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Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Weymouth (MA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust in Weymouth is seeking compassionate Peer Specialists to use their lived experience to inspire hope and support others through self-defined mental health crises.

The Retreat West provides open access crisis support every evening, with flexible hours and open opportunities for full or part-time roles (minimum 15 hours per week). DBS required; visa sponsorship not available.

Job description

Peer Specialist - The Retreat West | Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Company:

Company: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

We are seeking compassionate, dedicated Peer Specialists ready to use their personal journey to inspire hope and guide others through self-defined mental health crisis.

The Retreats – based in Weymouth and Bournemouth offer an open access crisis mental health service every evening; providing a welcoming, safe space for people to come and receive support, without referral or judgement.

The partnership between lived and clinical experience is fundamental to the ethos and values of the Retreats, and you will work alongside Registered Practitioners in this role. As a vital member of our team, you will provide practical support and peer‑led guidance to help visitors and their support networks regain control and hope while navigating challenging moments and moving forward in their recovery. By sharing your lived experience, you will foster trust, hope and promote self‑determination.

You’ll receive comprehensive induction and specialist training, including trauma‑informed care and collaborative working practices, to ensure you can use your experience to create real, lasting impact.

Full and part time hours are available (minimum 15 hours or 2 shifts per week). The service operates 365 days of the year, and whilst all reasonable flexible working requests will be considered, shift times are set at 16:00‑midnight, in line with the opening hours of the service. You would not be expected to work across both Retreat sites and can choose between Bournemouth and Weymouth.

To utilise your own lived experience of mental health, by using it intentionally in therapeutic conversation with others.

To support people presenting in mental health crisis, who are likely to be experiencing and displaying significant distress and vulnerability, providing compassionate and non‑judgemental care.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of.

Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Please ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined‑up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward‑looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000‑strong workforce is at the heart of what we do, and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion, and expertise in all we do.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do [e-mail]

This advert closes on Sunday 20 Sep 2026