Project Worker

Sanctuary; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & wellbeing

Life insurance

Parental leave

Training & development

Flexible working

Inclusive culture

Retail discounts

Cycle to Work

Overtime pay

Job summary

Sanctuary is seeking a Project Worker at Hope Lodge in Southend-on-Sea. You will support adults with mental health needs, help them build independence, and deliver small group activities to support recovery and wellbeing.

The role offers a supportive, inclusive environment with extensive employee benefits. You’ll be part of a compassionate team and contribute to person-centered care, with opportunities for training and career development, while working 37.5 hours per week at a rate of £14.57 per

Qualifications

• Experience supporting adults with mental health needs.
• Empathetic and able to relate to people with mental health challenges.
• Lived experience of mental health services is valued.
• Able to work effectively under pressure and maintain accurate records.
• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or willingness to work towards it.
• Proficient technology/IT skills (Microsoft Office and similar).

Responsibilities

• Support customers with mental health needs to build independence and reach their potential.
• Encourage progress towards managing positive mental health.
• Provide one-to-one support when needed.
• Promote safety through risk assessments and regular reviews.
• Assess needs and update support plans, delivering small group activities to support recovery and wellbeing.

Skills

Mental health experience

Empathy

Record keeping

Under pressure

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care

Job description

Inclusion is one of our core values. Our goal is to be a diverse, inclusive organisation where our people thrive and meet our customers’ needs with fairness and empathy. We know having a range of ideas and opinions makes a difference. We encourage and welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support this mission. We will make adjustments throughout your application process, in line with Sanctuary’s commitment to our Disability Confident employer status.

Project Worker

Hope Lodge, 319-321 Sutton Road, Southend On Sea, Essex, SS2 5PF

£14.57 per hour

37.5 hours per week

Empower others to thrive

We’re proud to be recognised as the 2025 Housing with Care Employer of the Year – and we’re excited to welcome a new Project Worker to our vibrant mental health service at Hope Lodge, 319-321 Sutton Road, Southend On Sea, Essex, SS2 5PF.

You’ll be part of a compassionate, community-focused team supporting people with mental health needs, that puts people first – every single day. #BeYourBest is more than a hashtag – it’s our commitment to helping our people grow, thrive, and feel valued. We’ll support you with the tools, training, and encouragement to reach your full potential, while celebrating your individuality and the difference you make every day.

As a not-for-profit organisation, we reinvest in our people and our services, celebrating individuality and helping you thrive both personally and professionally.

Your role

• Support customers with mental health needs to build independence and reach their potential
• Encourage progress towards managing positive mental health
• Provide one-to-one support when needed
• Promote safety through risk assessments and regular reviews
• Assess needs and update support plans, delivering small group activities to support recovery and wellbeing

(This role is sometimes also referred to as Support Worker, Support Assistant, or Independent Living Assistant).

Your skills

• Experience supporting adults with mental health needs
• Empathetic and able to relate to people with mental health challenges
• Lived experience of mental health services is valued and can help support people in crisis
• Able to work effectively under pressure and maintain accurate records
• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or willingness to work towards it
• Proficient technology/IT skills (Microsoft Office and similar)

Your rewards

You deserve more than the basics. That’s why, alongside 33 days’ annual leave pro rata (rising to 38, including bank holidays), occupational sick pay linked to length of service, and a contributory pension scheme, we’ve created a package to help you thrive:

• Health and wellbeing support – including Aviva Digicare+ with virtual GP appointments, plus an Employee Assistance Programme offering medical, financial, and legal advice, as well as short-term counselling
• Company-paid life insurance
• Parental leave arrangements and annual leave purchase scheme
• Company-funded training and ongoing career development opportunities
• Flexible working options and an inclusive culture where everyone belongs, supported by our staff networks including PRISM, Disability, Race Equality and Parent networks
• Exclusive retail discounts, Cycle to Work, and salary sacrifice arrangements
• Enhanced pay rates for additional hours, when available

Some rewards are subject to a qualifying period or other criteria – visit our website for more information.

Before you apply

• We can only accept applications from individuals with the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this vacancy.
• All roles require safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including criminal records and overseas police checks where needed. Information provided during recruitment may be verified as part of these checks.
• Internal candidates should apply via their internal careers account.
• We may close this advert early, so please apply as soon as possible.

We work closely with the Home Office in order to prevent illegal working.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application which we will pay for.

Sanctuary Supported Living is a trading name of Sanctuary Housing Association and Sanctuary Home Care Limited, both exempt charities.