Recovery Worker - Compass Recovery College

Are you passionate about supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing? Do you believe in the power of recovery, empowerment and community? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

Due to a restructure, and an increase in permanent posts, an exciting opportunity has arisen to join Compass Recovery College, a unique and innovative service within Reading Borough Council that supports adults, children and young people on their journey towards improved mental health and wellbeing.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We support hybrid working, it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle. Due to the nature of the role, we would expect a minimum of 50% in office attendance.

About The Role:
To find out more about Compass Recovery College visit: https://www.compassrecoverycollege.uk/

Working as a Recovery Worker, you'll help individuals build confidence, develop coping strategies and connect with learning opportunities that promote recovery and independence.

Compass Recovery College offers a wide range of free workshops and activities designed to support mental health and wellbeing.

From understanding stress and anxiety to creative arts, yoga and walking groups, our programmes are co-produced with people who have lived experience of mental health challenges.

As a Recovery Worker, you will:

• Build supportive, respectful relationships with participants.
• Support individuals to access and engage with workshops and activities.
• Work alongside volunteers, peer support workers and mental health professionals.
• Co-produce and co-deliver recovery-focused wellbeing programmes.
• Signpost participants to local services, resources and opportunities.
• Promote choice, independence and informed decision-making.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to the ongoing development of the Recovery College.
• Act as an ambassador for recovery and wellbeing across Reading's communities.

About You:
We are looking for someone who understands the challenges people may face when living with mental health difficulties and who can build positive, trusting relationships.

You will have experience in a supportive or enabling role, ideally working with people on their journey towards recovery and wellbeing.

You will be comfortable working collaboratively, co-producing activities and helping people to recognise their strengths and achieve their goals.

You will bring:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with empathy and a non-judgemental approach.
• An understanding of recovery-focused practice, co-production and the importance of lived experience.
• The ability to support people with a range of needs and backgrounds.
• Good organisational and record-keeping skills.
• An understanding of safeguarding, risk awareness and professional boundaries.
• The ability to work creatively, adapt to change and remain professional during periods of pressure.
• Competence in Microsoft Office applications.

An NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Health & Social Care, or equivalent experience-based qualification, is desirable. Relevant training and qualifications, including Mental Health First Aid and Wellness Recovery Action Plan facilitation, are welcomed.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.

Our offer:
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

For more information on this position please contact Lara Stavrinou, Compass Recovery College at Lara.Stavrinou@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Monday 5th October 2026
Interview Date: 13th and 14th October 2026
Interview Setup: In person at the Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU