Relief Support Worker – Caithness
Mikeysline
Mikeysline is a Highland, Islands and Moray–based mental health awareness and suicide prevention charity, established in 2015. We provide support to both adults and young people through evening text-based services and one-to-one sessions (face to face, telephone or online) within our ‘Hive’ support spaces.
Mikeysline offers a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for individuals aged 11 years and up, experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, or thoughts of suicide. Our approach is person-centred, empowering individuals to talk openly and receive compassionate, tailored support.
We are recruiting for a flexible, people-focused Relief Support Worker to work with individuals (both adults and young people) living in Caithness who are:
Experiencing emotional distress
Struggling with their mental health
Having thoughts of suicide
You’ll work mainly in our ‘Hives’ (safe, in-person support spaces) in Thurso and Wick, offering 1:1 person-centred support. Occasionally, you may also be providing support to children and young people in schools and there may be opportunities to be involved in other local Mikeysline activities.
Key Details
Location: Caithness (mainly Thurso & Wick)
Hours: Relief / flexible hours
Pay: £13.45 per hour
Deadline: Monday 1st June 12 pm (noon)
What you’ll do
Core work:
Listen to the people accessing our services without judgement
Help them to process their emotions safely
Support them in developing coping strategies
Encourage their independence and promote self-directed choices
Practical responsibilities:
Keep accurate case notes
Signpost to other services (e.g. NHS, other charities)
Work closely with partner organisations
Work with colleagues
Help with community outreach & awareness-raising in the Caithness area
Follow Mikeysline safeguarding and confidentiality policies (as well as other key policies)
What we’re looking for
Must-have:
Be based in the Caithness area
Experience supporting people with mental health needs on a 1:1 basis
Strong communication & active listening skills
Ability to stay calm under pressure
Good organisation & IT skills
Experience of, or strong interest in, working with children, young people and adults
Ability to travel independently in Caithness area
Ability to promote individual values, culture, religion, physical needs, gender and sexual orientation in compliance with equal opportunities policies
Knowledge needed:
Understanding of mental health challenges (especially crisis/emotional distress)
Understanding of safeguarding & risk management
Understanding confidentiality & data protection
Helpful (not essential):
Health & Social Care SVQ qualification (Level 2/3)
Personal Fit
As well as you being the right fit for us, we need to be the right fit for you. You’ll likely suit this role if you:
Are comfortable with emotionally intense conversations
Are empathetic but boundaried in your approach
Think practically and calmly in the moment
Are comfortable with uncertainty and unpredictability and holding space for people who may be in crisis
Apply on Mikeysline’s job application form which can be downloaded from this page. Candidates will be shortlisted as applications arrive. Job offers will be subject to two satisfactory reference and a PVG for supporting adults and young people.
For more information, please email enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk
Our Ref: CBIJV-225