Anxious Minds

Durham Veteran Recovery College Manager Location: County Durham (with some travel across the North East) Salary: £25,000 per annum Contract: Part time, 3 years fixed-term (with potential for extension subject to funding) Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer Organisation: Anxious Minds About Anxious Minds Anxious Minds is a registered charity delivering specialist, accredited mental health support to veterans, serving personnel, families, and carers across the North East of England. We deliver the Veteran Recovery College , an award-winning, evidence-based model that provides early intervention, trauma-informed mental health education and recovery support. This post forms a key part of our planned expansion into County Durham , responding to growing unmet need among the veteran community. The Role We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and values-driven Veteran Recovery College Manager to lead the establishment and delivery of the Durham Veteran Recovery College. This is a management role with responsibility for service development, staff leadership, partnership working, quality assurance, and impact measurement. The successful candidate will ensure the service meets nationally recognised standards , maintains accreditation requirements, and delivers measurable outcomes for veterans and their families. Key Responsibilities Lead the operational delivery and development of the Durham Veteran Recovery College Recruit, manage, and support staff, sessional workers, and volunteers Ensure services are trauma-informed, recovery-focused, and veteran-centred Maintain compliance with QNVMHS standards, safeguarding, governance, and data protection Develop strong referral pathways and partnerships with statutory, NHS, Armed Forces, and voluntary sector organisations Monitor performance, outcomes, and impact, producing reports for funders and senior leadership Manage budgets and ensure effective use of resources Represent Anxious Minds at regional and national forums as required Person Specification Essential: Significant experience managing mental health or recovery-based services Strong understanding of veteran mental health needs and Armed Forces culture Proven leadership and people management skills Experience of partnership working across health, statutory, and voluntary sectors Excellent organisational, reporting, and communication skills Commitment to equality, safeguarding, and ethical service delivery Desirable: Lived experience of military service or working extensively with the Armed Forces community Experience working within Recovery College or educational mental health models Knowledge of NHS veteran pathways and voluntary sector commissioning Relevant professional qualification in mental health, health, social care, or leadership What We Offer The opportunity to shape and lead a nationally recognised veteran mental health service A supportive, mission-driven organisation with strong governance and values Ongoing professional development and training Flexible working arrangements where possible The chance to make a tangible difference to the lives of veterans and their families How to Apply Please submit: A CV A supporting statement outlining how you meet the person specification Applications should be sent to . Closing date: 31 / 01 /2026 Interviews: 02 /02 /2026 Anxious Minds is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of veterans and vulnerable adults. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.

Job Title: Benefits and Employment Support Worker Location: North East England (with community-based and outreach work) Salary: £14 per hour Hours: Part-time Contract: Permanent About the Role Anxious Minds Veteran Recovery College are seeking a compassionate, knowledgeable, and motivated Benefits and Employment Support Worker to join our team. This role is vital in supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges, unemployment, or financial hardship to navigate the benefits system and move closer to sustainable employment. You will work closely with people facing complex barriers, offering practical advice, advocacy, and person-centred support to improve financial stability, confidence, and independence. Key Responsibilities Provide one-to-one support with welfare benefits , including Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, and housing-related benefits Support clients with job readiness , CV writing, applications, and interview preparation Advocate on behalf of clients with DWP, local authorities, employers, and other agencies Help individuals identify skills, strengths, and realistic employment or training pathways Support clients to manage benefit transitions into work Maintain accurate case notes and monitoring data in line with GDPR and organisational policies Work collaboratively with mental health practitioners, community partners, and external services Deliver outreach and group sessions where required About You You will be empathetic, organised, and confident working with people who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or long-term unemployment. Essential Criteria: Experience supporting people with welfare benefits and/or employment support Good understanding of the UK benefits system Ability to build trusting, supportive relationships Strong communication and advocacy skills Ability to manage a caseload and work independently Basic IT skills and experience with case management systems Desirable Criteria: Experience working in mental health, voluntary sector, or community services Knowledge of employment support programmes Advice qualification or willingness to work towards one Lived experience of mental health challenges (valued and welcomed) What We Offer A supportive, values-driven working environment Ongoing training and professional development Flexible working where possible Opportunity to make a real difference in people s lives Access to wellbeing support and supervision How to Apply To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. Closing Date: 30 January Interviews: 2nd February We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.