Safe Haven Mental Health Practitioner (Maternity Cover)

Safe Haven Mental Health Practitioner (Maternity Cover)

Teesside Mind is seeking compassionate and capable individuals to join our team as Mental Health Practitioners. This role is integral to the delivery of Redcar Safe Haven, a newly established service offering a community-based alternative to complement NHS crisis support.

Operating during evenings and weekends, the Safe Haven provides a non-clinical, welcoming environment for individuals experiencing mental health crisis or emotional distress. Mental health practitioners play a vital role in ensuring that people accessing the service receive timely, respectful, and effective care during moments of acute need.

Main duties of the job

You will work under the supervision of the Team Lead or Manager during each shift, contributing to the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed support.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. While the work can be emotionally demanding, it is also deeply rewarding. Teesside Mind provides robust support for staff, including supervision, peer reflection, wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for professional growth.

Mental health practitioners will be asked to provide flexible cover for shifts as needed.

We welcome applications from individuals who:

• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to supporting people experiencing mental health crisis.
• Possess strong empathy, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Are confident working both independently and as part of a team.
• Are committed to upholding professional standards and contributing to a culture of care and respect.

About us

Were proud to have directly helped 27,000 local people this last year, more than weve ever supported. Weve been working in local communities to improve mental health and wellbeing for 30 years and during that time our support has evolved, enabling us to help people in new and impactful ways.

We believe everyone has the right to enjoy good mental health and our team of trusted professionals provide expert support to help people lead full and happy lives.Whats more, we campaign locally to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding of what good mental health looks like.

Ours is a vibrant organisation to work for and our staff are our most important asset. We know just how important the benefits of a mentally healthy workplace are. So, it's only natural that our people and our culture are at the heart of all we do. Staff wellbeing is a high priority for us and we take great care and pride in making sure that everyone who works with us feels valued and supported. We're dedicated, friendly and open, working together to improve the lives of local people experiencing mental health problems.

Job responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one support to individuals in crisis via face-to-face, telephone, video, or messaging platforms.
• Apply trauma-informed and person-centred approaches to help individuals stabilise emotions and manage distress.
• Support individuals with safety planning, ensuring they leave the service with a clear and supportive plan in place.
• Provide practical guidance, signposting to relevant services and making onward referrals where appropriate.
• Respond to referrals, manage appointments, and conduct follow-up calls to ensure continuity of care.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners to ensure joined-up support and effective communication.
• Maintain accurate and high-quality record keeping supporting safety, accountability, and service evaluation.
• Promote influence and participation of people with lived experience, encouraging feedback and participation in service development.
• Uphold principles of equity and inclusion, ensuring access for marginalised groups and reducing stigma.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development, maintaining up-to-date knowledge and skills.
• Adhere to all organisational policies, including those relating to safeguarding, health & safety, and information governance.
• Support the Team Lead in maintaining a safe, calm, and welcoming environment during each shift.

Person Specification

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience delivering mental health support, crisis support or related experience
• Experience supporting individuals in situations of severe distress
• Experience of delivering mental health support and interventions
• Experience of trauma-informed safety planning
• Experience of liaison, advocacy & partnership working
• Understanding of trauma-informed and person-centred approaches to support
• Understanding of safeguarding principles and procedures
• Knowledge of the challenges faced by individuals experiencing mental health crisis
• Familiarity with local mental health services and referral pathways
• Lived experience of mental health challenges
• Experience working with marginalised or underrepresented groups
• Experience contributing to service development or user involvement initiatives
• Experience facilitating lived experience involvement and feedback processes
• Experience supporting service development or contributing to new service launches

Personal Qualities

• Demonstrates empathy and a commitment to supporting individuals in distress
• Creates a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all
• Acts with integrity, maintains confidentiality, and leads by example
• Upholds high standards of conduct, accountability, and service delivery
• Shows resilience, initiative, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and service development
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport quickly
• Ability to remain calm and supportive in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations
• Confident in delivering one-to-one support both in person and remotely (e.g., phone, video, messaging)
• Person-centred assessment & appropriate decision-making on care pathways
• Able to work independently and as part of a team, using initiative and sound judgement
• Competent in maintaining accurate records and following service protocols
• Able to maintain appropriate boundaries and manage emotional demands of the role

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant area

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

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