Job Description

Overview

Role Overview

As a Mental Health Support Lead, you will provide direct support to trans and gender-questioning adults facing significant and complex mental health challenges. This includes individuals experiencing ongoing mental health difficulties as well as those in moments of acute crisis.

Working from a trauma-informed and gender-affirming framework, your role will combine structured, long-term support with the ability to respond to short-term crises, such as suicidal ideation, panic attacks, or sudden loss of housing or safety. You'll play a crucial role in stabilising immediate risks while helping clients build longer-term resilience and wellbeing.

There is potential for this role to develop into a supervisory position based on performance and organisational needs.

Hours and salary for this part-time, hybrid role will be negotiated based on experience and availability. Applicants should be able to attend the Southampton office in person as required and as dictated by business needs.

Key Responsibilities

Provide ongoing emotional and practical support for individuals facing complex challenges including trauma, anxiety, depression, identity-based distress, or systemic exclusion Respond to acute crisis situations, using de-escalation techniques, safety planning, and urgent referrals where necessary Conduct risk assessments for mental health and safeguarding concerns, and co-develop support and safety plans with clients Support clients in accessing and navigating external services (e.g. mental health care, housing, legal support, crisis teams, and gender-affirming healthcare) Work holistically with clients to build coping strategies, autonomy, and emotional resilience, helping them to stabilise and progress beyond crisis Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all sessions, interventions, risks, and actions taken Collaborate with colleagues, external agencies, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, joined-up care Participate in supervision, reflective practice, and regular training to support your wellbeing and continued professional development

Who We're Looking For

Essential:

Experience working with people facing high mental health needs, emotional distress, or crisis

Ability to offer both responsive crisis support and longer-term recovery-focused care

In-depth understanding of the barriers faced by trans and gender-diverse people, including the impact of discrimination, trauma, and healthcare gatekeeping

Strong emotional regulation and ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations

Familiarity with safeguarding, suicide prevention, and risk management procedures

Commitment to person-centred, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive care

Excellent interpersonal, organisational, and documentation skills

Desirable:

Relevant qualifications in Mental Health, Psychology, Social Work, or Community Services Training in crisis intervention (e.g. ASIST), suicide prevention, or Mental Health First Aid Experience supporting individuals who are also facing intersecting barriers (e.g. racism, homelessness, substance use, disability) Lived experience as a trans, non-binary, or gender-diverse person is highly valued (though not required)

What You'll Bring

A calm, compassionate presence in both ongoing and crisis support contexts

A deep commitment to trans inclusion, equity, and justice

Emotional resilience and strong self-awareness

A proactive, reflective, and collaborative working style

The ability to build trust and create safe, affirming spaces for people in distress

What Difference Will You Make?

For many trans and gender-diverse adults, accessing safe and affirming mental health care is a daily struggle. In this role, you'll be a consistent, empowering presence -someone who listens, advocates, and acts. Whether you're supporting someone through a crisis or helping them rebuild stability over time, your work will restore a sense of agency, dignity, and hope to those too often overlooked. You won't just respond to crises--you'll help people survive them, recover, and move forward.

To apply:

Please submit a covering letter along with your CV. In your covering letter, we'd like you to address the following:

What motivates you to work for a charity supporting the trans community, and how your values align with our mission How your experience and skills will help you contribute meaningfully to the work we do Your approach to fostering an inclusive, affirming, and safe environment for trans individuals accessing mental health support
We look forward to reviewing your CV and covering letter. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an initial chat with our CEO.

The role will remain open until we find a suitable candidate.

Please note that CVs submitted without a covering letter will not be considered.

Job Type: Part-time

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Southampton SO15 1GX