Relief Support Worker

Together UK; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Part time

Job summary

A community outreach service is seeking a Relief Support Worker to establish trust and provide support to individuals experiencing mental distress. The role involves building relationships, supporting goal achievement, and maintaining professional boundaries. Candidates should have a minimum Level II qualification in English and relevant experience. This position offers zero hours, with flexible working hours, and the opportunity to contribute positively to the community.

Qualifications

• Minimum of GCSE or Level II qualification in English, or equivalent.
• Experience of working alongside individuals experiencing mental distress.
• Basic competence in the use of email and word processing software.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain relationships of trust with service users.
• Support people experiencing mental distress in an empathic manner.
• Help service users to set and achieve personal goals.

Skills

Minimum of GCSE or Level II qualification in English

Experience of working alongside individuals experiencing mental distress

Able to establish and maintain a safe environment

Willing and able to collaborate with colleagues and other organisations

Basic competence in the use of email and word processing software

Demonstrate problem-solving skills

Able to produce clear records and reports in English

Experience in supporting vulnerable individuals

Lived experience of mental distress

NVQ Level II in Health and Social Care

Education

GCSE or Level II qualification in English

NVQ Level II in Health and Social Care

Job description

Relief Support Worker

Application Deadline: 28 February 2026

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Zero Hours

Location: Reading Community Outreach Service

Reporting To: Zahra Akhtar

Compensation: £23892.0 per annum (Basic Salary) pro rata plus £880 per annum (geographical allowance) pro rata

Description

Fixed Term Contract ending on the 30th of June 2026. Zero-hours up to 15 hours per week. £23892.0 per annum (Basic Salary) pro rata plus £880 per annum (geographical allowance) pro rata.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain relationships of trust with service users, in order to build engagement.
• Support people experiencing mental distress in an empathic, professional manner.
• Help service users to set, prioritise and achieve personal goals, to increase hope, motivation and ambition.
• Work alongside individuals to develop and review robust assessments, safety management plans and personalised recovery support plans.
• Contributing to the protection of individuals from the risk of abuse and self-harm.
• Value the lived experience of service users and enable them to use that experience to support each other and improve their Together service.
• To communicate effectively with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds including people from marginalised or minority groups.
• To share knowledge, skills and experience within the team while observing confidentiality.
• Work with professionals from other agencies and make onward referrals, linking service users into other community opportunities
• To record and report on activity and outcomes, sharing examples of good practice.
• Make timely records which are concise, accurate, written for the service user to understand, using Together computer-based systems.
• Participate in mandatory and job-related courses, learning activities and a commitment to own continuous professional development.
• Maintain professional boundaries in all aspects of work with service users.
• Work evenings and weekends.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Essential

• Minimum of GCSE or Level II qualification in English, or equivalent
• Experience of working alongside individuals experiencing mental distress and in partnership with them
• Able to establish and maintain a safe environment
• Willing and able to collaborate with colleagues and other organisations
• Basic competence in the use of email and word processing software and computerised systems for service user records and reports
• Demonstrate problem-solving skills relating to housing, welfare benefits, education and relationships
• Able to produce clear records and reports in English

• Experience in supporting vulnerable individuals gained from paid work and/or voluntary and/or life experience
• Lived experience of mental distress
• NVQ Level II in Health and Social Care, or equivalent

Job Benefits

Download the PDF to find out more about what you can get out of working for us.

Benefits of Working for Together

At Together we value and encourage diversity and inclusion within our workforce. We are committed to creating a workplace where you can be your authentic self, welcoming applications from people from diverse communities and backgrounds who share our values. As an employer, we are committed to making any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

Successful candidates will require an enhanced DBS check. To find out more, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service

Together is committed to equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practices. Charity No. 211091