Group Development Worker

Rethink Mental Illness; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Rethink Mental Illness is seeking a Group Development Worker to grow and strengthen peer support across Derbyshire. The role involves working with Derbyshire Recovery & Peer Support Service, volunteers, and local groups to build a sustainable peer network and empower people with lived experience of mental ill health.

The post requires travel across Derbyshire, experience with complex needs, strong communication, and the ability to engage volunteers.

Qualifications

• Experience working with people who may have complex or multiple needs.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to motivate, engage and support volunteers.
• Ability to work 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.
• Travel across Derbyshire to engage with communities and partners.

Skills

Community development

Communication skills

Volunteer management

Independent working

Organisational skills

Partnership working

IT skills

Safeguarding

Driving licence

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.

In this role, you will:

• 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.

You’ll bring:

• 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

You’ll be someone who:

• 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.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today and help us create a better future for people affected by mental illness across Derbyshire.