Group Development Worker

Spinx; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Birthday off

Job summary

Rethink Mental Illness is seeking a Group Development Worker to grow and strengthen peer support across Derbyshire. You will work with local partners, volunteers, and community groups to build a sustainable peer network, empowering people with lived experience of mental ill health to connect and support one another.

The role emphasizes co-production, stakeholder engagement, and travel across Derbyshire to reach diverse communities.

Qualifications

• Experience working with people who may have complex or multiple needs.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to motivate, engage and support volunteers.
• Confidence working independently across a variety of community settings.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Experience of partnership working with external organisations.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• An understanding of risk, safeguarding and inclusion.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Responsibilities

• Identify and strengthen local peer support opportunities across Derbyshire.
• Help people access community activities and develop their own peer support groups.
• Support groups to find suitable venues and get established.
• Build positive relationships with community organisations, charities, and local services.
• Encourage and support volunteers and peer facilitators to play an active role.
• Promote co-production, ensuring people with lived experience help shape services and activities.
• Gather feedback, measure impact, and contribute to service improvement.
• Support groups to become independent and sustainable over time.
• Travel across Derbyshire to engage with communities and partners.

Skills

Communication skills

Driving licence

Independent working

Organisational skills

IT skills

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Contract: Permanent, Full Time 35 Hours
Salary: £24,544.91
Location: Field-based across High Peak & Derbyshire
DBS Requirement: Enhanced Disclosure with Adults & Children Barred List

Candidate will need to be a Car Driver with Business Insurance

At Rethink Mental Illness, we know that recovery doesn't happen in isolation. Human connection, shared experience, and supportive communities can make a world of difference. That's why we're looking for a passionate and community-focused Group Development Worker to help grow and strengthen peer support opportunities across Derbyshire.

This is more than a community development role. It's an opportunity to empower people with lived experience of mental ill health to connect, support one another, develop confidence, and become active members of their local communities.

If you're someone who loves bringing people together, building partnerships, and helping communities thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

You'll work closely with the Derbyshire Recovery & Peer Support Service, local partners, volunteers, and community groups to develop a strong and sustainable network of peer support across Derbyshire.

• Identify and strengthen local peer support opportunities across Derbyshire.
• Help people access community activities and develop their own peer support groups.
• Support groups to find suitable venues and get established.
• Build positive relationships with community organisations, charities, and local services.
• Encourage and support volunteers and peer facilitators to play an active role.
• Promote co-production, ensuring people with lived experience help shape services and activities.
• Gather feedback, measure impact, and contribute to service improvement.
• Support groups to become independent and sustainable over time.
• Travel across Derbyshire to engage with communities and partners.

You'll have the freedom to work creatively and collaboratively, identifying gaps in local provision and helping people find the support that's right for them.

What we’re looking for

We’re interested in people who are passionate about community development and supporting others to flourish.

• Experience working with people who may have complex or multiple needs
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• The ability to motivate, engage and support volunteers
• Confidence working independently across a variety of community settings
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Experience of partnership working with external organisations
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications
• An understanding of risk, safeguarding and inclusion
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

It would be great if you also have experience of developing or facilitating peer support groups, although this isn't essential.

You’ll join a team that

• Works collaboratively and celebrates success together.
• Values diversity, inclusion and lived experience.
• Encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
• Makes a genuine difference in local communities every day.

Who we’re looking for

• Believes in the power of peer support.
• Builds trusted relationships quickly.
• Is resilient, empathetic and encouraging.
• Sees opportunities where others see barriers.
• Wants to help people reconnect with their communities and achieve their goals.

Why join Rethink Mental Illness?

• An inclusive culture, with colleague-led staff networks for Disability & Neurodiversity, Race & Ethnicity, LGBTQIA+, Gender Equality and Menopause.
• Flexible working and 25 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays and your birthday off), with the option to buy or sell leave.
• Wellbeing support including our Wellbeing Hub, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions and Unmind.
• Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Financial and family benefits including a contributory pension, enhanced family leave and travel schemes.
• Recognition and rewards including discounts, cashback offers and a Blue Light Card.
• Referral bonus where you can earn up to £300 for introducing someone to our team.

Our commitment to inclusion

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. We’re also committed to becoming a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider supported by a multi-year equity, diversity and inclusion programme of work. For more information please view https://www.rethink.org/media/hdtjjy5b/revised-edi-plan-rethink.pdf

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and want everyone to have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and experience. If you need reasonable adjustments during recruitment or when in your role, please let us know and we will work with you to understand what support you need.