Peer Recovery Worker

NHS Scotland; Ayr; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Ayrshire & Arran invites applications for a Peer Recovery Worker based at Ailsa Hospital. This fixed-term post runs until 31 March 2027 and comprises 36 hours per week, typically 0900–1700 across five days. A UK driving licence is required.

You will use your lived experience of recovery to provide one-to-one and group peer support, promoting hope, personal responsibility, education, self-advocacy, and support on the recovery journey.

Qualifications

• SVQ 3 in healthcare or relevant previous experience working with people who have mental health and/or Alcohol and Drug problems.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and group peer support to individuals accessing services.
• Promote recovery-focused approaches and empower people on their recovery journey.

Skills

Lived experience

Education

SVQ 3 in healthcare

Job description

NHS Scotland
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

NHS Scotland
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Who We Are

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland. In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way. To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website -

Position

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Peer Recovery Worker based at Ailsa Hospital. This post is offered on a fixed-term basis until 31/03/2027.

Hours

36 hours per week, working 0900-1700 over 5 days (part time will be considered)

From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full-time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part-time staff) without loss of earnings.

UK Driving Licence

A UK driving licence is essential for this role.

What You Will Do

Essential criteria for this post include the ability to demonstrate and provide evidence of your own lived experience of recovery from drug and/or alcohol use, or experience of supporting a family member or loved one affected by drug and/or alcohol use. You will provide one-to-one and group peer support to individuals accessing services. Working within the principles of hope, personal responsibility, education, self-advocacy, and support, you will encourage and empower people on their recovery journey.

You will act as a positive role model, promoting recovery-focused approaches, supporting individuals to build confidence and independence, and helping to create an environment that encourages and sustains recovery using your own lived experience or experience of supporting a loved one/family member.

Knowledge, Training And/or Experience Required For This Post

SVQ 3 in healthcare or relevant previous experience working with people who have mental health and/or Alcohol and Drug problems.

Right to Work / Certificates of Sponsorship

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack.

It is essential that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored before submitting your application form.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. When considering if a post meets the salary threshold for sponsorship, please note the salary advertised is based on a full-time contract and must be pro-rated for part-time positions.

Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case‑by‑case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre-employment checks.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 posts or bank contracts.