At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team supporting individuals in mental health crises through various engagement methods.
- Company: Join Solent Mind, the largest mental health charity in Hampshire, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment focused on wellbeing.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of mental health challenges and team management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 22369 - 25312 £ per year.
Salary: £22,369 to £25,312 per annum (£29,560 to £33,448 full time equivalent) – Solent Mind Band D (plus unsociable hours enhancement). In line with organisational policy, new appointments will ordinarily be made at the starting salary point of the advertised grade.
Hours: 28 hours per week (4 shifts of 7 hours – 4.00pm-11.30pm) worked on a rota basis - some weekend/bank holiday working essential.
Location: 111 Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9DS.
Interview Date: week commencing Monday 07 September 2026.
Closing Date: Wednesday 26 August.
Role Details:
About the role: As a Team Leader, you will use your skills and experience to manage a team of staff and work directly with people in mental health crisis, including telephone, face to face and online engagement. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operational requirements of the service to ensure it runs effectively and safely. The Safe Haven is a crisis drop-in centre open 7 days a week - 365 days a year for those experiencing, or at risk of a crisis and is delivered in partnership between Solent Mind and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
About you: You will need to have lived experience of mental health challenges, as well as experience of working with people with mental health needs, excellent communication skills and understanding of the key difficulties and challenges faced by people on their recovery journey. You will need to have experience managing a team and strong understanding and experience in safeguarding and risk assessment processes.
About us: Solent Mind is the largest mental health charity in Hampshire. It is part of a network of 125 local Minds in England and Wales, which are independent charities affiliated to Mind. Solent Mind has its own board of trustees and raises its own funds to deliver its services, support and training tailored to the needs of people living in Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight. Solent Mind has a gold award for Workplace Wellbeing Index 2022/2023 and has signed up to be a Mindful Employer.
For further details on this role please email: Amy Butterworth at Solent Mind Talent Acquisition team.
NOTE TO APPLICANTS: You will be asked about gaps in your employment at interview and you will need to provide proof of your right to work in the UK before you start your employment. Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor this role as we do not hold a sponsorship licence. Any offer for this role will be subject to a relevant Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and receiving your references. We welcome people from all the communities we work in to apply for a role within Solent Mind, especially those with experience of mental health problems. Offers are made based on merit. Please submit your application as early as possible, as we may close this advert before the advertised closing date.
Team Leader (Safe Haven) in Southampton employer: Solent Mind
Solent Mind is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in the vibrant communities of Eastleigh and Southampton, we offer our team members the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in mental health services while benefiting from ongoing training and development programmes. Join us to be part of a compassionate team that values collaboration and innovation in delivering vital crisis support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader (Safe Haven) in Southampton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Solent Mind.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Solent Mind!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Solent Mind, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Solent Mind or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader (Safe Haven) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Solent Mind:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Solent Mind! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solent Mind
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
