Mental Health Support Worker in Bristol inBristol PUBLISHED MON 10 NOV 2025 Jump to job information section
Band 4: £27,485 to £30,162 a year pa inc
PERMANENT
NO SPONSORSHIP
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust rGNKMGB5
Job description
Job summary
Are you ready tounlockyour potential within a challenging, creative and fast paced work environment? Do you want to work with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past?This is an excellent opportunity for to join our team of diverse, talented healthcare professionals to deliver care that is not only efficient but deeply centred on the patient.Our healthcare team have a real impact on promoting health and well-being to those in prison and we pride ourselves on using skills and strategies that instil hope for patient's future resettlement back into the community. We directly deliver Mental Health, Physical Health, Pharmacy and Clinical Substance Misuse in an integrated healthcare delivery model to provide effective and responsive care to improve wellbeing and support better outcomes in the future.This position isn't just a job; it's a chance to blend your clinical knowledge, personal skills and a commitment to delivering the highest standards of care in an environment that is as rewarding as it is challenging.Important Sponsorship Information for this post: We are currently unable to offer a certificate of sponsorship for this post.
Main duties of the job
This role is focussed on supporting people in prison with a range of acute mental health needs. The individuals may be in crisis, and their carers (including friends and relatives) and supporters will also require support to enable and assist them to meet daily health, social care and wellbeing needs. These needs will need to be met in line with personal recovery goals and facilitating engagement with mainstream services.Always under the overarching framework of CPA, the postholder will contribute to the ongoing assessment, planning, delivery and review of activities and interventions against identified health, social care and wellbeing needs. You will be acting as the care/recovery coordinator for an allocated group of service users. The role will also require undertaking and delivering defined activities and interventions for a wider group of identified service users, in accordance with the agreed personal recovery plan. This maybe either on a one-to-one basis, or as part of a group activity. Regular out of hours working, including nights will be required.
About us
Oxleas offers a wide range of NHS healthcare services to people in community and secure environment settings. Our services include community health care such as district nursing and speech and language therapy, care for people with learning disabilities and mental health care such as psychiatry, nursing and therapies. Our multidisciplinary teams look after people of all ages and we work in close partnership with other parts of the NHS, local councils and the voluntary sector and through our new provider collaboratives. Our 4,300 members of staff work in many different settings including hospitals, clinics, prisons, secure hospitals, children's centres, schools and people's homes.We have over 125 sites in a variety of locations in the South of England. In London we operate within the Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley Greenwich and into Kent. We manage hospital sites including Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup and Memorial Hospital, Woolwich, as well as the Bracton Centre, our medium secure unit for people with mental health needs. We are the largest NHS provider of prison health services providing healthcare to prisons within Devon, Dorset, Bristol, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, Kent and South London. We are proud of the care we provide and our people.Our purpose is to improve lives by providing the best possible care to our patients and their families. This is strengthened by our new values:We're KindWe're FairWe ListenWe Care
Details
Date posted
10 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for changeBandBand 4
Salary
£27,485 to £30,162 a year pa inc
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
277-7413406-ASH-C
Job location
sHMP AshfieldBristolBS16 9QJ
Job description
Job responsibilities
To undertake the role of care/recovery coordinator for an allocated caseload of service users organising and participating in the ongoing assessment, planning delivering and review of care to meet identified physical and mental health social care and wellbeing needsOrganising and participating in defined assessment methods/activitiesArranging CPA meetings in line with trust policyDeveloping and reviewing appropriate care plans identifying and organising other resources as appropriateProviding defined interventions/ activities as part of the care planCompleting relevant paper and electronic documentation in line with the care coordinator rolePlan and undertaking defined interventions and treatments to enable the individual to meet and develop their ongoing daily living skills, to increase confidence and independence in line with agreed personal recovery plansPreparing for and delivering defined self-help groupsTherapeutic activities to improve and individuals coping skills eg, improving sleep, anger, anxiety, stress management, assertiveness or relaxationTherapeutic activities to improve an individuals physical health such as exercise programmes, diet or nutritional planningPlanning and undertaking activities to enable the individual to meet and develop their daily living skills, to increase confidence and independence in line with agreed personal recovery plansEmotional support to individual focusing on motivation and encouragementInformation and advice to maintain good physical health by encouraging a good diet and