Community Outreach Worker (Community Support Service)

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we d love to hear from you.

Community Outreach Worker (Community Support Service CSS)
Reference: 360
Salary: £26,000 - £27,000 per annum, pro rata
Hours: Part-time, 25 hours a week
Contract: Permanent
Working base: St Albans Wellbeing Centre/St Albans food bank centres

About the Service

St Albans & District Foodbank is an independent charity within the Trussell network, operating nine foodbank centres across the district alongside a central warehouse and home delivery service. Over recent years, the Foodbank has developed a More Than a Foodbank model, recognising that food insecurity rarely exists in isolation and that many people accessing support are also experiencing poor mental health, debt, housing insecurity, social isolation and wider practical challenges.

Alongside emergency food provision, the Foodbank has developed strong partnership working with Citizens Advice St Albans District, local mental health organisations, statutory services and community groups to create a more joined-up and person-centred support model.

The Reaching Communities partnership between St Albans & District Foodbank, Citizens Advice and Hertfordshire Mind Network aims to provide integrated practical, emotional and wellbeing support within trusted community settings. The partnership focuses on early intervention, reducing repeat crisis, improving access to support and helping people navigate systems before situations escalate further.

About the Role

The Outreach Worker role is intended to feel fully embedded within the Foodbank environment and wider Foodbank Plus model, working relationally and practically alongside the Wellbeing Team, volunteers and partner organisations to support people experiencing hardship and complex life circumstances.

The purpose of the Hertfordshire Mind Network Community Outreach Worker role is to:

• Expand employment, health and wellbeing, and community engagement
• Strengthen existing service provision for financial advice, food security, and homelessness support.
• Build strong local partnerships, volunteer networks, and stakeholder relationships.
• Deliver measurable outcomes for residents, with a focus on those experiencing deprivation and marginalisation.
• To provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients with coexisting drug and alcohol difficulties, mental ill-health, these will be clients who are presenting to the police, anti-social behaviour, tenancy enforcement, housing and environmental health services within Hertfordshire.
• To ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and solution focused approach in all aspects of the role.
• To raise greater awareness of complex needs and the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) amongst local service providers. Supporting them to gain confidence in working positively and consistently with people who have multiple needs.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) - compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 6th July 2026 5pm
Interviews to be held on a rolling basis at the Watford well-being centre
N.B. Please quote reference number 360 when completing your application for this role.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.