Support Time and Recovery Worker (STaR) in Newport

The Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010 has provided an opportunity for Aneurin Bevan Health Board and its Local Authority partners of Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Newport, Monmouthshire and Torfaen to develop new primary care based mental health services for the population of Gwent. The service is set up to provide support, guidance, and brief psychological interventions to adults, with mild to moderate or stable but enduring mental health problems.

The post holder will have experience in providing support and guidance to people suffering with mental illness and/or distress, have an understanding of the impact mental illness can have, not only on the individual, but on families, friends and carers. The role of the PCMHS Support Worker is to provide support to an allocated group of service users with a range of mild to moderate mental health care needs and assist their recovery and help them maintain their own community networks.

The post holder will provide a flexible client centred programme of activities via face to face, video call or telephone, for individuals and groups of clients who experience Mental Health difficulties. The post holder will assist the multi-disciplinary team in providing innovative approaches, which promote recovery and social inclusion. The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Main Duties

The role of the Support Time and Recovery Worker (STaR) is to provide 1:1 and group support to people with a range of mild to moderate mental health care needs and to assist the multi-disciplinary team in providing innovative approaches, to promote recovery and maintain community networks, via face to face, video call or telephone.

The post holder will have a good understanding of a range of psychological therapy approaches such as Psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioural informed Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy and computer-based CBT etc. The post holder will have excellent communication skills and be able to establish, develop and maintain positive relationships with anyone who accesses the service and colleagues within health, local authority and third sector/voluntary organisations. There will be opportunities to undertake training to support you in this role. The post holder will be expected to engage fully in all training and development opportunities, including supervision and skills sessions.

Working for our Organisation

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) is a multi-award-winning NHS organisation serving the communities of Gwent. With more than 14,000 staff and volunteers, we provide safe, high-quality, and compassionate care across hospitals, GP practices, community services, and mental health settings. As a University Health Board, research, education, and innovation are central to our work, supporting evidence-based practice and continuous improvement.

Our work is guided by the Gwent Strategy 2025–2035, which sets out our long-term ambition to create a fairer and healthier future for our population. We focus on prevention, reducing health inequalities, and working in partnership with local authorities, voluntary organisations, and communities to improve health and wellbeing. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where people feel valued, respected, and able to develop. Our values of Kindness, Integrity, and Respect shape how we care for patients and how we treat one another. We offer a wide range of learning and development opportunities, flexible working where possible, and a comprehensive NHS benefits package. Working for ABUHB means being part of an organisation that values its people and offers the chance to build a meaningful and rewarding career while making a real difference to the lives of others.

Qualifications

Essential criteria:

• Minimum Health or social care related NVQ 3 or a relevant foundation degree
• Evidence of further professional development within the field of Mental Health

Desirable criteria:

• NVQ level 4 or Certificate in Mental Health Level 1 or Certificate / Diploma in CBT + theoretical/ practical knowledge to diploma level equivalent, obtained through formal competency based training, short courses and experience

Skills

Essential criteria:

• Able to work as part of a professional team.
• Able to communicate effectively with people.
• Ability to form positive therapeutic relationships.
• Able to support clients - recovery/inclusive approach, plan and prioritise work effectively, advocate appropriately and provide assistance eg access to community resources.

Desirable criteria:

• IT skills / record keeping.

Experience

Essential criteria:

• Relevant experience working with people in the provision of social, mental or similar care.
• Provision of therapeutic intervention, 1:1 and group.