At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health needs through 1:1 and group sessions.
- Company: Join a people-led organisation dedicated to inspiring change across Sussex.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous holiday allowance, pension scheme, and access to well-being activities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for professional development and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while using your lived experience to empower others.
- Qualifications: Personal experience with mental health challenges and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29903 - 36549 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Community Peer Worker to play a vital role in providing support within our Pathfinder Service.
Location: Mid Sussex, with occasional travel to Horsham
Salary: £25,878 (Full time equivalent annual salary)
Hours: 12 hours per week (Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 12 November 2026
Interview Date: 17 November 2026
As a Community Peer Worker, you will be working for a people-led organisation whose mission and values is to inspire change across Sussex. This is an exciting opportunity to join our Pathfinder Service. BHT Sussex is the lead provider of mental health support across West Sussex, working closely with community partners, primary care and NHS mental health services. You will be joining a passionate team who work together to support individuals with mental health needs across West Sussex.
The successful applicant will draw on their lived experience of mental health challenges to provide recovery focused 1:1 and group support. The role will also involve managing a caseload, working within a team and building relationships with local partners, including GP surgeries. You will see clients both individually and in a group setting, supporting them to identify what they need and helping them to work on issues and access local support to meet these needs including community services. You will be able to take a holistic and flexible approach in your work, supporting individuals around both social and psychological issues that arise.
Key Responsibilities:
- To provide practical and/or emotional support to clients, empowering them to create their own collection of wellbeing tools and manage their mental health more independently.
- To facilitate Pathfinder community groups.
- To hold an agreed caseload of clients, providing 1:1 support with a focus on meaningful, personal goals.
- To demonstrate how lived experience through Peer Support can enhance the support of people experiencing mental ill health.
- To build supportive and respectful working relationships with clients whilst demonstrating appropriate professional boundaries.
Person Specification:
- Personal experience of mental health challenges, treatment, or recovery or experience of supporting someone with mental health issues (carer perspective).
- Experience of supporting individuals to complete person-centred mental health recovery plans based on their own goals and aspirations.
- Ability to work on own initiative and excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to work proactively and effectively both independently and as a team member.
- Evidence of previous training or learning (formal or informal) which relates to supporting adults who have mental health needs.
In return:
- In recognition of our commitment to staff, BHT Sussex has been awarded Gold Accreditation from Investors in People.
- We are also signed up to the Disability Confident employer scheme and have made the Mental Health at Work commitment.
- You will receive a fantastic benefits package including 5.5% stakeholder pension scheme and life assurance scheme.
- Medical cash plan with Medicash.
- Access to BHT Learning & Development platform.
- Free and confidential employee assistance helpline for both personal and work-related concerns.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
- Free new starter 28-day Network Saver Brighton bus pass.
- Generous holiday allowance starting at 27 days per annum pro rata, rising 1 day for each year of service to a maximum of 32 days pro rata.
- The opportunity to participate in well-being and fundraising activities throughout the year.
BHT Sussex is an equal opportunities employer using a fair and open recruitment process that fully complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to encouraging equality, equity, inclusion, and diversity within the workplace. As an employer we are committed to promoting and supporting our people’s social, physical and psychological health at work. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or reasonable adjustments if called for interview. BHT Sussex welcomes applications from individuals with lived experience. An Enhanced with Adults and Children DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service) is required on all successful applicants as a condition of employment for this post.
Community Peer Worker in Burgess Hill employer: BHT Sussex
BHT Sussex is an exceptional employer, dedicated to inspiring change across Sussex while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances, professional development opportunities, and a focus on mental health support. Join us in making a meaningful impact through engaging communications and be part of a team that values creativity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Peer Worker in Burgess Hill
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at BHT Sussex.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from BHT Sussex!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like BHT Sussex, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at BHT Sussex or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Peer Worker in Burgess Hill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to BHT Sussex:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BHT Sussex! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BHT Sussex
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
