At a Glance
- Tasks: Support mental health and wellbeing of prisoners through coaching and group activities.
- Company: Join Rethink Mental Illness, a leader in mental health support.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 25 days annual leave, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals in prison.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health support and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HU, UK
Job Description
Join Our Team as a Youth Engagement, Health & Wellbeing Coach IAPT Location: HMP Durham
Rethink Mental Illness works in partnership with Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) to deliver a comprehensive, stepped care mental health service within HMP Durham.
Our dedicated team comprises a range of highly skilled professionals who collaborate to provide the highest quality care for individuals with mental health needs in the prison setting.
This integrated approach ensures tailored support that meets the unique needs of each person.
For Rethink Mental Illness employees, service delivery takes place Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:00, ensuring consistent and accessible care throughout the week.
*The applicant must have a full UK Driving Licence with access to a vehicle.
What I will do and achieve
Work as part of an integrated mental health team at HMP Durham, delivering IAPT Step 1 interventions to support prisoners with common mental health needs.
You’ll provide information, facilitate groups, train Peer Mentors, and assist with release planning, collaborating with NHS and criminal justice partners to deliver high-quality care.
- Direct Support to Residents
- Support the mental health and wellbeing of residents at HMP Durham throughout their time in prison.
- Deliver comprehensive induction packs and self-help materials to promote mental health awareness.
- Use a coaching approach to help individuals set goals and achieve ambitions.
- Empower individuals to build confidence, tackle stigma, and engage in meaningful activities.
- Group Work and Engagement
- Organise and facilitate group workshops, self-help sessions, and peer support groups.
- Develop and lead service user forums to encourage engagement and feedback.
- Attend prisoner meetings to inform residents about available mental health support.
- Collaboration and Partnership
- Work with stakeholders to provide holistic support, including release planning.
- Joint work with other services (e. g., substance misuse) to provide tailored care packages.
- Ensure collaborative working with the multi-disciplinary team for person-centred recovery outcomes.
- Build and maintain links with external services to promote partnership working.
- Co-produce engagement strategies with colleagues and people affected by mental illness.
- Recruit, train, and support Peer Mentors to provide additional emotional and practical support.
- Professional Standards and Risk Management
- Maintain accurate clinical records on Rethink and prison systems.
- Contribute to service development and uphold the highest standards of professional practice.
- Identify, manage, and reduce risk within the service area.
- Report incidents or near misses in line with policy, ensuring actions to prevent recurrence.
Essential skills and experience
- Experience supporting people with mental health needs 1:1 and in groups, using coaching and goal-setting approaches.
- Strong background in developing and coordinating activities and projects.
- Excellent group facilitation, listening, and rapport-building skills.
- Relevant training or qualifications (e. g., Train the Trainer, Recovery Training, Peer Support, Coaching).
- Good understanding of mental health and ability to identify early signs of deterioration.
- Inclusive approach that promotes recovery and respects diversity.
- Ability to empower individuals, including those from marginalised communities.
- Collaborative and proactive, able to work independently and in a team.
- Skilled in prioritising workload and staying calm under pressure.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Committed to continuous improvement and self-reflective practice.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and database systems.
Why join Rethink Mental Illness?
We believe people do their best work when they feel supported, valued and able to be themselves. You'll benefit from:
An inclusive culture
, with colleague-led staff networks for Disability & Neurodiversity, Race & Ethnicity, LGBTQIA+, Gender Equality and Menopause.
Flexible working and 25 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays and your birthday off), with the option to buy or sell leave.
Wellbeing support including our Wellbeing Hub, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions and Unmind.
Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career.
Financial and family benefits including a contributory pension, enhanced family leave and travel schemes.
Recognition and rewards including discounts, cashback offers and a Blue Light Card.
Referral bonus where you can earn up to £300 for introducing someone to our team.
Our commitment to inclusion
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
We’re also committed to becoming a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider supported by a multi-year equity, diversity and inclusion programme of work.
For more information please view
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and want everyone to have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and experience.
If you need reasonable adjustments during recruitment or when in your role, please let us know and we will work with you to understand what support you need.
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North East Prisons IAPT - Youth Engagement Health & Wellbeing Coach employer: Rethink Mental Illness
At Rethink Mental Illness, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment where every employee can thrive. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including access to a Wellbeing Hub, flexible working arrangements, and generous leave policies. With a strong focus on professional development and a culture that values diversity, we empower our team members to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve within the North East Prisons.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land North East Prisons IAPT - Youth Engagement Health & Wellbeing Coach
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Rethink Mental Illness. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Rethink Mental Illness.
We think you need these skills to ace North East Prisons IAPT - Youth Engagement Health & Wellbeing Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Rethink Mental Illness:Take some time to research Rethink Mental Illness and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Rethink Mental Illness's values and approach.
