Wellbeing Coach – Black Mental Health
Location: African Community School, Hackney, E8 3DL
Hours: 22.5 paid hours per week, worked across three days (9:30am–6:00pm, including a one-hour unpaid lunch break)
Contract: August 2026 to June 2027, with the possibility of an extension
Salary: £29,446.79 per annum full-time equivalent, pro rata for part-time hours
About African Community School
African Community School (ACS) is a registered charity based in Hackney, established in 2000. Our vision is a city where everyone can fulfil their potential and live free from poverty and social exclusion.
We work holistically with children, young people aged 5–16, adults and families, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our services include:
- Accredited education and training, including OCR and NCFE qualifications
- Supplementary education for Key Stages 1–4
- Youth development and mentoring
- Family learning and parenting programmes
- Health and wellbeing support
We create safe, inclusive spaces that strengthen families, reduce isolation and improve life outcomes.
About the Wellbeing Network
ACS is part of the City & Hackney Wellbeing Network, led by Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest. The network delivers trauma-informed, person-centred mental health support across the community, with a strong focus on diversity, inclusion and reducing inequalities.
Job Purpose
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Wellbeing Coach to provide one-to-one and group mental health support to adults and young people. You will manage a caseload and deliver recovery-focused, trauma-informed interventions as part of the Wellbeing Network team.
Main Responsibilities
Clinical and Service Delivery
- Carry out assessments and identify mental health needs and risks.
- Manage a caseload from referral through to discharge.
- Co-produce support plans and review progress regularly.
- Deliver one-to-one support using trauma-informed approaches.
- Facilitate group sessions, including psychoeducational, psychosocial and creative activities.
- Support clients to access wider services, including therapy, employment and volunteering opportunities.
- Work collaboratively with ACS colleagues and external partners.
- Contribute to safe spaces and community wellbeing activities.
Record Keeping and Governance
- Maintain accurate, timely case records and reports.
- Collect and record outcome measures, including PHQ-9, GAD-7 and WEMWBS where appropriate.
- Follow safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection and risk-management procedures.
- Contribute to service evaluation, monitoring and reporting.
Professional Development
- Attend clinical supervision and reflective-practice sessions.
- Engage in relevant training and continuous professional development.
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to service improvement.
General
- Uphold ACS values, policies and procedures.
- Contribute positively to a collaborative and supportive team culture.
- Undertake other reasonable duties required by the organisation.
Person SpecificationQualifications
- Level 2 or above qualification in Health and Social Care, mental health or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Training in trauma-informed approaches or similar practice is desirable.
Experience
- Experience delivering mental health, wellbeing or psychosocial support.
- Experience working in multi-agency environments.
- Experience supporting underserved communities.
- Experience managing complex or varied caseloads.
- Experience using outcome measures such as PHQ-9, GAD-7 or WEMWBS is desirable.
Knowledge
- Understanding of mental health inequalities affecting Black communities.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, confidentiality and risk management.
- Awareness of recovery-based and person-centred approaches.
Skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to manage workload, prioritise tasks and maintain accurate records.
- Ability to de-escalate challenging situations calmly and safely.
- Confidence working independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
Personal Qualities
- Applicants must be of Black, African or Caribbean heritage.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Reflective, compassionate and resilient approach to work.
Additional Information
Working pattern: Three days per week, 9:30am–6:00pm, with occasional evening work. Time off in lieu will be provided where appropriate.
Location: Hackney, with some local travel required.
Training and support: The successful candidate will receive training and support in trauma-informed practice, motivational interviewing, clinical supervision and reflective practice.
Important Information
This post is exempt under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. This is a Genuine Occupational Requirement and applicants must be of African or African Caribbean heritage.
For the full Job Description and Person Specification, please view the document here:
https://acschoolhackney-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/office_acschool_org_uk/IQCmnI8tjYsYTa4C2rnJGVs6AcFMc-RH7n93z2OKpEQeWG0?e=JXh4PR
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Pay: £29,446.79 per year
Application question(s):
- Do you have experience delivering mental health or psychosocial support (1:1 or group)?
Experience:
- mental health or psychosocial support : 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hackney
