Recovery Navigator

Do you have compassion and empathy for people who are struggling with their mental wellbeing? Could you inspire hope for people who are struggling with their mental health?

Second Step is a leading mental health charity in the South West offering housing, support and hope to people with mental health and other support needs. Our vision is that we believe in a world where everyone affected by their mental health can create a positive future. We promote mental health and wellbeing by supporting people and communities to build brighter futures.

We are recruiting a Recovery Navigator to join our team in Inner City & East Bristol to work in an integrated way with our partners in the Mental health and wellbeing Integrated Network Team (MINT) to support clients with moderate to high enduring mental health difficulties to find coping strategies personally and within their community.

About the role

We are committed to working with a recovery-based approach and supporting people to meet their individual needs. Why not join our team to support clients on their recovery journey by:

• building a trusting and collaborative relationship with the client; demonstrating hope and courage
• completing individual assessments via an initial support conversation that will inform the client's recovery plan and direction of support.
• supporting the client to utilise self-management tools e.g. a Wellness Recovery Action Plan to stay well.
• using a range of interventions, approaches, and tools (motivational interviewing, active listening, navigation, solution-focused support) that enables people to move positively through their recovery.
• navigating the 'wider system' which includes supporting the client to access appropriate support within their own communities via voluntary sector organisations, community groups, charities or referrals to statutory services like drug and alcohol support.
• enabling clients to make informed decisions about their mental wellbeing, maximizing their independence and providing an advocacy role where appropriate.

Based at the ICE MINT Hub you will work as part of a multi-professional team with representatives from, Adult Social Care, AWP and other VCSE organisations, in order to complete support conversations and interventions with clients referred into the MINT hub. You will also attend Multi-Disciplinary Discussions (MDDs) within the Hub to discuss referrals following a support conversation.

Full details of this exciting opportunity can be found in the role profile.

About you

You will:

• be passionate about improving the lived experience and health of people using mental health services.
• have proven experience of working with people with mental health needs, or people with complex needs.
• be a good communicator, with experience of working as part of a busy and dynamic team, liaising with partners, and contributing to the delivery of this valuable service.
• have experience of working with people with long term mental health and complex needs, carrying out support plans and risk assessments. You will need to take a holistic view, with a recovery and psychologically informed approach.
• be confident in working independently within the local community, when required.
• be operationally line managed by the MINT Team Manager with input and support from the Second Step Partnership Manager/Senior Recovery Navigator
• have the ability to travel to several appointments daily including in rural areas with limited/unreliable public transport.

What we offer

• to be part of a friendly team
• an in-depth induction to Second Step and MINT with all the relevant training and support you need to do your job well
• monthly one-to-one sessions with your MINT line manager
• monthly group support with your Second Step peers
• monthly group reflective practice with your Second Step peers
• 26 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part-time working). An additional day's holiday is granted to all staff after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 full years' service, subject to a maximum of 5 working days.
• Second Step will contribute 6% of gross basic salary into the scheme if you contribute at least 3% of gross basic salary.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme who can provide you with confidential support and advice around a number of things including finances, personal issues.

If you are interested in this role and would like an informal chat, please contact Liam Dixon, Partnership Manager on

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.

To ensure fairness and consistency, all applications are anonymised until an interview has been confirmed so that shortlisting is based solely upon the suitability of the candidates' skills and qualities.

Closing date: Rolling advert – this advert will remain open until a suitable candidate is recruited

Interview date: on-going, interviews will be offered when suitable candidates are shortlisted.

For more information 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.

The Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. We have a vast number of employees, and provide support to clients from all over the country.