Senior Support Worker – Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafe
Senior Support Worker – Neighbourhood Mental Health Café
Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland are dedicated to providing support and care to vulnerable individuals in our community. We are seeking a compassionate and resilient Senior Support Worker to join our team creating a safe and welcoming space for individuals struggling with emotional and mental health challenges.
About the Role:
As a Senior Support Worker, you will play a key role in overseeing the operations of the Mental Health Café, ensuring that individuals receive the emotional support they need in a comfortable, non-judgmental environment. You will manage two Support Workers, ensuring high standards of care, professionalism, and compassion is implemented.
This is a rewarding but demanding role, requiring strong healthcare skills, the ability to manage a team, and the resilience to navigate challenging situations. Your work will make a real difference to the lives of those in need of urgent support, providing comfort and reassurance when it's needed most.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee the day-to-day running of the Mental Health Café, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.
- Manage, support, and coach the team of Support Workers, offering guidance, training, and supervision.
- Provide high-quality emotional and mental health support to individuals in crisis, ensuring their needs are met with care and professionalism.
- Maintain a clear and detailed record of service users' needs and progress, adhering to confidentiality and safeguarding protocols.
- Collaborate with other agencies and services to ensure individuals receive comprehensive support where required.
- Support individuals in distress, demonstrating patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach.
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults.
Key Skills & Qualifications:
- Formal qualification in mental health (e.g., NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, or equivalent).
- Significant experience of working with individuals with mental health needs, including those in crisis.
- Strong knowledge of mental health issues, support techniques, and best practices.
- Excellent people management skills with experience in supervising and coaching teams.
- Friendly, approachable, and personable, with strong communication skills.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building supportive relationships.
- Strong organisational and multitasking abilities, with excellent attention to detail.
- Good IT skills, including experience with care management systems and reporting tools.
- High levels of empathy, emotional intelligence, and situational awareness.
- Understanding of safeguarding and safeguarding procedures.
- Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.
Why Join Us?
- Make a difference: You will be part of a vital service that provides a lifeline to individuals in emotional and mental distress.
- Supportive team: Work alongside a dedicated and compassionate team of professionals who share your commitment to helping others.
- Development opportunities: Access to ongoing training and professional development.
If you're passionate about mental health support and have the leadership skills to guide a dedicated team, we'd love to hear from you. Join us in providing vital support to those who need it most.
Location: Wigston Leicester,
Contract Type: Fixed Term 28/02/2026
Hours: Monday 9:00am – 1:30pm & Friday 9am – 1.30pm
Salary: £6344.76 per annum
Closing date : 9 October 2025
Interview Dates : 30 & 31 October 2025
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV, cover letter, stating why we should consider you for this role, or complete an application form.
Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all sections of the community.
How to Apply
Download the application form – PDF
Download the application form – Microsoft Word document
Download the equal opportunities monitoring form – PDF
Download the equal opportunities monitoring form – Microsoft Word document
Download the disability information
Please return the completed forms by email to jobs@ageukleics.org.uk
If you do need to send hard copies please mark the envelope Private & Confidential, and post it to:
Human Resources,
Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland,
Lansdowne House,
113 Princess Rd East,
Leicester,
LE1 7LA