Community Outreach Worker (CSS ConnectU) in St Albans

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis? Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress? If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Service

The ConnectU St Albans programme is a partnership-led initiative designed to address key social, economic, and health needs primarily those in Park Street and London Colney, as well as Chiswell Green, Sopwell and Cottonmill. Through a coordinated and targeted approach across Health and Wellbeing, Employment, and Community Engagement, the programme will expand vital services into underserved areas, while strengthening existing support to vulnerable groups.

The purpose of the Hertfordshire Mind Network Community Outreach Worker ConnectU St Albans role is to:

• Expand employment, health and wellbeing, and community engagement services into priority areas: Sopwell & Cottonmill, Park Street & Chiswell Green, and London Colney.
• Strengthen existing service provision for financial advice, food security, and homelessness support.
• Build strong local partnerships, volunteer networks, and stakeholder relationships.
• Deliver measurable outcomes for residents, with a focus on those experiencing deprivation and marginalisation.
• Provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients with coexisting drug and alcohol difficulties, mental ill-health.
• Ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• Remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and solution focused approach in all aspects of the role.
• Raise greater awareness of complex needs and the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) amongst local service providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Encourage and support clients to participate in group activities, workshops, and community-based mental health programs.
• Provide employment-related support as part of mental health and wellbeing recovery services, including goal setting, job readiness, and workplace adjustment support.
• Assist clients in developing CVs that reflect their strengths, skills, and recovery goals, supporting confidence and readiness for employment.
• Engage individuals with early-stage mental health needs or employment barriers through accessible, community-based support delivered in partnership with local organisations near client’s homes.
• Encourage and support clients to access volunteering opportunities that build skills, confidence, and community connection.
• Work from the local food bank every Friday from 10:00am–12:00pm as a point of contact for individuals to access support and information, including referrals and signposting to appropriate services.
• Hold a caseload proportionate to working hours, delivering support through home visits and community-based interventions.
• Provide practical support by transporting clients to external appointments to reduce barriers to access and promote wellbeing.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays).
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) - compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 30th January 2026. Interviews to be held on a rolling basis at our Watford well-being centre.

Interested? If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.