Community MH Support Worker MHSOP-SW
The closing date is 11 June 2026
Whilst we welcome all applications from all suitable candidates, unfortunately, we will not be offering sponsorship for this role.
The post holder will provide mental health care and practical support to older people experiencing mental health difficulties within the community, in line with an agreed programme of care developed by the multi‑disciplinary team (MDT). The role involves working under the direction and supervision of qualified nurses and social workers, supporting service users during periods of crisis while actively promoting recovery, independence, and resilience within their individual social networks.
Support workers within the MHSOP Crisis Function Team (South West) will work closely and collaboratively with members of the MDT, as well as with Day Services, Home Care providers, primary care, and relevant voluntary and statutory agencies. This coordinated approach ensures continuity of care, effective risk management, and a holistic response to the complex needs of older people experiencing mental health crises.
The role involves supporting qualified staff to deliver agreed care plans, promoting safety, recovery and wellbeing, while providing practical and emotional support to service users, carers, and the wider team. The post is primarily based in the Crisis Function Team, with flexible working across community teams as required. Most work is community‑based, carried out in people’s homes and care settings.
The ability to travel independently across South West Hertfordshire is essential. Applicants must be a car driver, unless exempt under the Equality Act 2010 due to a disability that prevents driving.
Working pattern
* Weekdays: 9:00am‑5:00pm and 1:00pm‑9:00pm shifts
* Weekends and Bank Holidays: 11:00am‑7:00pm
Flexibility to work across these shifts is essential to meet the service needs.
Job responsibilities
To regularly appraise senior staff of service users’ progress and any observed changes in mental health presentation, cognition, risk, or functioning, ensuring these are accurately documented within service users’ clinical records.
To assist in the implementation of agreed care plans, ensuring that service users’ rights to privacy, dignity, choice, independence, and self‑determination are upheld at all times, with particular sensitivity to the needs of older adults.
To participate in multiprofessional assessments and contribute relevant observations to support holistic formulation, care planning, and risk management, including reporting to partner agencies where appropriate.
To provide practical and emotional support to service users and/or carers in line with agreed care plans. This may include supporting social engagement, maintaining a safe living environment, facilitating communication with other service providers, offering reassurance, and encouraging engagement with services.
To participate in multidisciplinary reviews and Care Programme Approach (CPA)/Care Management meetings, contributing to shared decision‑making and continuity of care.
To promptly report any significant change in a service users’ circumstances, mental state, risk, or support needs to relevant professionals or agencies, contributing to coordinated care that promotes quality of life, rehabilitation, and independence.
To ensure that all care and support is delivered in accordance with equality, diversity, and inclusion principles, offering services without prejudice based on age, disability, creed, gender, ethnicity, or cultural background.
To demonstrate awareness of service users’ cultural, spiritual, and ethnic needs, adapting care approaches as appropriate to ensure culturally sensitive and inclusive support.
Person Specification
Knowledge/Training/Experience – Essential
* Good standard of education (to include Maths and English GCSE grade C or above – or equivalent).
* Computer literate (able to use Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
* Knowledge of legislation related to mental health and social care (e.g. Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, National Service Framework, National Dementia Strategy, Care Programme Approach).
* Ability to manage distressing and challenging situations.
Knowledge/Training/Experience – Desirable
* NVQ in Health and Social Care.
* Experience of working with people with mental health conditions.
* Experience of working with people with dementia.
Communication Skills – Essential
* Excellent communication skills, verbally and in writing.
* Ability to feedback and discuss cases within the multi‑disciplinary team.
* Excellent documentation of duties performed.
* Confidence to work autonomously in the community.
Analytical skills – Essential
* Good range of problem‑solving skills.
* Good range of information gathering skills.
* Positive approach to older people.
* Fine attention to detail.
General – Essential
* Good team player.
* Committed to high quality care and service provision for older people.
* Good time management.
* Ability to work flexibly to meet the service needs.
* Able to drive and have access to a vehicle for work purposes.
General – Desirable
* Ability to network, and form working relationships with other agencies, charities and providers.
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.
Salary
£27,106 to £28,850 a yearper annum, pro rata (Inclusive of 5% HCAS)
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