Mental Health Support Worker - Colchester

Mid and North East Essex Mind; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A mental health charity in Colchester is seeking empathetic mental health support workers. The role involves assessing, monitoring, and providing emotional support to service users, working on a flexible shift basis. Ideal candidates will possess resilience and active listening skills, with opportunities for training and development, generous holiday, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

36 days holiday including bank holidays

Holiday purchase scheme

Competitive pension

Training and development opportunities

Annual wellbeing day

Onsite parking

Company sick pay

Qualifications

• Experience in mental health support or related fields.
• Ability to work flexible shifts including weekends and evenings.

Responsibilities

• Assess, monitor, and support individuals one-to-one.
• Provide emotional support face-to-face or online.
• Collaborate with local organizations to help service users.

Skills

Empathy

Active listening

Resilience

De-escalation techniques

Job description

Hours

Shifts available on a 2‑week rolling rota Monday to Sunday: 10:00‑18:00 or 18:00‑23:00

Contract & Salary

Contract: Permanent

FTE Salary: £24,570 per year, pro rata (£12.60 per hour)

Role Overview

We’re looking for experienced, empathetic and resilient mental health support workers to join us in our purpose of offering hope and support for good mental health so that no one feels alone.

Responsibilities

As a mental health support worker, you will assess, monitor and support individuals on a one‑to‑one basis, via group work and in partnership with a variety of organisations within the locality whilst supporting service users to reach their goals. You will provide emotional support face‑to‑face, online or via telephone and group work, through active listening, de‑escalation and distraction techniques, to prevent admission into emergency departments.

Support workers are expected to cover a variety of shifts, both early (10:00‑18:00) and late (18:00‑23:00), as well as work weekend shifts. Occasional work at our Clacton site may be required.

Work Site

Our North East Essex Sanctuary is a service that provides support to those who are at risk of experiencing emotional distress or are feeling overwhelmed between 10am and 11pm, 365 days per year.

Benefits

We are a real living wage employer and offer a range of health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial benefits:

• 36 days holiday including 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Competitive pension
• Recruitment referral bonus
• Training and development opportunities
• Opportunity for flexible working
• Annual wellbeing day
• Expert support and an extended lunch break each week
• Onsite parking at most locations
• Company sick pay based on length of service
• Charity worker discount scheme

Equality & Diversity

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, collaborating with our communities and partners to drive innovation and better decision‑making. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds to try to ensure we better represent our communities.