Community MH Support Worker MHSOP-NW
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
The closing date is 02 June 2026
The post holder will provide mental health care and practical support to older people experiencing mental health difficulties within the community, in line with an agreed programme of care developed by the multi‑disciplinary team (MDT). The role involves working under the direction and supervision of qualified nurses and social workers, supporting service users during periods of crisis while actively promoting recovery, independence, and resilience within their individual social networks.
Additional functions include supporting qualified staff to deliver care plans, promoting safety, recovery and wellbeing, providing practical and emotional support, and working across community teams. The role requires frequent independent work, communication with the team, and escalation of concerns as needed.
Working pattern
- Weekdays: 9:00am‑5:00pm and 1:00pm‑9:00pm shifts
- Weekends and Bank Holidays: 11:00am‑7:00pm
About us
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of “Outstanding” from the Care Quality Commission.
Our family of over 4,000 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:
Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.
Job responsibilities
Regularly appraise senior staff for service users’ progress and changes in mental health, cognition, risk, or functioning, ensuring accurate documentation.
Assist in implementation of agreed care plans, upholding rights to privacy, dignity, choice, independence, and self‑determination, with sensitivity to older adults.
Participate in multiprofessional assessments and contribute observations to support holistic formulation, care planning, and risk management, reporting to partner agencies where appropriate.
Provide practical and emotional support to service users and/or carers in line with agreed care plans: supporting social engagement, maintaining safety, facilitating communication, offering reassurance, and encouraging engagement with services.
Participate in multidisciplinary reviews and Care Programme Approach (CPA)/Care Management meetings, contributing to shared decision‑making and continuity of care.
Promptly report any significant change in a service user’s circumstances, mental state, risk, or support needs to relevant professionals or agencies for coordinated care that promotes quality of life, rehabilitation, and independence.
Ensure care and support delivered in accordance with equality, diversity, and inclusion principles, offering services without prejudice based on age, disability, creed, gender, ethnicity, or cultural background.
Demonstrate awareness of service users’ cultural, spiritual, and ethnic needs, adapting care approaches as appropriate to ensure culturally sensitive and inclusive support.
Person Specification
Knowledge, Training, Experience
Essential
- Good standard of education (Maths and English GCSE grade C or above, or equivalent).
- Computer literate (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Knowledge of legislation related to mental health and social care (e.g., Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, National Service Framework, National Dementia Strategy, Care Programme Approach).
- Ability to manage distressing and challenging situations.
Desirable
- NVQ in Health and Social Care.
- Experience of working with people with mental health conditions.
- Experience of working with people with dementia.
Communication Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, verbally and in writing.
- Ability to give feedback and discuss cases within the multi‑disciplinary team.
- Excellent documentation of duties performed.
- Confidence to work autonomously in the community.
Analytical Skills
Essential
- Good range of problem‑solving skills.
- Good range of information‑gathering skills.
- Positive approach to older people.
- Fine attention to detail.
General
Essential
- Good team player.
- Committed to high quality care and service provision for older people.
- Good time management.
- Ability to work flexibly to meet service needs.
- Able to drive and have access to a vehicle for work purposes.
Desirable
- Ability to network, and form working relationships with other agencies, charities and providers.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and therefore a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
The Marlowes Health & Wellbeing Centre
39‑41 Marlowes
Hemel Hempstead
HP1 1LD
United Kingdom
Employer’s website
https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/careers/
£27,106 to £28,850 a year pro rata (Inclusive of 5% HCAS)
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