Peer Support Worker (Crawley, West Sussex)

Recovery Focus•Perry, GA

1d•£25,878 - £30,868•Onsite

About The Position

Waythrough, a large mental health and social support charity formed in 2024, is seeking a compassionate and motivated Peer Support Worker for their Crawley Crisis Café. This role offers an opportunity to utilize personal lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery to support others in building confidence, developing independence, and working towards positive life changes. The Peer Support Worker will collaborate with support staff, volunteers, and partner organizations to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties, promoting recovery, reducing stigma, and empowering service users. This is a permanent, part-time position of 18 hours per week, with potential for weekend working.

Requirements

Personal experience of managing mental health challenges and recovery.
Experience of accessing mental health services.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Confidence using IT systems, Microsoft Office and the internet.
Knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities.
An understanding of mental health recovery and the factors that may affect it.
The ability to manage challenging situations, including those that may bring up personal experiences.
Experience working collaboratively as part of a team and with a range of organisations.
The ability to engage, encourage and support people experiencing mental health difficulties.
A commitment to promoting service user involvement, choice and independence.

Responsibilities

Recruit, induct and support volunteers, ensuring the service meets its annual target of 100 volunteer days.
Prepare and maintain monthly volunteer rotas, accurately recording volunteering hours.
Work alongside support staff to deliver a high standard of person-centred support.
Help individuals set realistic, positive goals and review their progress.
Provide practical and emotional support to help people develop life skills, confidence, independence and self-esteem.
Share personal recovery experiences appropriately to encourage and empower others.
Maintain confidentiality, dignity and respect when supporting service users.
Complete accurate records, maintain relevant paperwork and prepare reports as required.
Work collaboratively with NHS staff, local agencies and community partners to ensure individuals can access appropriate support and services.
Promote the service within the local community, build positive partnerships and help reduce mental health stigma.
Attend relevant meetings, conferences, supervision and training.
Support less experienced Peer Supporters by offering guidance and advice.
Follow organisational policies, procedures and health and safety requirements.