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- Tasks: Support clients in crisis using your lived experience to empower their mental health journey.
- Company: Join Southdown, a leading mental health service provider in Sussex, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like health cashback, interest-free loans, discounts, and 25 days paid holiday.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team that values personal experiences and fosters community wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of mental health challenges is essential; training provided for all skill levels.
- Other info: Flexible hours with evening and weekend shifts; apply by 10th June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 25663 - 25663 £ per year.
Location: Wellbeing Hub, Preston Park
Salary: £25,663 per year (pro rata)
Hours: 18.5 per week, including some evening and weekend working
What you'll be doing: Southdown is one of the leading providers of mental health services in Sussex. Staying Well is an innovative crisis mental health service which supports clients experiencing a mental health crisis. Staying Well provides crisis intervention to increase resilience and coping skills, empowering clients to safely manage their wellbeing within the community. We are open 7 days a week, including bank holidays.
We're looking for someone with lived experience of mental health challenges to join the team and support us in delivering our service. This role focuses on providing support to clients using the Peer Support Model, where personal experiences of mental health challenges and services are used to better support clients. You will use your lived experience to connect with and provide hope to clients who are currently experiencing a mental health crisis.
If you are passionate about providing peer support to clients experiencing a mental health crisis, we'd love to hear from you. We welcome applications from candidates with previous experience such as Support Worker, Social Prescriber, Case Manager, Social Worker, Care Coordinator, Mental Health Specialist or Service Coordinator. However, this is not essential and full training will be provided.
Perks and benefits:
- Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
- Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
- Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
- Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
- Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
- 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.
Knowledge, skills and experience
What you'll need for the role:
- Lived experience of mental health challenges
- A good understanding of working in partnership to support people in a community setting
- Knowledge of mental health services and a desire to support people in their mental health recovery work
- An Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will be paid for by Southdown
What would be nice:
- Experience supporting clients experiencing mental health challenges, including those in crisis and/or facing complex challenges
Training: You'll receive an initial induction, followed by regular in-person training and supervisions to invest in your development and provide all the tools needed to succeed in this role. We'll help you to gain valuable experience, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.
How to apply: Please click on the Apply Now button and fill out our simple one-page application form. The application closing date is 10th June 2025 and interviews will be held on 17th June 2025. Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Contact Detail:
Southdown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Worker (Recovery) - Staying Well, Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your lived experience of mental health challenges during any informal conversations or networking opportunities. This personal connection is crucial for the Peer Worker role and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Peer Support Model and be ready to discuss how your experiences can help others. Understanding this model will show your commitment to the role and your ability to connect with clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with local mental health communities or support groups before applying. This not only expands your network but also demonstrates your dedication to supporting others in their recovery journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've supported others in crisis situations. Sharing these stories can illustrate your skills and empathy, making a strong impression during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Worker (Recovery) - Staying Well, Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your lived experience of mental health challenges, as this is a key aspect of the role.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experiences, especially any roles related to mental health support. Emphasise skills that align with the Peer Support Model and community work.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your personal experiences with the role. Share specific examples of how your background can help you support clients in crisis effectively.
Submit Your Application Early: Don’t wait until the closing date to apply. Submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out, especially since the position may close early if there are many applications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown
✨Share Your Lived Experience
As a Peer Worker, your personal journey with mental health is invaluable. Be prepared to share your experiences and how they have shaped your understanding of mental health challenges. This connection can help demonstrate your empathy and ability to relate to clients.
✨Understand the Peer Support Model
Familiarise yourself with the Peer Support Model and how it operates within the context of mental health services. Being able to articulate how this model works and its benefits during the interview will show your commitment to the role and the organisation's mission.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Mental Health Services
Research the mental health services available in Sussex, particularly those offered by Southdown. Showing that you understand the landscape of mental health support in the community will highlight your preparedness and genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the role, team dynamics, and training opportunities. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals and values.
