Could you inspire hope for people who are struggling with their mental health?
Second Step is a leading mental health charity in the Southwest offering housing, support and hope to people with mental health and support needs. Our vision is a world where everyone affected by mental health problems can create a positive future. We promote mental health and wellbeing by supporting people and communities to build brighter futures.
We’re recruiting a Recovery Navigator to join our Intensive Outreach Service in South Wiltshire, supporting people referred from AWP services for up to six weeks to help prevent hospital admission or to support their independence after leaving a psychiatric hospital, as well as helping those experiencing serious or sudden mental health difficulties.
The IOS team exists because people in acute mental health distress often fall between services—too unwell to cope alone but not always needing long hospital stays. IOS bridges this gap by providing intensive, practical, and emotional support at home to keep people safe, stable, and moving forward.
This role has become available following a long-term employee's resignation due to ill health.
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 our clients on their recovery journey:
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Provide short-term, person-centred, trauma-informed support to people with serious mental health needs.
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Support safe transitions between hospital and home, working independently with a personal caseload and delivering structured 1:1 community-based support.
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Support individuals to prevent/reduce intensive mental health symptoms to prevent psychiatric hospital admission.
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Work collaboratively with clinical teams and community partners while helping individuals build independence and set/achieve support goals.
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Permanent contract with flexible working; must have a driving licence and own vehicle (car or motorbike) due to county-wide travel requirements.
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Receive support for the role including Second Step induction/training, access to reflective practice spaces, regular supervisions, and debriefing options should it be needed.
Full details of this exciting opportunity can be found in the role profile.
About you
You will:
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Be passionate about improving the lived experience and well-being of people using mental health services.
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Have sound knowledge of the support needs of people with moderate–to–serious mental health difficulties.
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Have a sound knowledge of available mental health teams and resources in the locality
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Be able to work in a person-centred, trauma-informed, recovery-focused way, with empathy and non-judgement.
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Be adaptable, resilient, and confident working independently in the community while managing your own caseload.
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Be a strong communicator who collaborates well with clinical teams, partners, and community services.
What we offer
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to be part of a friendly team, with direct support from a senior recovery navigator and line manager
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Team support from a psychologist
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in-depth induction to Second Step and all the relevant training and support you need to do your job well.
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Blended working – a combination of home, office and community-based working
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monthly one-to-one sessions with your line manager
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Weekly team meetings
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Monthly group reflective practice with your wider team
If you are interested in this role but are concerned that you may not have the experience or knowledge please contact us for an informal conversation, we would very much like to hear from you. Please contact: Jessica Chivers, Manager of IOS, at [email protected]
About us
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.
We welcome applications from everyone who meets the criteria and strongly encourage individuals who identify as being of Black, African, Caribbean or Asian descent to apply as these groups are currently under-represented at Second Step.
To ensure fairness and consistency, all applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed so that shortlisting is based solely upon the suitability of the candidate’s skills and qualities.
Closing date: Tuesday 15th September 2026
Interview date: 21st & 23rd of September 2026
For more information and to apply please see our website www.second-step.co.uk. 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.
