Mental Health

16 to 25 Community Mental Health Link Worker – NHS Job in London

Skilled Worker Sponsorship Available

West London NHS Trust is welcoming applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship applicants will be considered alongside other applicants, subject to the applicable UK immigration and role requirements.

Job Overview

An exciting opportunity is available for a 16 to 25 Community Mental Health Link Worker within the Hammersmith and Fulham Mental Health Integrated Network Teams (MINT) at West London NHS Trust.

This is a permanent, full-time Band 4 position based in London, supporting young people aged 16 to 25 who are experiencing mental health challenges.

The successful candidate will help young people connect with appropriate community services and resources, promote independence, build confidence and support individuals throughout their recovery journey.

Quick Job Details

About the Role

The successful applicant will play an important role in connecting young people experiencing mental health difficulties with community-based support.

As a Community Mental Health Link Worker, you will help individuals identify suitable resources and services, support referrals, encourage autonomy and promote independence.

The role uses a strengths-based and recovery-focused approach, helping young people build skills, confidence and resilience.

You will work closely with colleagues from different professional backgrounds and community organisations. You will therefore need to be comfortable working independently while also contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.

As the service develops, the role will include working closely with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to help young people access appropriate community services and support effective transitions into adult services.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Connect young people with appropriate community resources and support.
• Provide recovery-focused and person-centred support.
• Signpost service users to relevant organisations and services.
• Support referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Promote autonomy, independence and self-confidence.
• Identify and build on individual strengths.
• Help young people develop skills in areas of support identified collaboratively.
• Escalate concerns appropriately when required.
• Build effective relationships with service users, colleagues and external organisations.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary professionals.
• Support young people aged 16 to 25.
• Work alongside CAMHS as the service develops.
• Support smooth transitions between children’s and adult services.
• Maintain appropriate written records and documentation.
• Work flexibly in response to service requirements.

Who Can Apply?

The Trust is looking for motivated, enthusiastic and caring individuals with:

• An understanding of mental health.
• Experience working with young people.
• Experience supporting vulnerable people.
• Experience of one-to-one client work.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• A compassionate and non-judgemental approach.
• The ability to work independently.
• The ability to work effectively with different professional groups.
• A commitment to recovery-focused and person-centred practice.

Essential Experience

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience of one-to-one client work.
• At least one year of experience working or volunteering in mental health services.
• Experience of partnership and collaborative working.
• Experience building relationships across organisations.
• Experience working with young people.
• Experience working with individuals aged 16 to 25 or a strong desire to work with this age group.
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals in a face-to-face environment.

Desirable Experience

The following would be advantageous:

• Experience working alongside or supervising volunteers.
• Experience working within a community development environment or similar setting.

Qualifications and Training

Essential

Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional and personal development appropriate to the role.

This should support continued competency and the delivery of high-quality practice.

Desirable

• NVQ Level 3 or working towards an equivalent qualification in a relevant subject.
• Equivalent relevant experience may also be considered.

Knowledge and Skills

The successful applicant should have:

• Knowledge of the local community.
• A broad understanding of mental health challenges.
• Awareness of different approaches and models for understanding mental health.
• Knowledge of primary care, secondary care and third-sector mental health services.
• An understanding of effective partnership working.
• Knowledge of equal opportunities and their application within mental health services.
• A good understanding of customer service principles.
• Good computer skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to use email systems.
• Ability to input information accurately.
• Ability to prepare simple plans and reports.

Personal Qualities

The Trust is seeking applicants who can:

• Listen effectively.
• Demonstrate empathy.
• Provide person-centred support.
• Work in a non-judgemental manner.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.
• Take responsibility for allocated clients.
• Produce high-quality written materials.
• Communicate professionally with service users, colleagues, staff and external agencies.
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• Work independently when required.
• Apply anti-discriminatory practice.
• Promote equal opportunities.
• Use a strengths-based recovery approach.
• Demonstrate resilience and motivation.
• Adapt to changing working environments.

Working Hours and Flexibility

Applicants should be aware that the role may require flexibility.

The successful candidate must be able to work evenings and weekends, and occasionally at short notice, when required to meet service demands.

About West London NHS Trust

West London NHS Trust is one of the UK’s diverse healthcare providers, delivering mental health, physical healthcare and community services.

The Trust provides services across several London boroughs, including Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham, and operates Broadmoor Hospital.

The organisation employs more than 5,000 staff and provides a wide range of mental health and specialist services.

The Trust is also an established partner within the North West London Integrated Care System and contributes to the development of integrated healthcare services.

Certificate of Sponsorship – Important Information

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications.

This means applicants who currently require sponsorship may apply for this vacancy.

However, applicants should understand that eligibility for sponsorship is subject to current UK immigration rules and the specific requirements applicable to the role.

Applicants should independently verify their eligibility before submitting an application.

For official UK immigration information, consult the UK Visas and Immigration guidance.

Criminal Record / DBS Check

This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will therefore be required to assess any previous criminal convictions where applicable.

Applicants requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship should also be aware of the criminal record certificate requirements applicable to certain overseas applicants.

Job Location

H and F Claybrook Road
37 Claybrook Road
London
W6 8NF
United Kingdom

Salary

£34,186 – £37,389 per annum

The advertised salary is inclusive of 20% High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS).

Contract and Working Pattern

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

NHS Band: Band 4

Application Deadline

23 August 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date rather than waiting until the final day.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through the official NHS Jobs vacancy page.

Official vacancy:
https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/C9222-26-0601

Direct application:
https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/C9222-26-0601/ats-direct-apply

Employer Contact

For questions about the position:

Senior Mental Health Practitioner
Harriet Duffell
West London NHS Trust
Email: harriet.duffell@nhs.net

Suitable Applicants

This vacancy may be particularly suitable for candidates with backgrounds in:

• Mental health support
• Community mental health services
• Youth support
• Community support
• Social care
• Healthcare support
• Mental health advocacy
• Voluntary-sector support
• Community development
• One-to-one client support
• Support services for vulnerable young people

Applicants should carefully review the full person specification and ensure their application demonstrates how their experience meets the essential requirements.

Important Applicant Note

Skilled Worker sponsorship applicants are welcome to apply.

The employer has specifically stated that applications from people who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered alongside other applications.

Sponsorship is not an automatic guarantee of visa approval. Applicants should check the current immigration and sponsorship requirements and ensure they meet all applicable criteria.

Vacancy Summary

16 to 25 Community Mental Health Link Worker
West London NHS Trust
Band 4
£34,186 – £37,389 per year
Permanent | Full-time
London – Hammersmith & Fulham
Closing date: 23 August 2026
Skilled Worker sponsorship applicants welcome

Apply Now

If you have experience supporting young people or vulnerable individuals and are passionate about helping people access mental health and community services, this could be an excellent opportunity to develop your career within the NHS.

Apply before 23 August 2026 through the official NHS Jobs vacancy page.