Peer Support Worker (Crawley, West Sussex)
About The Position
Waythrough is seeking a compassionate and motivated Peer Support Worker for its Crawley Crisis Café. The role uses the worker’s lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery to support people experiencing mental health difficulties, helping them build confidence, independence and work towards positive changes. The worker will collaborate with support staff, volunteers and partner organisations to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive environment, promote recovery and reduce stigma, and ensure people feel valued, respected and empowered to make their own choices. The posting contains conflicting details about the contract and hours: the opening details describe a 23-hour-per-week, part-time fixed-term role with hours from 3pm until midnight, while the role description calls it a permanent, part-time position of 18 hours per week, which may include 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.
- Understanding of mental health recovery and factors that may affect it.
- Ability to manage challenging situations, including situations that may bring up personal experiences.
- Experience working collaboratively as part of a team and with a range of organisations.
- Ability to engage, encourage and support people experiencing mental health difficulties.
- 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 and accurately record volunteering hours.
- Work alongside support staff to deliver 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.
- Collaborate with NHS staff, local agencies and community partners to help individuals access appropriate support and services.
- Promote the service locally, build positive partnerships and help reduce mental health stigma.
- Attend relevant meetings, conferences, supervision and training.
- Guide and advise less experienced Peer Supporters.
- Follow organisational policies, procedures and health and safety requirements.
Benefits
- 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after one year, plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme with a 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%.
- Life assurance at three times annual salary.
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay.
- Birthday leave and the option to buy up to five extra days of annual leave.
- Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications.
- 24/7 online GP access and an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Recognition and long-service awards through the Way to Go and Aspirations portals.
- £500 Recommend a Friend bonus.
- Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership.
- Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good.
- Free will-writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
