At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health needs, helping them navigate services and achieve their goals.
- Company: Porchlight, a key partner in the Mental Health Together initiative.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, permanent contract, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Inclusive hiring process that values potential over formal experience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by improving their mental health experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in community mental health settings and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 32165 - 40000 £ per year.
About the role: Porchlight is one of the strategic partners for the newly established Kent & Medway service, Mental Health Together (MHT); this is the transformed multi-agency offer, which brings all the services and agencies that support people with varying mental health needs much closer together. This ensures that people get the right care, without having to navigate service boundaries and without repeatedly telling their story.
You’ll be the named keyworker for people using Mental Health Together who have been identified as being most in need of support to get the most out of the new structure. You will be working with people who have experienced challenges engaging with services historically, so you’ll have a strong commitment to ensuring that the experience is positive, being a strong communicator as well as showing compassion.
As part of one team of professionals from across different organisations that make up Mental Health Together, you’ll value partnership and collaboration, recognising the different skills and understanding that each person brings to the team. This role is perfect for individuals with significant experience of working within a community mental health and/or wellbeing setting, working with individuals with complex mental health needs to help them achieve their goals. As well as understanding how mental health systems work, you will have good insight into local services and support, and how social factors can affect mental health.
The role requires:
- You have significant experience within a community mental health and wellbeing setting.
- You will have the ability to listen to and understand people with complex mental health needs to help them navigate systems of support to reach the outcome they desire.
- You will value working as a team to get the best possible outcomes for people where things have not always worked in the past.
- You are passionate about improving people’s experience of mental health services.
Porchlight is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.
Working pattern: 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm with some flexibility required.
Location type: On-site
Contract type: Permanent
Interview date: 18th August 2026
Our application form and interview process have been designed to assess your transferable skills rather than direct experience. This helps remove barriers for people who may have the right values, abilities, and potential but may not have formal experience in the role they’re applying for. We actively encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Please have a look at the application guidance and job description at the bottom of the page to give you the best chance of being shortlisted.
Mental Health Connector employer: NETWORX
Join a prestigious Employment team in Hull, where you will thrive in a collaborative and supportive environment that values high-quality work and strong client relationships. As a Senior Associate, you will have the opportunity to manage a diverse caseload while benefiting from professional development and mentorship from experienced colleagues. Our commitment to employee growth and a positive work culture makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding legal careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Connector
✨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 NETWORX.
✨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 NETWORX!
✨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 NETWORX, 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 NETWORX 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 Mental Health Connector
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 NETWORX:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to NETWORX! 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 NETWORX
✨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.
