At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide one-to-one mental health support and organise group activities for members.
- Company: Join Orkney Blide Trust, dedicated to supporting mental health recovery in the community.
- Benefits: Salary of £29,000 pa pro rata with flexible working hours over 4 or 5 days.
- Other info: Position is initially for one year, with potential for extension based on funding.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on individuals' mental health within a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Professional or lived experience in mental health and understanding of Trauma-Informed Practice required.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 29000 £ per year.
Salary £29,000 pa (pro rata based on a 35‑hour working week)
Location: 54 Victoria Street, Kirkwall
Hours: 28 hrs per week which can be worked flexibly over 4 or 5 days. This post is initially for one year but may be extended subject to funding.
Purpose
To provide individualised community based mental health support to Blide Trust members.
General Duties
- Work in partnership with other professionals involved with Blide Trust members including setting up and attending multidisciplinary meetings.
- Have an identified caseload of members for whom you will be a ‘key worker’ and provide one‑to‑one individualised mental health support to them.
- Provide support and encouragement for members to engage in therapeutic activities and self‑care.
- Help enable members to access opportunities, build confidence and develop their skills and interests to support their mental health recovery.
- Work alongside members to identify activities they would like to take part in and help organise group activities with other Blide Trust staff.
- Signpost and support referrals to other agencies where appropriate.
- Promote and maintain the culture and values of Orkney Blide Trust.
- Help promote and publicise the work of Orkney Blide Trust.
- Work alongside colleagues and Blide members on practical and administrative tasks to contribute towards the overall running of the organisation.
- Train in Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) and support colleagues in the delivery of this project.
Personal
- Ensure effective communication is maintained by verbal and written reports.
- Attend individual support and supervision sessions.
- Participate in induction programmes and in service training as necessary.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Professional or lived experience in the mental health field.
- Qualifications or significant experience in a relevant setting.
- Experience in working with both individuals and with groups.
- An understanding and sympathetic approach to working with people including an awareness of Trauma‑Informed Practice.
- The ability to listen and communicate with people, good interpersonal skills.
- The ability to use own initiative within an agreed level of authority.
- To work as part of a team.
Knowledge
- Understand the importance of confidentiality at all times.
- Understand and accept the importance of reporting and liaising with the Service Director and the rest of the staff team.
Attitude
- Be non‑judgmental and non‑discriminatory in approach to people with mental illness and their carers.
- Have a genuine liking and respect for people.
- Have an understanding and awareness of mental health needs within an island community.
- Be a positive and supportive team member and respect the ethos and values of the organisation.
MEASUREMENT OF PERFORMANCE
Job performance will be regularly assessed and reviewed by the Service Director, and training needs recognised. The Job Description will be renewed annually.
Closing date for applications is Tuesday, 30 June 2026.
Mental Health Support Worker in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Gin Company
Orkney Blide Trust is located at 54 Victoria Street, Kirkwall, focusing on community-based mental health support. The team values confidentiality and promotes a non-judgmental approach to care, ensuring a positive environment for both staff and members.
