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- Tasks: Support individuals in distress through compassionate guidance and community-based interventions.
- Company: Join SAMH, Scotland’s leading mental health charity, making a real difference since 1923.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with training opportunities and the chance to impact lives positively.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team focused on mental health and social change in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a mature attitude; experience in mental health is a plus.
- Other info: Access to your own car is essential; flexible hours may include evenings and weekends.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity. Today, we operate over 70 services in communities across Scotland, providing mental health social care support, addictions and employment services, among others. Together with national programme work in See Me, respectme, suicide prevention, and physical activity and sport, these services inform SAMH’s policy and campaign work to influence positive social change. Access to own car is essential.
SAMH is dedicated to mental health and wellbeing for all: with a vision of a society where people are able to live their lives fully, regardless of present or past circumstances.
For Scotland’s Mental Health
Ref: REC1743
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term
About the Role
DBI (Distress Brief Intervention) are looking to recruit a DBI Practitioner to provide support in West Lothian but will be required to work across the Scottish Borders and West Dunbartonshire areas. This post is 35 hours per week with core hours from Monday to Friday, 10am – 6pm. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
DBI is a non-clinical intervention, consisting of two parts:
- Level 1: Trained front-line staff such as health, police, ambulance, and primary care staff help ease distress, provide compassionate responses, and offer seamless referrals to DBI Level 2 services where appropriate.
- Level 2: Provided by trained third sector staff (SAMH), contacting individuals within 24 hours of referral and offering community-based support, distress management planning, signposting, and referrals for up to 14 days.
For more details, visit: https://www.dbi.scot/
What we are looking for
The DBI Practitioner role is impactful, requiring excellent communication, listening, organizational, and IT skills, along with a mature attitude to support individuals in achieving their outcomes.
The role involves providing compassionate guidance through face-to-face, telephone, and video support, exploring distress, developing coping strategies, and making appropriate referrals and signposting. Accurate data recording and distress management plan completion are essential.
You will collaborate with partner agencies such as Police Scotland, Primary Care, CMHT, and Ambulance Service.
Training specific to Level 2 Distress Brief Intervention will be provided.
Access to own transport is essential.
Closing date for applications: Thursday, 14th August 2025 at 12 noon.
Applicants will need to be PVG Scheme members, have the right to work in the UK, and provide proof of qualifications.
We welcome applications from individuals who have experienced mental health difficulties.
Please note: We may close this vacancy early if we receive many applications. Early submission is encouraged.
SAMH is committed to equality and diversity, aiming for a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from those with lived mental health experience and from minority communities.
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DBI Practitioner (REC1743) employer: Scottish Action for Mental Health
Contact Detail:
Scottish Action for Mental Health Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land DBI Practitioner (REC1743)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) model. Understanding its two levels and how they operate will help you articulate your knowledge during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the mental health sector, especially those involved with DBI or similar initiatives. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions in interviews. Think about how you would handle various distress situations, as this role requires a compassionate and practical approach to support individuals effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase any relevant experience you have in community support or mental health services. Highlighting your background in these areas can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your suitability for the DBI Practitioner role.
We think you need these skills to ace DBI Practitioner (REC1743)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the DBI Practitioner role. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what SAMH is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in mental health support, communication, or community services. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to provide compassionate guidance and support.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to mention your excellent communication, listening, organisational, and IT skills. Provide examples of how you have used these skills in past roles, especially in situations that required empathy and understanding.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Action for Mental Health
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the DBI Practitioner role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the Distress Brief Intervention process, especially the differences between Level 1 and Level 2 services. This knowledge will help you articulate how your skills align with the job.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a DBI Practitioner, excellent communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, particularly in challenging situations. Be ready to demonstrate your listening skills and how you can provide compassionate support.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have experience in mental health support or working with vulnerable individuals, make sure to highlight this during your interview. Discuss specific instances where you've made a positive impact, as this will resonate well with SAMH's mission.
✨Prepare Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest in SAMH and the DBI programme. You might ask about the training provided for Level 2 services or how they measure the success of their interventions.