exerciseInformation on rights under the mental health act.To work collaboratively with service users and their carers to understand and manage their mental health needs in line with their personal recovery plan and relapse prevention strategiesTo undertake specific activities and interventions in the support of carers including engagement and involvement, assessment and provision of support or servicesOrganise and participate in the development of risk assessments and crisis management plans, rapid access plans, within the appropriate framework, ensuring that when trigger points are reached these are reported appropriately to a registered practitioner, and that immediate or direct action is taken in line with these, or in the event of a crisisRespond to the needs of individual with sensitivity with regard to their age, culture, race, gender, ethnicity, social class or disability, modifying behaviour to optimise the helping relationshipPromote the rights of individual by recognising differences and acting in accordance with the relevant legislation, recognising and reporting discriminatory behaviour, and taking appropriate actionPromoting independence and increasing confidence by providing appropriate self help materials, information about available resources/services, facilitating identified group work and educational workshopsContribute to the protection of individuals from abuse and harm in line with local safeguarding policies and proceduresDevelop own knowledge and practice, making use of supervision/ appraisal and available learning opportunitiesPromote, monitor and maintain health, safety and security in all workplacesMaintain accurate, confidential records of patient activity, writing reports and letters, utilising electronic record and other systems available within the organisationTo participate in local arrangements in order to ensure consistent care to service users across the local geography.IMPORTANT INFORMATION, PLEASE READ:All applicants must be willing to undertake National Security Vetting in order to work in a Prison Setting. This will be completed as part of the pre-employment checks through Oxleas and the prison vetting team.You will need to provide:Proof of right to work documentationProof of ID, needs to include 1 photographic IDProof of
Address
documentationNon-UK passport holders will need to have correct documentation (right to work in the UK) and a Home office Share code.
Address
History:5 years
Address
history will be needed.Applicants that are not UK Passport holders who provide less than 5 years UK
Address
history will need to provide a Police Certificate which must be in English from where they resided previously.Applicants who are UK Passport holders who have lived abroad for a period of more than six months during the last three years will need to provide a certificate of good conduct or an overseas police check in English from the countries resided in or visited.In order to assist you in obtaining a Police Certificate, guidance can be sought from: https://jobsincare.com/job/jns790XiEc5 the country you have resided in is not listed here, you can obtain the necessary information by contacting the relevant Embassy or High Commission for that Country. Their contact
Details
can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website ( https://jobsincare.com/job/jns790XiEc5
Job description
Address
History:5 years
Person Specification
Qualifications
EssentialNVQ Level 3 completed in a mental health setting or equivalent qualification
Experience
EssentialRelevant
Experience
of working in any health, social care setting or any related voluntary organisation.Demonstrates a clear understanding of recovery principles and the role of secondary mental health services in the delivery of care.Able to demonstrate some awareness of theories underpinning health and social care.Able to articulate a clear knowledge of policy and legislative frameworks within which mental health services are delivered including a persons rights under the MHA , CPA Mental Capacity Act.DesirablePrison or secure environment
Experience
SkillsEssentialGood communication and an ability to form positive relationships with patients, carers and other professionals.Developed IT literacy with an understanding of Microsoft office
Person Specification
Experience
EssentialRelevant
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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit theUK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Additional information
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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit theUK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Employer
Details
Are you ready tounlockyour potential within a challenging, creative and fast paced work environment? Do you want to work with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past?This is an excellent opportunity for to join our team of diverse, talented healthcare professionals to deliver care that is not only efficient but deeply centred on the patient.Our healthcare team have a real impact on promoting health and well-being to those in prison and we pride ourselves on using skills and strategies that instil hope for patient's future resettlement back into the community. We directly deliver Mental Health, Physical Health, Pharmacy and Clinical Substance Misuse in an integrated healthcare delivery model to provide effective and responsive care to improve wellbeing and support better outcomes in the future.This position isn't just a job; it's a chance to blend your clinical knowledge, personal skills and a commitment to delivering the highest standards of care in an environment that is as rewarding as it is challenging.Important Sponsorship Information for this post: We are currently unable to offer a certificate of sponsorship for this post.
