At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health challenges through intensive, person-centred outreach.
- Company: Second Step, a leading mental health charity in the Southwest.
- Benefits: Flexible working, comprehensive training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience in mental health support.
- Qualifications: Passion for mental health, strong relationship-building skills, and a driver's license.
The predicted salary is between 37035 - 45265 £ per year.
Could you inspire hope for people who are struggling with their mental health? Second Step is a leading mental health charity in the Southwest offering housing, support and hope to people with mental health and support needs. Our vision is that we believe in a world where everyone affected by mental health problems can create a positive future. We promote mental health and wellbeing by supporting people and communities to build brighter futures.
We are taking positive action to increase diversity throughout our organisation, and to nurture a culture of inclusion for all our people and the clients that we support. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the criteria and strongly encourage individuals who identify as being of Black, African, Caribbean or Asian descent to apply as these groups are currently under-represented at Second Step. To ensure fairness and consistency, all applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed so that shortlisting is based solely upon the suitability of the candidate’s skills and qualities.
We are recruiting a Recovery Navigator to join our Intensive Outreach Team (IOS) in Swindon.
About Second Step's IOS: IOS provides short-term, intensive, psychosocial support to people being discharged from AWP Intensive Services to their GP. As a Recovery Navigator, you will provide support that is:
- Short-term (up to 6 weeks)
- Intensive (2-3x per week)
- Person-centred
- 1:1 Outreach
Who does IOS support?
- Individuals being discharged from AWP Intensive Services (IS) back to GP-led care
- Have remaining acute symptoms of risk or distress
- Would benefit from an extension of intensive support, but no longer require clinical intervention
Within IOS, as a Recovery Navigator, you will:
- Hold a small caseload of up to 6 clients
- Work collaboratively with individuals to understand their experiences, strengths, challenges, and risks
- Work in collaboration with intensive teams in AWP
- Contribute to the development of client formulations
- Create client support plans, and safety plans
- Deliver psychoeducation and skills-focused interventions
- Deliver support which is focused on reducing:
- Suicidality
- Self-harm
- Acuity of mental health symptoms
Key Areas of Support and Intervention:
- Risk management
- Stabilisation
- Psychoeducation
- Skills development
- Recovery planning
- Preventing crisis and re-escalation of need
- Prevent readmission into secondary care or hospital
Support available to you within the role:
- In-depth goal focused induction to Second Step including 12 week development plan
- In-depth shadowing experience
- All the relevant training and support you need to do your job well and expand your skills
- Permanent contract with flexible working
- Blended working options
- Expenses allowance
- Input from our team’s clinical psychologist including trainings, support with formulating support and creative thinking spaces
- Supportive team environment with weekly team meetings, monthly one-to-one sessions, monthly reflective practice, monthly one-to-one sessions with your line manager
Full details of this exciting opportunity can be found in the role profile.
About you:
The IOS Recovery Navigator role is a great fit for an applicant pursuing experience relevant to a clinical psychology field but also lends itself to anyone who is passionate about supporting those with acute mental health presentations and has some form of training/experience relevant to acute/higher risk populations. You have:
- A drivers license and a car
- A strong understanding of our values and a commitment to recovery focused, psychologically and PAT (trauma-informed) practice
- The ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues across teams
- An initiative taking an approach to learning new skills and adapting to different challenges
- Enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn
Interested?
If you are interested in this role but are concerned that you may not have the experience or knowledge please contact us for an informal conversation, we would very much like to hear from you. Please contact: Jessica Chivers, Team Manager.
Closing date: Tuesday 15th September 2026
Interview dates: 21st and 23rd of September 2026
For more detailed information about these roles and to apply, please see our website. Second Step is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community and from people who have personal experience of using mental health services. Unfortunately, Second Step is unable to sponsor applicants from outside the UK.
Recovery Navigator (37 hours per week) Swindon employer: Second Step
Second Step is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the well-being of both clients and staff. Located in the heart of the Southwest, we offer our employees comprehensive benefits, including generous annual leave and extensive training opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth in the rewarding field of mental health support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recovery Navigator (37 hours per week) Swindon
✨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 Second Step. 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 Second Step.
We think you need these skills to ace Recovery Navigator (37 hours per week) Swindon
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 Second Step:Take some time to research Second Step 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 Second Step
✨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 Second Step's values and approach.
