At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing health inequalities and help them navigate recovery and wellbeing.
- Company: Join Foundation 2 Change, a lived-experience-led organisation making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, ongoing training, and meaningful work that creates lasting change.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to promoting recovery and social inclusion.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of addiction or mental health challenges is essential; peer support experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 24000 £ per year.
Foundation 2 Change, Peer Connector. Closing Date: on appointment of candidate.
Help us tackle health inequalities, reduce stigma and support people in recovery
Foundation 2 Change is a lived-experience-led organisation supporting people affected by addiction, poor mental health, homelessness and involvement with the criminal justice system.
We are seeking a passionate and motivated Peer Connector to join our growing team and help deliver our Fairer Futures Fund project.
Salary
£24,000 per annum (equivalent to £30,000 pro rata)
Hours
30 hours per week across 4 days
Contract
Fixed‑term contract – 15 months.
Working Pattern
- TBA
- 9:00 am – 5:30 pm (including a 30‑minute unpaid lunch break)
- Occasional flexibility may be required to meet service needs
Location
Foundation 2 change Pathways 2 progress Hub, Warwick Street, B12 0NQ. Birmingham (city-wide travel required).
About the Role
As a Peer Connector, you will use your lived experience, skills and training to support individuals facing multiple disadvantages.
You will help people navigate wellbeing and improve their health and wellbeing and connect with opportunities that support long-term recovery and social inclusion.
Key Responsibilities
- Engage and support people affected by addiction, mental health challenges, homelessness and involvement with the criminal justice system.
- Deliver Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B and HIV dried blood spot testing (full training provided) and support individuals to access treatment where required.
- Provide one-to-one support and guidance to help people access treatment, healthcare, housing, employment, education and community resources.
- Build positive, trusting relationships that promote hope, resilience and recovery.
- Support and encourage peer mentors and volunteers within the project.
- Maintain accurate records, case notes and outcome data in line with organisational and funder requirements.
- Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work.
- Work within Foundation 2 Change policies, procedures and professional boundaries always.
- Apply lived experience of addiction, mental health challenges, homelessness and/or involvement with the criminal justice system safely and appropriately within a professional role.
- Build trusting and supportive relationships with people facing multiple disadvantages.
- Show a positive, compassionate and resilient approach to supporting others.
- Display strong organisational and administrative skills, including accurate record keeping.
- Understand safeguarding adults and responsibilities within safeguarding processes.
- Commit to equality, diversity, inclusion and reducing health inequalities.
- Willingness to undertake training and competency sign‑off for blood‑borne virus testing.
- Experience working within peer support, recovery, health or community settings.
- Experience supporting or supervising volunteers and peer mentors.
- Experience working in partnership with health, housing, criminal justice or voluntary sector services.
- Knowledge of harm reduction, blood‑borne viruses and recovery‑focused approaches.
Qualifications & Experience
- Lived experience of addiction, mental health challenges, homelessness and/or involvement with the criminal justice system.
- Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Professional skills: record keeping, communication, empathy, resilience, teamwork.
- Relevant experience in peer support or related settings; experience with BBV testing is an advantage but not required.
Benefits
- Pension contribution
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Wellbeing support to promote a healthy work‑life balance
- Meaningful work that creates lasting change in local communities
Why Join Foundation 2 Change?
- Be part of a lived-experience-led organisation making a genuine difference across Birmingham.
- Receive accredited training and competency sign‑off in BBV testing through The Hepatitis C Trust.
- Access regular supervision, mentoring, reflective practice and ongoing professional development.
- Join a supportive and innovative team with a strong culture of recovery, inclusion and personal growth.
- Play a key role in shaping and developing an organisation that is growing and creating new opportunities.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a supporting statement (maximum two pages) explaining how you meet the essential criteria, and answer the following questions:
- A big part of this role is building trust with people who may have had difficult experiences with services.
How would you approach building a positive relationship with someone who is reluctant to engage?
- What strengths would you bring to Foundation 2 Change that make you stand out from other applicants?
Applications should be sent to
info@foundation2change. org
Foundation 2 Change is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults.
All staff are expected to share this commitment.
Appropriate references and DBS checks will be required for the successful candidate.
We welcome applications from people with lived experience and are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce.
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Peer Connector in Birmingham employer: BVSC
BVSC is an exceptional employer dedicated to promoting sexual health within the LGBT community in Birmingham and Solihull. With a supportive work culture that values flexibility and inclusivity, employees benefit from comprehensive training and opportunities for personal growth while making a meaningful impact in the community. The role offers competitive pay and additional annual leave, making it a rewarding choice for those looking to contribute to vital outreach efforts during evenings and weekends.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Connector in Birmingham
✨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 BVSC.
✨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 BVSC!
✨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 BVSC, 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 BVSC 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 Peer Connector in Birmingham
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 BVSC:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to BVSC! 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 BVSC
✨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.