Main duties of the job
This role is focussed on supporting people in prison with a range of acute mental health needs. The individuals may be in crisis, and their carers (including friends and relatives) and supporters will also require support to enable and assist them to meet daily health, social care and wellbeing needs. These needs will need to be met in line with personal recovery goals and facilitating engagement with mainstream services.Always under the overarching framework of CPA, the postholder will contribute to the ongoing assessment, planning, delivery and review of activities and interventions against identified health, social care and wellbeing needs. You will be acting as the care/recovery coordinator for an allocated group of service users. The role will also require undertaking and delivering defined activities and interventions for a wider group of identified service users, in accordance with the agreed personal recovery plan. This maybe either on a one-to-one basis, or as part of a group activity. Regular out of hours working, including nights will be required.
About us
Oxleas offers a wide range of NHS healthcare services to people in community and secure environment settings. Our services include community health care such as district nursing and speech and language therapy, care for people with learning disabilities and mental health care such as psychiatry, nursing and therapies. Our multidisciplinary teams look after people of all ages and we work in close partnership with other parts of the NHS, local councils and the voluntary sector and through our new provider collaboratives. Our 4,300 members of staff work in many different settings including hospitals, clinics, prisons, secure hospitals, children's centres, schools and people's homes.We have over 125 sites in a variety of locations in the South of England. In London we operate within the Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley Greenwich and into Kent. We manage hospital sites including Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup and Memorial Hospital, Woolwich, as well as the Bracton Centre, our medium secure unit for people with mental health needs. We are the largest NHS provider of prison health services providing healthcare to prisons within Devon, Dorset, Bristol, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, Kent and South London. We are proud of the care we provide and our people.Our purpose is to improve lives by providing the best possible care to our patients and their families. This is strengthened by our new values:We're KindWe're FairWe ListenWe Care
Details
Date posted
10 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for changeBandBand 4
Salary
£27,485 to £30,162 a year pa inc
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
277-7413406-ASH-C
Job location
sHMP AshfieldBristolBS16 9QJ
Job description
Job responsibilities
To undertake the role of care/recovery coordinator for an allocated caseload of service users organising and participating in the ongoing assessment, planning delivering and review of care to meet identified physical and mental health social care and wellbeing needsOrganising and participating in defined assessment methods/activitiesArranging CPA meetings in line with trust policyDeveloping and reviewing appropriate care plans identifying and organising other resources as appropriateProviding defined interventions/ activities as part of the care planCompleting relevant paper and electronic documentation in line with the care coordinator rolePlan and undertaking defined interventions and treatments to enable the individual to meet and develop their ongoing daily living skills, to increase confidence and independence in line with agreed personal recovery plansPreparing for and delivering defined self-help groupsTherapeutic activities to improve and individuals coping skills eg, improving sleep, anger, anxiety, stress management, assertiveness or relaxationTherapeutic activities to improve an individuals physical health such as exercise programmes, diet or nutritional planningPlanning and undertaking activities to enable the individual to meet and develop their daily living skills, to increase confidence and independence in line with agreed personal recovery plansEmotional support to individual focusing on motivation and encouragementInformation and advice to maintain good physical health by encouraging a good diet and exerciseInformation on rights under the mental health act.To work collaboratively with service users and their carers to understand and manage their mental health needs in line with their personal recovery plan and relapse prevention strategiesTo undertake specific activities and interventions in the support of carers including engagement and involvement, assessment and provision of support or servicesOrganise and participate in the development of risk assessments and crisis management plans, rapid access plans, within the appropriate framework, ensuring that when trigger points are reached these are reported appropriately to a registered practitioner, and that immediate or direct action is taken in line with these, or in the event of a crisisRespond to the needs of individual with sensitivity with regard to their age, culture, race, gender, ethnicity, social class or disability, modifying behaviour to optimise the helping relationshipPromote the rights of individual by recognising differences and acting in accordance with the relevant legislation, recognising and reporting discriminatory behaviour, and taking appropriate actionPromoting independence and increasing confidence by providing appropriate self help materials, information about available resources/services, facilitating identified group work and educational workshopsContribute to the protection of individuals from abuse and harm in line with local safeguarding policies and proceduresDevelop own knowledge and practice, making use of supervision/ appraisal and available learning opportunitiesPromote, monitor and maintain health, safety and security in all workplacesMaintain accurate, confidential records of patient activity, writing reports and letters, utilising electronic record and other systems available within the organisationTo participate in local arrangements in order to ensure consistent care to service users across the local geography.IMPORTANT INFORMATION, PLEASE READ:All applicants must be willing to undertake National Security Vetting in order to work in a Prison Setting. This will be completed as part of the pre-employment checks through Oxleas and the prison vetting team.You will need to provide:Proof of right to work documentationProof of ID, needs to include 1 photographic IDProof of
Address
documentationNon-UK passport holders will need to have correct documentation (right to work in the UK) and a Home office Share code.
