need to manage their mental health, maintain their accommodation and work towards their personal goals.

Working collaboratively with customers, Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs), housing providers and other partner agencies, you will deliver flexible, personalised support that recognises each individual's strengths, interests, aspirations and support needs.

You will support customers throughout their journey, from referral, assessment and moving into accommodation through to ongoing recovery, increased independence and successful transition from the service.

Customer Assessment, Accommodation and Induction

• Receive referrals, coordinate assessments and support customers to move into appropriate accommodation.
• Complete initial assessments, inductions and risk assessments, working collaboratively with Community Mental Health Teams and relevant external agencies to identify individual needs and manage risks effectively.
• Complete accommodation licence agreements and support customers to apply for Housing Benefit and other relevant financial assistance.
• Work alongside customers, housing colleagues and partner agencies to resolve accommodation-related issues and promote housing stability.
• Ensure customers understand their rights, responsibilities and the support available to them.

Person-Centred Mental Health Support and Recovery

• Deliver flexible, intensive and tapered support in response to customers' individual needs, circumstances and recovery goals.
• Work in partnership with customers, recognising them as active participants in their recovery journey and promoting choice, dignity, empowerment and independence.
• Develop personalised support plans using the Mental Health Outcome Star, recognising and building on customers' existing strengths, skills, interests and aspirations.
• Ensure support plans and risk management plans are completed within 48 hours of assessment, reviewed at least every three months, and updated sooner whenever circumstances change.
• Review support plans and risk assessments at the end of each support case to ensure outcomes, progress and any ongoing needs are appropriately recorded.
• Support customers to develop practical coping strategies, build confidence, manage their mental health and access opportunities that enhance their wellbeing and independence.
• Develop individual crisis and recovery plans in partnership with customers and relevant professionals, identifying early warning signs, preventative strategies and appropriate responses to changes in mental health or increased risk.
• Recognise signs of deterioration or potential relapse and work with customers and partner agencies to implement appropriate support and prevention strategies.

Engagement and Relationship Building

• Build trusting, respectful and professional relationships with customers, adapting communication and engagement approaches to meet individual needs and preferences.
• Ensure customers in 24-hour supported services receive daily contact and support in accordance with service requirements.
• Offer flexible contact methods, including face-to-face meetings, telephone calls, text messages, video calls and email, taking account of customer preference, accessibility and risk.
• Where appropriate, provide support in locations chosen by customers to encourage engagement, promote confidence and support access to community resources.
• Encourage customers to engage with mental health services, healthcare professionals, community organisations and other support networks that contribute to their recovery.
• Promote self-advocacy and support customers to access services independently wherever possible, helping them build confidence in navigating available support.

Partnership Working and Multi-Agency Support

• Work collaboratively with Community Mental Health Teams, health professionals, housing providers, social care services and other relevant agencies to provide coordinated, holistic support.
• Facilitate multi-agency communication and information sharing in accordance with consent, confidentiality and safeguarding requirements.
• Attend relevant meetings and contribute to shared planning, risk management and recovery-focused interventions.
• Support customers to access appropriate services, make informed choices and develop the confidence to self-refer where suitable.
• Work with partner agencies to identify changing needs, address barriers to recovery and ensure appropriate support is available at key stages of the customer's journey.

Record Keeping, Monitoring and Service Quality

• Maintain accurate, timely and up-to-date support plans, risk assessments, case notes and other relevant records using BCHA's support planning software and local procedures.
• Ensure support plans include clear timescales, SMART goals and measurable outcomes, with progress reviewed regularly alongside customers and partner agencies.
• Complete performance monitoring and data tracking for referrals, current customers and individuals who have exited the service.
• Monitor and record customer satisfaction at least once during their time receiving support and ensure an exit satisfaction survey is completed when their support ends.
• Contribute to service reporting, quality assurance and continuous improvement by ensuring information is accurate, complete and submitted within required timescales.
• Maintain professional standards of confidentiality, information governance and record keeping.

Financial and Tenancy Management

• Support customers to understand their financial responsibilities and maintain their accommodation.
• Ensure rent and individual service charges due to BCHA are monitored, collected and recorded in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• Follow up outstanding payments or arrears sensitively and proactively, working with customers and relevant colleagues to identify solutions and reduce the risk of tenancy breakdown.
• Maintain accurate records of financial actions, discussions and agreed arrangements using BCHA's systems and procedures.
• Help customers access appropriate benefits, budgeting advice and financial support to promote long-term housing stability.

About You

You will be a caring, reliable and person-centred individual who is passionate about mental health recovery and helping people achieve positive outcomes.

You will be able to build effective relationships, respond calmly to challenging situations and balance empathy with professional boundaries. You will also be confident working independently while recognising the importance of partnership working, accurate record keeping and effective risk management.

You will understand the importance of supporting people to make their own choices, develop practical life skills and build the confidence to manage their mental health and live as independently as possible.

The Difference You Will Make

As a Mental Health Support Worker, you will make a meaningful difference to the lives of people experiencing mental health challenges. Through consistent support, collaborative working and a commitment to recovery, you will help customers develop resilience, maintain stable accommodation and build the confidence and skills to move towards a more independent and fulfilling future.

If you are passionate about empowering people, promoting recovery and helping individuals achieve lasting positive change, we would love to hear from you.

Safeguarding Statement

BCHA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, safety and rights of the people who access its services. All employees are expected to share this commitment, follow safeguarding policies and procedures, maintain professional boundaries and report concerns promptly and appropriately.

Appointment will be subject to relevant pre-employment checks, including references and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where applicable to the role.