Senior Support Worker – Neighbourhood Mental Health Café

£6,344 per annum
Part-time (9 hours per week)
Melton Mowbray
Fixed term until 28/02/2026

Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland is dedicated to providing support and care to vulnerable individuals in our community. We are seeking a compassionate and resilient Senior Support Worker to join our team creating a safe and welcoming space for individuals struggling with emotional and mental health challenges.

About the Role:

As a Senior Support Worker, you will play a key role in overseeing the operations of the Mental Health Café, ensuring that individuals receive the emotional support they need in a comfortable, non-judgmental environment. You will manage and support a two Support Workers, ensuring high standards of care, professionalism, and compassion.

This is a rewarding but demanding role, requiring strong healthcare skills, the ability to manage a team, and the resilience to navigate challenging situations. Your work will make a real difference to the lives of those in need of urgent support, providing comfort and reassurance when it's needed most.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee the day-to-day running of the Mental Health Café, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.
Manage, support, and coach the team of Support Workers, offering guidance, training, and supervision.
Provide high-quality emotional and mental health support to individuals in crisis, ensuring their needs are met with care and professionalism.
Maintain a clear and detailed record of service users' needs and progress, adhering to confidentiality and safeguarding protocols.
Collaborate with other agencies and services to ensure individuals receive comprehensive support where required.
Support individuals in distress, demonstrating patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach.
Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults.

Key Skills & Qualifications:

Formal qualification in mental health (e.g., NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, or equivalent).
Significant experience of working with individuals with mental health needs, including those in crisis.
Strong knowledge of mental health issues, support techniques, and best practices.
Excellent people management skills with experience in supervising and coaching teams.
Friendly, approachable, and personable, with strong communication skills.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building supportive relationships.
Strong organisational and multitasking abilities, with excellent attention to detail.
Good IT skills, including experience with care management systems and reporting tools.
High levels of empathy, emotional intelligence, and situational awareness.
Understanding of safeguarding and safeguarding procedures.
Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.

Why Join Us?

Make a difference: You will be part of a vital service that provides a lifeline to individuals in emotional and mental distress.
Supportive team: Work alongside a dedicated and compassionate team of professionals who share your commitment to helping others.
Development opportunities: Access to ongoing training and professional development.

If you're passionate about mental health support and have the leadership skills to guide a dedicated team, we'd love to hear from you. Join us in providing vital support to those who need it most.

Location: Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
Contract Type: Fixed Term 28/02/2026
Hours: Monday 9:00am – 1:30pm & Thursday 12:00pm – 4:30pm
Salary: £6344.76 per annum
Closing date : 30 November 2024
Interview Dates : 11,12 & 19 December 2024

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and a cover letter stating why we should consider you for this role.

Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

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