Community Mental Health Link Worker

Job Title: Community Mental Health Link Worker

Department: Community Mental Health

Location: Redditch

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Part time - 28 hours per week (over 3, 4 or 5 days). Times of work to be agreed.

Salary: £25,500 to £28,000 per annum FTE

About ONSIDE:

ONSIDE is a charity working across Worcestershire and Herefordshire, established in 1993 stemming from a belief that everyone has the right to be a valued human being and to be treated in a just and fair way. In support of this belief we provide a range of support and services to ensure fairness and equality for adults who may be vulnerable, disadvantaged or discriminated against.

We make a difference to the lives of over 14,000 people a year through our dedicated team of experienced staff and volunteers recruited, trained and supported to work as advocates, mentors, befrienders and appropriate adults.

Our people are passionate about what they do, value difference and diversity, and bring creativity and innovation to their work. We are committed to fairness and justice, acting with integrity and taking personal responsibility for making a positive difference.

Whatever your role at ONSIDE, you’ll be part of an organisation that is passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives.

About the role:

To support people experiencing severe and enduring mental ill health with the social, practical and wellbeing issues affecting their recovery. Working alongside Mental Health Neighbourhood Teams, the postholder will provide personalised, non-clinical support, help people navigate health and community services, and connect them with opportunities that build confidence, independence and wellbeing.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide person-centred one-to-one support, facilitated self-help and access to group or peer support, using appropriate evidence-based approaches.

• Help people identify and address wider issues affecting their wellbeing, such as loneliness, housing, debt, diet and physical activity.

• Act as a point of access to voluntary and community support, offering information, signposting, referrals and practical care navigation.

• Help individuals understand and connect the different elements of their support, including primary and secondary mental health services and community resources.

• Build trusting relationships, empower individuals to work towards their goals and maintain clear professional boundaries.

• Work closely with Mental Health Neighbourhood Teams, practice staff, social prescribing services and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) partners to provide joined-up support.

• Manage and prioritise an individual caseload, recognising changing needs and following appropriate referral, safeguarding and crisis escalation procedures.

• Maintain accurate and timely case records, monitoring information and reports using relevant systems, including Rio and CharityLog, in line with confidentiality and data protection requirements.

• Contribute to team meetings, service feedback, evaluation, continuous improvement and relevant networking activities.

• Provide guidance and support to Community Mental Health volunteers.

Other requirements:

This role may involve travel to different locations in and around Redditch (and potentially further affield). Therefore the ability to drive and access to a vehicle is essential.

You may be asked to work occasional evenings or weekends, as and when required.

In addition, all ONSIDE employees are expected to:

• Work within the organisation’s stated principles and values, adhering at all times to the organisational policies, procedures and guidelines

• Take responsibility for safeguarding appropriate to your role and raise any potential concerns with the ONSIDE’s Safeguarding and Professional Guidance Lead 

• Contribute to the growth and ongoing sustainability of the organisation

• Demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities, social inclusion and individual empowerment

• Show a commitment to personal, professional and organisational development

• Take responsibility for your wellbeing, accessing the support and resources in place to support you and your wellbeing

• Contribute to organisational promotional and networking activities

• Work flexibly and co-operatively with colleagues to support the needs of the organisation.

While this job description provides the main duties and responsibilities for the position, it is not definitive and employees are expected to carry out any additional duties compatible with their skills and abilities. The above may be subject to change and alteration from time to time with the prior agreement of the job holder.

Closing date: 5th November 2026

The criteria below describe the knowledge, experience and skills needed to carry out the role. Relevant experience may have been gained through employment, volunteering or other appropriate settings.

Essential:

• A good general standard of education and a relevant Level 3 qualification (NVQ or equivalent).
• Experience supporting people with severe and enduring mental ill health, and helping individuals build confidence, coping strategies and wellbeing.
• Experience of providing one-to-one and group support, including mentoring or coaching.
• Understanding of person-centred approaches, the effects of mental ill health and the social challenges faced by people experiencing disadvantage.
• Knowledge of health and social care pathways, local statutory and voluntary-sector mental health support, safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection.
• Ability to build trust, communicate sensitively with people experiencing distress and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Ability to work collaboratively with professionals and community partners while managing a caseload, priorities and changing demands independently.
• Good organisation, record-keeping, problem-solving and IT skills, including use of email, office software and case-management systems.
• Commitment to equality, inclusion, empowerment, self-awareness and personal wellbeing.
• Ability to travel across Worcestershire, including rural areas; the existing specification requires driving and access to a vehicle.
• Flexibility to undertake occasional evening or weekend work.

Desirable:

• A relevant Level 3 qualification (NVQ or equivalent).
• Mentoring or coaching qualification, Mental Health First Aid or other relevant mental health training.
• Experience delivering mental health workshops or using evidence-based approaches, such as CBT-informed tools or mindfulness.
• Experience supporting volunteers, working in multidisciplinary teams or helping develop community groups.
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing and practical support pathways, including housing and welfare benefits.
• Experience contributing to service development or improvements in ways of working.

You must have the Right to Work in the UK or be able to independently obtain this by the start date. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

• 26 days annual holiday + Bank Holidays

• Pension Scheme
• Company Sick Pay Scheme (after qualifying service)
• Additional Maternity & Paternity Pay (after qualifying service)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to premium Calm App
• Employee Engagement Forum to ensure our employee’s voices are heard!
• Your ‘Birthday Day’ Off
• Supportive working environment & good work/life balance culture
• Support with continuous professional development