Job summary
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with mental health needs?
We are looking for an enthusiastic and compassionate Support Worker to join our Adult Community Mental Health and Open Mental Health teams. You will be working across a multidisciplinary service providing person-centred, recovery-focused support to individuals with a range of mental health and complex needs.
As part of a collaborative and dynamic team, including colleagues from the Voluntary and Community Sector, you will help empower people to regain independence, promote wellbeing, and reduce social isolation--enabling them to live fulfilling lives within their communities.
You'll become part of a progressive, person-centred service committed to innovation and partnership working. This is a rewarding opportunity to develop your career in mental health and contribute to the transformation of community care in Somerset.
A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the organisation's localities for work purposes are essential.
This is a 9 month fixed term position, working 30 hours per week.
Main duties of the job
- Provide direct support to individuals with mental health and associated needs through structured, recovery-based interventions.
Work across Adult Community Mental Health and Open Mental Health services, helping to deliver a flexible and holistic service.
Support service users in developing coping strategies, accessing community resources, and building independence.
Build trusting relationships using strength-based tools such as DIALOG+ to facilitate recovery.
Assist with practical matters including housing, benefits, employment, and social connection.
Work under the guidance of registered professionals, while using your own initiative to support service users appropriately.
Maintain accurate and timely records of interventions, care planning, and risk management.
Collaborate with GPs, mental health professionals, and voluntary organisations to ensure a joined-up approach to care.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Band 4 Support Worker, you will work across the Adult Community Mental Health and Open Mental Health teams, supporting adults living with mental health challenges. You will deliver a high-quality, recovery-focused service by promoting autonomy, self-confidence, and social inclusion.
You will:
Manage your own caseload and use your diary effectively to coordinate client visits and interventions.
Engage with clients using therapeutic communication techniques to build meaningful and effective working relationships.
Use holistic approaches to assess needs, plan support, and evaluate outcomes in collaboration with the wider team.
Navigate systems and signpost individuals to appropriate services for housing, benefits, crisis support, or healthcare.
Participate in regular supervision, training, and reflective practice to develop and maintain professional competence.
Work with people who may present with high levels of emotional distress, and be prepared to manage challenging behaviours calmly and professionally.
Ensure high standards of documentation and information sharing in line with GDPR and Trust policy.
You will be a vital link between the statutory mental health services and local community resources, championing recovery and delivering support that is meaningful and personalised.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As a Band 4 Support Worker, you will work across the Adult Community Mental Health and Open Mental Health teams, supporting adults living with mental health challenges. You will deliver a high-quality, recovery-focused service by promoting autonomy, self-confidence, and social inclusion.
You will:
Manage your own caseload and use your diary effectively to coordinate client visits and interventions.
Engage with clients using therapeutic communication techniques to build meaningful and effective working relationships.
Use holistic approaches to assess needs, plan support, and evaluate outcomes in collaboration with the wider team.
Navigate systems and signpost individuals to appropriate services for housing, benefits, crisis support, or healthcare.
Participate in regular supervision, training, and reflective practice to develop and maintain professional competence.
Work with people who may present with high levels of emotional distress, and be prepared to manage challenging behaviours calmly and professionally.
Ensure high standards of documentation and information sharing in line with GDPR and Trust policy.
You will be a vital link between the statutory mental health services and local community resources, championing recovery and delivering support that is meaningful and personalised.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Able to demonstrate a good standard of English language
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working with people with mental health needs, or people with complex needs
- Proven experience of carrying out needs, and/or risk assessments and the support care planning process,
- Experience in a mental health setting, working with adults with mental illness.
- Experience of working with adults who have serious mental illness and their families and carers in the community.
- Experience of receiving management and clinical supervision
Desirable
- Experience of working with a number of individuals with competing needs and priorities
- Proven experience of working with people with multiple needs (e.g. mental health, homelessness, alcohol/drug dependency long term conditions)
Additional Criteria
Desirable
- Experience of working with a number of individuals with competing needs and priorities
- Proven experience of working with people with multiple needs (e.g. mental health, homelessness, alcohol/drug dependency long term conditions)
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Able to demonstrate a good standard of English language
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working with people with mental health needs, or people with complex needs
- Proven experience of carrying out needs, and/or risk assessments and the support care planning process,
- Experience in a mental health setting, working with adults with mental illness.
- Experience of working with adults who have serious mental illness and their families and carers in the community.
- Experience of receiving management and clinical supervision
Desirable
- Experience of working with a number of individuals with competing needs and priorities
- Proven experience of working with people with multiple needs (e.g. mental health, homelessness, alcohol/drug dependency long term conditions)
Additional Criteria
Desirable
- Experience of working with a number of individuals with competing needs and priorities
- Proven experience of working with people with multiple needs (e.g. mental health, homelessness, alcohol/drug dependency long term conditions)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
