Work for us

Citizens Advice Tendring is looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual to join our Mental Health Hub team. This is a rewarding role where you will support volunteers on our Mental Health Recovery Programme and help them build skills and confidence through retail experience in our charity shop. What we are looking for:

· English and Mathematics to at least GCSE grade C or equivalent

· Experience working with people with mental health issues (paid, voluntary, or personal experience considered)

· Willingness to work with people who may present challenging behaviour

· Strong interpersonal and listening skills

· A supportive, approachable, and resilient attitude

The successful applicant will receive a tailored induction plan to support them at the start of this role. If you are interested in this opportunity and would like a copy of the Job Description and Application Form, please email: hr@cabtendring.org.uk

Job Title: Support and Recovery Worker

Contract term: Permanent

Reporting to: Support and Recovery Lead

Salary: Full-Time salary £22750 / Actual salary £11,700

Hours: 18 hours per week (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays) (Days and hours to be agreed with the Manager and subject to change to meet business needs)

Employer’s Pension Contribution: 3%

Employee’s Pension Contribution: 5%

Purpose of the role: To provide support to adults in recovery from mental health issues, enabling them to progress and develop skills in a supportive environment.

Location: Mental Health Hub & other locations as required.

Closing date: 6th November 2025

Role Purpose

To provide practical support to adults who are in recovery from mental health issues. This post is part of a funded programme to support improved mental health in the community. The role involves working closely with Citizens Advice Tendring advisers, the Support and Recovery Lead, the Charity Shop Manager, and other community partners to help individuals build skills, confidence, and independence.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Supporting Volunteers
Act as a key support worker for volunteers on the 12-month Mental Health Recovery Programme by:

·         Assessing needs.

·         Building professional, supportive relationships.

·         Planning and reviewing tailored programmes of support.

·         Referring individuals to other agencies where appropriate.

·         Recording and maintaining accurate information and records.

·         Accompanying volunteers to activities where required.

Collaboration & Partnership Working

·         Work with the Shop Manager to support volunteers developing retail experience.

·         Liaise with external agencies such as housing providers, police, training organisations, and accommodation services.

·         Attend monthly partnership meetings to strengthen community links and broaden outcomes for programme participants.

Programme Delivery

·         Facilitate small activity groups for programme volunteers.

·         Produce bi-monthly reports on programme progress and outcomes for the Chief Officer.

·         Promote and maintain confidentiality, equality, diversity, and a non-judgemental approach at all times.

Teamwork & Supervision

·         Attend regular staff meetings and supervisions.

·         Work collaboratively with paid staff and volunteers across the service.

Training & Development

·         Undertake training relevant to the role, including quality assurance processes.

·         Identify and pursue own professional development needs.

·         Support the Mental Health Hub Manager in identifying training needs for staff and volunteers (where appropriate).

Other Duties

·         Uphold the good name and reputation of Citizens Advice Tendring.

·         Comply with all organisational policies and procedures, including data protection, confidentiality, health and safety, dignity at work, and political impartiality.

·         Remain flexible to carry out other reasonable tasks within the scope of the role to support changing service needs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

·         Good literacy and numeracy (GCSE English and Mathematics or equivalent).

·         Mental health care qualification (desirable).

Experience

·         Experience of working with people with mental health issues (paid, voluntary, or personal).

·         Understanding of the challenges faced by people with mental health issues.

Knowledge & Skills

·         Ability to motivate and encourage people to make positive changes in their lives.

·         Accurate report-writing and record-keeping skills.

·         Strong communication and listening skills.

·         Problem-solving skills.

·         Flexibility and adaptability in unpredictable situations.

Personal Qualities

·         Willingness to work with people who may display challenging behaviour.

·         Respectful and accepting of different lifestyles and backgrounds.

·         Calm and resilient under pressure.

·         Practical skills for supporting everyday living.

·         Empathetic, approachable, and supportive.

Our Values

At Citizens Advice, we expect all staff to work in line with our values:

·         Inventive: We try new ideas, learn from mistakes, and adapt when things aren’t working.

·         Generous: We work together, share knowledge, and respect everyone.

·         Responsible: We do what we say we’ll do, use resources effectively, and remember we work for a charity.