At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals affected by suicide with tailored emotional and practical assistance.
- Company: Join Rethink Mental Illness, a compassionate team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, ongoing training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Work from home and in the community, with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of something meaningful and help others through challenging times.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health support and relevant qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 21165 - 21165 £ per year.
Make a difference when it matters most. At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves the chance to live a fulfilling life. Right now, we’re looking for a compassionate, resilient, and driven individual to join our team as a Senior Mental Health Recovery Officer.
We provide Psychosocial Support (not formal counselling). You’ll play a vital role in supporting people affected by suicide — whether they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, recovering from attempts, or have been bereaved by suicide. This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to be part of something meaningful.
About the services:
- Survivor of Suicide (SOS) – providing emotional and practical support to adults experiencing suicidal thoughts, previous attempts, or bereavement, whether historical or current.
- Bereaved by Suicide Service (ICB) – supporting individuals who have recently lost a loved one to suicide, including through the inquest process.
Both services are person-centred, non-judgemental, and led by the needs of the individual, offering emotional support, advocacy, and practical guidance.
What you’ll be doing:
- Manage your own caseload, providing tailored 1:1 support.
- Support individuals to explore experiences around suicide, distress, and recovery.
- Deliver both emotional and practical support, including safety planning.
- Provide outreach support in community settings.
- Facilitate or co-facilitate bereavement support groups.
- Work collaboratively with professionals, partners, and experts by experience.
- Maintain accurate case records and update systems daily.
- Recognise when to refer to other services and work within safe boundaries.
- Actively engage in supervision, reflective practice, and continuous learning.
You’ll be working with people facing complex and often high-risk situations, so your ability to remain compassionate, calm, and self-aware is essential.
What we’re looking for:
- Has experience supporting people affected by mental illness, suicide, bereavement, or related areas.
- Holds a relevant qualification (e.g. counselling, social work).
- Can manage a complex caseload and work independently.
- Is confident delivering both 1:1 and group-based support.
- Has strong IT skills and can maintain accurate records.
- Is resilient and able to work in emotionally demanding environments.
- Communicates effectively and works well in partnership with others.
- Is flexible and able to provide support up to 7pm when needed.
- Can communicate well within a team, and works well with external services.
You’ll also bring a strong commitment to person-centred care and recovery-focused approaches. We would also like to hear from you if you have:
- Lived experience of mental illness or bereavement by suicide.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches.
- Experience delivering training or awareness sessions.
Why join Rethink?
- Be part of a supportive, passionate team.
- Make a real difference to people’s lives every day.
- Access ongoing training and development.
- Receive regular supervision and support.
- Work in a flexible, community-based role.
Important information:
- This role requires an Enhanced DBS (Adults Barred List) check.
- Travel across the local area is required.
If you’re passionate about supporting others through some of life’s most challenging moments, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us create hope, understanding, and change.
Senior Mental Health Recovery Officer employer: Rethink Mental Illness
At Rethink Mental Illness, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by mental health challenges. Our supportive and passionate team culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering ongoing training and supervision while allowing for flexible, community-based work. Join us in creating hope and change, and experience the fulfilment that comes from helping others navigate their most difficult moments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Mental Health Recovery Officer
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Rethink Mental Illness, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Rethink Mental Illness. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Rethink Mental Illness's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Mental Health Recovery Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Rethink Mental Illness. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Rethink Mental Illness.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Rethink Mental Illness.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Senior Mental Health Recovery Officer at Rethink Mental Illness.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Rethink Mental Illness that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Senior Mental Health Recovery Officer role.
