Mental Health Support Worker / Therapeutic Practitioner

Central Recruitment is working with a charity dedicated to supporting people experiencing mental health challenges to work through trauma, build supportive relationships, and explore ways to live fulfilling lives. Our client is currently recruiting a Mental Health Support Worker / Therapeutic Practitioner to work in a residential service in the Coulsdon area. The service offers a 24/7 safe, supportive environment for adults living with severe, complex mental health conditions, dual diagnosis and who may have experienced multiple placement breakdowns.

40 hours per week Monday - Sunday (rota basis) Shifts: Early & Late. Initially temporary for 3 months, with the possibility of transferring to permanent. £15.86 per hour (£13.85 per hour, with £2.01 holiday pay). This is a fantastic opportunity to join a trauma‑informed residential service and make a real difference in the lives of adults with complex mental health needs. Candidates should confirm their interest as soon as possible, with interviews scheduled shortly after and the appointed candidate expected to start as soon as possible.

• Support a caseload of 3‑4 clients to progress their recovery and achieve personal goals
• Facilitate community groups under the guidance of the Service Manager and Community Psychologist
• Work within a Psychologically Informed Environment framework
• Co‑produce structured recovery, risk and move‑on plans and support clients to achieve them
• Build therapeutic relationships through meaningful engagement
• Maintain strong partnerships with care teams and families
• Support clients to integrate within the service and wider community
• Assist with medication in line with organisational procedures
• Participate in reflective practice sessions
• Lead delegated administrative tasks
• Promote safeguarding, dignity and mental capacity awareness

• Experience supporting adults with complex mental health conditions using a recovery‑focused approach
• Understanding of recovery principles and associated support needs
• Ability to build attachment‑focused working relationships, complete assessments and develop action plans
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening and clear information sharing
• Ability to manage and de‑escalate challenging or violent behaviour
• Good written, numeracy and administrative skills
• Aware of health and safety in residential settings

• Current valid right to work in the UK
• Minimum 12 months’ of paid experience in a front line social care role within the last 3 years (unless recruitment criteria states otherwise)
• A fully enhanced DBS either registered on the DBS update service or issued within the last 12 months, or willingness to apply for one through Central (at a cost of £60)
• Employment or education history to cover the last 5 years which can be verified through the referencing process

If you feel that you fully meet the above outlined criteria for this role and would like to apply for this post, please forward your CV for consideration. Please note the outlined experience is the 'minimum' first stage criteria, and we will therefore be unable to consider your application unless you are able to demonstrate a relevant work history in line with this position.