Peer support worker (Lived Experience Worker)

NHS; Brighton (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading NHS organization as a Peer Support Worker, leveraging your lived experience to assist individuals facing challenges related to the Criminal Justice System. You'll build supportive relationships and help clients access vital health and support services, all while working within a dedicated team. Enjoy flexible working options, generous leave, and a commitment to your professional development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Generous NHS pension scheme

Flexible working options

Up to 27 days annual leave

Health and wellbeing resources

Travel reimbursement for community work

Free parking at trust sites

Qualifications

• Lived experience of the Criminal Justice System.
• Willingness to support others using personal experience.

Responsibilities

• Build supportive relationships with service users.
• Conduct direct work with individuals on a 1:1 and group basis.
• Collaborate with colleagues and agencies to meet client needs.

Skills

Support Work

Community Engagement

Personal Experience

Job description

Go back Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Peer Support Worker (Lived Experience Worker)

The closing date is 29 May 2025

This is a unique opportunity for a motivated individual with personal experience of the Criminal Justice System or prison custody.

The position is ideal for someone eager to leverage their lived experience in prison and the Criminal Justice Service to assist others facing similar challenges. You will help them connect with support networks.

The outreach service covers Sussex, based in Brighton. Training will be provided. Experience in support work is desirable but not required, as the role primarily depends on your ability to use personal experience to support others and your desire to do so within a supportive NHS team that values approachability and dedication. The ability to commute independently across Sussex is essential.

Peer support is based on the recognition that no one understands the recovery journey better than someone who has walked the same path. We actively seek peers with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System who are motivated to help others.

Main Duties of the Job

As a Peer Support Worker, you will work across the area with individuals who have come into contact with Liaison & Diversion and then referred to our Outreach service. You will build supportive relationships, help identify their needs alongside a senior team member, and support them in accessing health and support services for up to three months. You will work as part of a larger team, under supervision, alongside Navigators and Support Time Recovery Workers, participating in the client's journey from referral to discharge.

Working for Your Organisation

By joining Team MPFT, you will help your communities, and in return, we will support you through:

• Supporting your career development and progression
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Flexible working options
• Up to 27 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days with service, plus the option to purchase additional leave
• Extensive health and wellbeing resources
• If working in community teams, we cover your travel time between patients
• Lease car option if you travel more than 500 business miles per year, fully insured and maintained, with mileage paid at lease car rate

About Us

By joining Team MPFT, you will be supporting your communities. In return, we offer:

• Career development opportunities
• Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Flexible working options
• Up to 27 days annual leave, increasing with service
• Health and wellbeing support
• Travel reimbursement for community work
• Lease car and salary sacrifice options
• Free parking at trust sites
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Support via Citizens Advice and a hardship fund up to £250

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, with staff networks to support community building.

Note: Use of AI in applications will be monitored for fairness. Please declare if AI tools were used. The vacancy may close early if high application volume is received.

Job Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Working in West Mercia's Outreach service, with flexibility across the Liaison & Diversion services depending on skills and needs. Establish supportive, respectful relationships with service users, sharing your narrative to inspire hope. Conduct direct work with individuals on a 1:1 and group basis, helping them identify strengths and recovery goals. Support the development of interests and facilitate access to community groups. Ensure recovery goals are integrated into resettlement plans. Collaborate with colleagues and other agencies to meet client needs through recovery-oriented, strengths-based practice. Attend multidisciplinary meetings, work under supervision, participate in training, and stay compliant with mandatory requirements. Adapt practices to individual circumstances, including cultural and linguistic considerations. Maintain accurate records and prioritize your own health and wellbeing. Engage in ongoing professional development and perform other duties as required.

Person Specification

Experience

• Lived experience of the Criminal Justice System
• Willingness to support others using personal experience
• Experience supporting people in the community

Other

• Ability to commute across West Mercia
• Aligned personal values

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A DBS check will be required to verify any criminal convictions.

Employer Name

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust