We are Hestia. We make a difference.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Community Engagement Practitioner to play a pivotal role in our Voluntary Community Service. 

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

As part of a multidisciplinary NHS team, I work alongside clinicians, social workers, and community partners to support adults experiencing moderate to severe mental illness. I manage a caseload of service users, serving as their key contact and contributing to care planning, progress monitoring, and discharge support through the RiO clinical records system. I collaboratively develop person-centred recovery plans with individuals, focusing on their social goals and community integration. Central to my role is building strong therapeutic relationships through trauma-informed and strength-based approaches, empowering service users to achieve personal recovery goals. I support individuals in accessing local resources, attending appointments, and participating in wellbeing activities, peer support, and psychoeducational groups. Additionally, I promote and model recovery-focused, jargon-free communication across services and advocate for co-production and integrated care.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

To be successful in this role, candidates should hold an NVQ Level 4 in Care (or equivalent) or have at least two years' experience in a mental health setting. A strong understanding of mental health issues, recovery, and co-production principles is essential, along with experience working collaboratively with professionals, services, and communities. Knowledge of care planning, risk assessment, recovery tools, and the Mental Health Act is also required. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and group facilitation skills are vital, as is the ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. Confidence in using IT systems, including electronic case management tools, is important. The role demands resilience, adaptability, and the ability to maintain clear professional boundaries, alongside a high level of commitment.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.