Address
History:5 years
Address
history will be needed.Applicants that are not UK Passport holders who provide less than 5 years UK
Address
history will need to provide a Police Certificate which must be in English from where they resided previously.Applicants who are UK Passport holders who have lived abroad for a period of more than six months during the last three years will need to provide a certificate of good conduct or an overseas police check in English from the countries resided in or visited.In order to assist you in obtaining a Police Certificate, guidance can be sought from: https://jobsincare.com/job/jns790XiEc5 the country you have resided in is not listed here, you can obtain the necessary information by contacting the relevant Embassy or High Commission for that Country. Their contact
Details
can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website ( https://jobsincare.com/job/jns790XiEc5
Job description
Address
History:5 years
Person Specification
Qualifications
EssentialNVQ Level 3 completed in a mental health setting or equivalent qualification
Experience
EssentialRelevant
Experience
of working in any health, social care setting or any related voluntary organisation.Demonstrates a clear understanding of recovery principles and the role of secondary mental health services in the delivery of care.Able to demonstrate some awareness of theories underpinning health and social care.Able to articulate a clear knowledge of policy and legislative frameworks within which mental health services are delivered including a persons rights under the MHA , CPA Mental Capacity Act.DesirablePrison or secure environment
Experience
SkillsEssentialGood communication and an ability to form positive relationships with patients, carers and other professionals.Developed IT literacy with an understanding of Microsoft office
Person Specification
Experience
EssentialRelevant
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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit theUK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Additional information
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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit theUK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Employer
Details
Not sure?
If you're interested in this role but you have questions or you're not yet ready to apply, then please book a quick call with us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more about the role.
If you're interested in this role but you have questions or you're not yet ready to apply, then please book a quick call with us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more about the role.
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More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:
Useful skills for a Mental Health Support Worker:
Click to view
To work as a Mental Health Support Worker in the UK, you’ll need a combination of personal qualities, skills, and sometimes formal qualifications. Here’s a comprehensive list of the key skills and attributes required:
Essential Skills and Qualities
1. Empathy and Compassion: The ability to understand and be sensitive to the feelings and experiences of others is crucial.
2. Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are important for interacting with clients, families, and healthcare professionals.
3. Active Listening: Being able to listen attentively and understand what clients are expressing is vital in providing support.
4. Interpersonal Skills: Building trusting relationships with clients and their families is essential for effective support.
5. Patience: Working in mental health can be challenging. Patience is needed to help clients at their own pace.
6. Resilience: The ability to cope with challenging situations and emotional strain is important in this role.
7. Problem-Solving Skills: The capacity to think critically and address issues as they arise is essential for supporting clients effectively.
8. Non-Judgmental Attitude: Maintaining an open and accepting mindset towards individuals regardless of their backgrounds or experiences is crucial.
9. Teamwork: Working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals is often necessary to provide comprehensive care.
10. Cultural Competence: Understanding and respecting cultural differences can help provide more effective and personalized care.
Additional Skills
1. Basic IT Skills: Familiarity with computers and electronic health records may be required for documentation and reporting.
2. Crisis Management: Skills in managing emergencies or crises are important in situations where clients may be at risk.
3. Knowledge of Mental Health Disorders: Understanding various mental health conditions and treatments can improve the support provided to clients.
4. Organizational Skills: The ability to manage time and keep records of interventions, appointments, and client progress is crucial.
Qualifications
While formal qualifications are not always required to become a Mental Health Support Worker, having a relevant qualification can be beneficial, such as:
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care
- Diploma in Mental Health Support Work
- Experience in a related field, such as social care, nursing, or psychology, may also be valuable.
Training and Certification
Many employers provide training programs for new staff, covering essential areas such as:
- Mental health awareness
- Safeguarding
- First aid and basic life support
- Health and safety procedures
Experience
Having previous experience in a care setting, even in a voluntary capacity, can be advantageous and is often looked upon favorably by employers.
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