Bedford - Permanent, Full Time
£34,500 per annum plus car allowance
The Mental Health Specialist Support Officer plays a key role in delivering specialist mental health support across housing services. The postholder works directly with customers experiencing mental health challenges, supporting them to sustain their tenancies, improve their wellbeing, and access appropriate services.
Acting as a bridge between customers, internal housing teams, and external agencies, the role ensures a coordinated, trauma-informed, and person-centred approach. The postholder will also provide expert guidance to colleagues, helping to improve outcomes in complex cases and embed good practice in mental health support across services.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Support & Tenancy Sustainment
Deliver person-centred, trauma-informed support to customers with mental health needs
Complete holistic assessments of need and risk, including mitigation planning
Co-produce and regularly review support plans focused on tenancy sustainment and wellbeing
Support customers to engage with mental health services and attend appointments
Respond appropriately to crisis situations and escalating risk
Specialist Advice & Support to Housing Teams
Provide expert mental health advice to colleagues on complex cases
Support joint visits, case reviews, and risk planning
Deliver coaching, informal training, and briefings
Promote trauma-informed and psychologically informed approaches
Partnership & Multi-Agency Working
Build and maintain effective relationships with mental health services and partners
Act as a key liaison to improve communication between agencies
Advocate on behalf of customers
Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings
Identify and escalate gaps in service provision
Safeguarding & Risk Management
Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns in line with policy
Contribute to risk assessments and safety planning
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records
Ensure compliance with organisational and regulatory requirements
Service Development & Continuous Improvement
Contribute to the development of policies and good practice frameworks
Identify trends and themes relating to mental health needs
Support the embedding of trauma-informed approaches across services
Person Specification
Skills & Attributes
Ability to build trust and rapport with customers who may be reluctant to engage
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to influence and advise colleagues and stakeholders
Skilled in managing complex, sensitive situations calmly and effectively
Empathetic, non-judgemental, and trauma-informed approach
Resilient with the ability to manage emotionally demanding situations
Strong professional boundaries
Solution-focused, proactive, and practical approach
Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
Knowledge & Experience
Experience of working with individuals with a range of mental health needs
Strong understanding of mental health systems, including statutory and voluntary services
Experience of safeguarding and risk management
Experience of multi-agency working and partnership building
Understanding of trauma-informed or psychologically informed environments
Qualifications
Relevant qualification in mental health, social work, psychology or a related field, or equivalent experience
Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice
Additional Requirements
Ability to travel across operational areas
Flexibility to respond to urgent or crisis situations
Enhanced DBS check required
Disclaimer
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early application is encouraged to avoid disappointment
Salary description
£34500.00 - £34500.00 per year