About this role
Job summary
This is a new and exciting position for a Family Support Worker to join Combat Stress and work alongside the NHS as part of Op Courage throughout the North of England.
Main duties of the job
Provide clear information, raise awareness and offer practical support for veterans and their families in relation to financial, social and welfare matters.
To provide support to Veterans families on a one-to-one and group basis.
To refer to other services as required and provide information related to support services, on national, regional and local level to promote access to, and awareness of help available.
To advocate for veterans and their families where appropriate.
Facilitation of groups both online and in person.
To arrange meetings with veteran, families and the clinical team when necessary.
To record details of interactions with veterans families on their Electronic Patient Record.
Maintain and manage a caseload of Veterans families referred to the Family Support Service within Op Courage.
Always present a professional image and actively promote the organisation in a positive light to veterans, families, stakeholders, partner organisations and the general public.
Actively participate in supervision and be able to reflect on interpersonal dynamics that may arise.
Respond to safeguarding concerns as required.
To participate as a dynamic and innovative member of the multi-disciplinary team.
Recognise personal and professional boundaries and work within the Combat Stress and/or NHS governance frameworks at all times.
Prepare reports about veteran groups performance and service development when necessary. Communicate such updates through varied media as required.
About us
Combat Stress is the UKs leading mental health charity for veterans. For over a century, weve been helping former service personnel deal with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from military service. We have teams across the UK providing online and in-person treatment and support, depending on the individuals needs and circumstances of those who need us.
Job description Job responsibilities
Based in the North of England - Homebased
Status: 18 Month fixed-term contract
Salary: Band 5, £31,049, per annum, dependent on experience
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 16:30
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About Us:
Combat Stress is the UKs leading mental health charity for veterans. For over a century, weve been helping former service personnel deal with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from military service. We have teams across the UK providing online and in-person treatment and support, depending on the individuals needs and circumstances of those who need us.
About the role:
This is a new and exciting position for a Family Support Worker to join Combat Stress and work alongside the NHS as part of Op Courage throughout the North of England. This position will be virtual, however travel within the North of England to Op Courage locations will be expected when required, as well as any other essential travel involved in undertaking duties of the role.
The role will be integrated into the Op Courage Family Support service pathway which will involve supporting multiple NHS trusts within the North of England, therefore it would be preferable if the successful candidate lived within this area.
As Combat Stress is a national charity, the successful candidate will also be expected to create relationships with local authorities throughout the UK and to act as a liaison between the charity and the statutory sector in all matters pertaining to safeguarding.
We encourage applications from all demographics and are keen to hear from those who served in HM Forces or have experience supporting the military community.
This role is subject to a DBS check.
What we offer:
You will work within a reputable charity that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our veterans, that has a fantastic cause and a committed follower base.
Benefits:
27 days annual leave, with an increase to 30 days annual leave upon 5 years of continuous service, plus bank holidays and an additional increase to 33 days annual leave upon 10 years continuous service, plus bank holidays.
Competitive stakeholder pension scheme - contributions matched up to 11% of salary
Discount shopping vouchers
Access to the Employee Assistance Programme
Flexible working
Access to Blue Light Card scheme
Death in Service Scheme
How to apply:
Thank you for your interest in working for Combat Stress.
If your application is shortlisted, one of the team will contact you shortly after the closing date to let you know the next steps.
Please be aware that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to all applicants. If you do not hear from the team within 3 weeks of the closing date, we will not be taking your application further on this occasion.
We will keep your details for up to 6 months after the vacancy has been successfully filed. Please feel free to contact us if you no longer wish us to hold your details.
Once again, thank you for your interest in working at Combat Stress.
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Closing date: 10 July 2026
Interview date: TBC
Please note, we reserve the right to close this advert early, should we receive a sufficient amount of applicants
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Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Excellent presentation skills. A high standard of assessment, case planning and case recording. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development. A driving license and use of a car for work purposes. Able to manage challenging and encourage courageous conversations. Advanced group facilitation skills.
Desirable
Has either recovered from a mental health problem as a result of their service or is able to demonstrate extensive experience or working within mental health and a high level of knowledge regarding mental health conditions commonly experienced by Veterans and their families. Previous experience working therapeutically. Previously worked in a multi-disciplinary team. Advocacy experience particularly supporting with welfare, social and financial needs.
Skills & Knowledge Essential
Excellent working understanding mental health and support available. Professional boundaries yet approachable. Rapport building to foster professional relationship. Ability to participate in Supervision and Reflective Practice Session.
Desirable
Demonstrable interest in/experience of participating in or delivering Family Support within the Veteran community. Demonstrate experience and skills within welfare, social and financial advocacy.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Combat Stress
Address Marsden Ward
Newcastle Road
Sunderland
SR5 1NB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.combatstress.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)