At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health issues by connecting them to community resources.
- Company: Join Change Mental Health, an award-winning charity dedicated to improving lives in Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; apply before the closing date to avoid disappointment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while working in a collaborative and caring team.
- Qualifications: SVQ level 2 or relevant experience in health and social care preferred.
The predicted salary is between 18800 - 23690 £ per year.
Location: Caithness (Wick, Lybster, Dunbeth, and Canisbay)
Hours: 21 hours per week
Salary: £23,690 per annum, pro-rata
Reporting to: Service Manager
Closing date: Midday, 15th September 2025
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
If you consider yourself to have a disability, please complete the relevant section within the application pack to inform us of any arrangements needed for the interview process.
We reserve the right to close this advert earlier or later than stated, so please don’t delay your application to avoid disappointment.
About the role
Join an award-winning Scottish charity supporting individuals affected by mental health issues. Change Mental Health is offering an exciting opportunity within NHS Highland’s new Community Link Worker service, where we are the lead agency and delivery partner.
We seek Community Link Workers passionate about supporting people to improve their mental and physical health outcomes. In this role, you will be part of a large team across the Highlands, taking referrals from NHS Primary Care to support individuals whose health issues are linked to social deprivation. The project is embedded within Primary Care services, developing links to community resources and establishing strong connections between GP practices and local communities. Working closely with GPs, Practice Nurses, and other primary care team members, you will connect individuals to community resources to enhance their holistic health outcomes.
You will report to a Senior Community Link Worker and manage a caseload, using Personal Support Planning to collaboratively help clients achieve their health goals.
People we are looking for
Ideally, candidates will have SVQ level 2 or relevant experience in health and social care. You should be able to plan and prioritize your workload and communicate effectively with statutory and non-statutory agencies.
We are committed to flexible working arrangements that benefit both the individual and the charity. The post is for 21 hours per week, with working days to be discussed and agreed with the Project Manager, and flexible for the right candidate.
If you are passionate about enabling Change Mental Health to serve the Scottish community and believe your profile matches this role’s criteria, we want to hear from you!
- Professional development opportunities, including funded courses.
- A 35-hour workweek, enhanced sick pay, and season ticket loan.
- A healthy work-life balance with flexible and blended working arrangements.
- Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme offering free legal, financial, medical advice, and support with life’s challenges.
- Enhanced sick pay and leave entitlements.
Community Link Worker, Caithness employer: Changemh
Change Mental Health is an award-winning Scottish charity dedicated to improving mental health outcomes in the community. As a Community Link Worker in Caithness, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a healthy work-life balance, all while making a meaningful impact on individuals' lives. Join us in fostering connections between healthcare and community resources, and enjoy enhanced sick pay, a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, and opportunities for funded training courses.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Link Worker, Caithness
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Changemh.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Changemh!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Changemh, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Changemh or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Link Worker, Caithness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Changemh:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Changemh! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Changemh
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
