Peer Support Specialist

Sussex Partnership Nhs Foundation Trust; Tudhoe; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent mental health organization is seeking a full-time Peer Support Specialist in Newhaven. This role involves engaging with mental health service users, promoting recovery, and supporting clients in a specialized clinic. The successful candidate will possess a relevant NVQ Level 3 and a peer support qualification. Opportunities for professional development are included, with flexible working hours considered.

Benefits

Excellent learning opportunities

Regular supervision and support

Buddy and mentorship schemes

Qualifications

• Experience working with people with mental health difficulties.
• Lived experience of mental health issues/difficulties.
• Evidence of commitment to lifelong learning.

Responsibilities

• Engage with mental health service users to promote recovery.
• Work as part of the multidisciplinary Care Team for holistic support.
• Encourage self-managed care and support clients during appointments.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Peer Support

Adaptability

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health care or equivalent

Recognised Peer Support qualification

Job description

About the Role

We're looking for people who share our values of compassion, accountability and optimism to help us provide high quality care for patients, carers, families and communities. We specialise in NHS mental health and learning disability services and are proud to make a difference every day. At SPFT we put people first, doing everything possible to help you feel respected, valued and included. You'll have opportunities to learn, grow and gain new experiences to support your career, with access to lifelong learning and professional development. We actively promote flexible working and understand the importance of work‑life balance in healthcare. Whether it’s part‑time hours, hybrid working or flexible start and finish times, we’ll explore what works for you and the role. We recognise that AI is becoming part of daily life and you may choose to use it to help prepare your application, but we ask that anything you submit reflects your own abilities, experience and voice. If that sounds like the kind of organisation you want to be part of, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Engage with mental health service users to show empathy, share experience, inspire hope and promote recovery, assisting individuals to gain and maintain independence in the community.
• Work as part of the Adult Mental Health Services multidisciplinary Care Team, focusing on the day‑to‑day holistic support needs of service users.
• Encourage self‑managed care, supporting users to assess their own needs and develop and implement a self‑management plan.
• Deliver peer support by promoting empowerment and choice, providing opportunities for exploration of meaning and purpose.
• Support clients in a specialised clinic during appointments.
• Supervise other Peer Support Workers where experienced.
• Provide support independently depending on level of experience.
• Travel as required, preferably using own transport.

Qualifications

• Health care or relevant NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) skills acquired through experience or formal teaching qualification.
• Recognised Peer Support qualification.
• Evidence of a commitment to lifelong learning and significant experience of working with people with mental health needs in a paid or voluntary capacity.
• Experience working with people with mental health difficulties.
• Experience working with groups or activities.
• Experience supervising others.
• Lived experience of mental health issues/difficulties.
• Managing personal mental health and recovery.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Peer Support, Recovery and Wellbeing in mental health and ability to apply throughout the work (applicants with previous NHS experience may be considered for higher pay).

Additional Information

We run a specialised clinic for our clients and part of the role will involve supporting them during sessions.

We are looking for a dynamic individual to join the Lewes Neighbourhood Mental Health Team (NMHT) as a Peer Support Specialist. The role is full‑time, client‑facing and based in Newhaven, offering opportunities for career development.

We offer excellent learning opportunities, regular supervision and support, a strong professional network for peer workers across the Trust, a bespoke peer training package, buddy and mentorship schemes, and regular clinical supervision within the team.

Important Note

Please note that if you are currently receiving treatment from the same service where the post is situated, you are advised to contact the recruiting manager to discuss potential conflicts of interest before proceeding with your application.

Working Hours

The role is 37.5 hours per week with a flexible approach considered.