Safe Haven Mental Health Practitioner

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.

Overview

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.

Qualifications & Experience Required

• Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant area
• 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
• Lived experience of mental health challenges (desired)
• Experience working with marginalised or underrepresented groups (desired)
• Experience contributing to service development or user involvement initiatives (desired)
• Experience facilitating lived experience involvement and feedback processes (desired)
• Experience supporting service development or contributing to new service launches (desired)

Main Responsibilties

• 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.

Working Hours

Working shifts of 6.5 hours between 4pm and 11pm, across 7 days per week; number of shifts per week is flexible