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- Tasks: Support recovery activities and build relationships on inpatient wards.
- Company: Join CAPITAL, a leader in lived experience mental health support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on improving mental health services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by using your lived experience to help others recover.
- Qualifications: Must have lived experience of mental health challenges and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 26700 - 28800 £ per year.
CAPITAL in partnership with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Location: West Sussex inpatient settings (Langley Green, Meadowfield, Oaklands - you will be based on one site, with the possibility of travelling to others)
Hours of Work: 22.5 or 37.5 hours
Salary: £12.90 per hour (Equivalent to NHS Band 3 / 4: up to £13.90 depending on experience, hours and role)
Contract: Fixed term, 12 months
About the roles
These are new roles focused on bringing lived experience into everyday inpatient care. This is a pilot project, hence the one-year contract term. You will work alongside ward teams to support recovery focused and therapeutic activity. The role is about being present on the ward, building relationships, and contributing to a positive and engaging environment for patients. You will use your lived experience appropriately to support hope, participation and recovery, while working within clear professional boundaries.
Hours and contracts
We are recruiting a small team of Lived Experience Recovery Workers to work across inpatient settings in West Sussex. Contracts will be offered flexibly, likely across 4 to 5 roles, with a mix of full time and part time hours. All roles will be place based, working within a single inpatient setting. There is no requirement to travel between sites. We welcome applications from people looking to work between 3 and 5 days per week. Final hours and working patterns will be agreed based on service needs and the strengths of the successful applicants. Our aim is to build a balanced team that provides consistent ward based presence across all sites.
What you will be doing
- Supporting structured recovery and wellbeing activities on the ward
- Working alongside Occupational Therapists and ward staff to co deliver sessions
- Building rapport through consistent, everyday interactions
- Contributing to a visible and reliable presence within daily ward life
- Supporting and sharing patient feedback and insight to support service improvement
- Working as part of the multidisciplinary team
About you
We are looking for people who:
- Have lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery
- Can use that experience in a purposeful and appropriate way
- Are comfortable working within clear professional boundaries
- Can support group based or structured activity
- Work well as part of a team
- Communicate clearly and build trust with a wide range of people
- Are committed to inclusion, participation and improving services
About CAPITAL
CAPITAL is a lived experience led organisation. We bring people, services and systems together to improve mental health support through coproduction and lived experience leadership. We have over 300 members and deliver work across inpatient settings, community services and system change programmes. This pilot is part of a partnership with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to strengthen recovery focused support and lived experience into wards.
What you can expect
- A role where lived experience is recognised as expertise
- Structured support from both CAPITAL and SPFT
- Opportunities to contribute to service improvement and coproduction
- A chance to help shape how lived experience is embedded in inpatient care
Lived Experience Recover Workers (West Sussex, Inpatient wards) employer: CAPITAL Charity
Contact Detail:
CAPITAL Charity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lived Experience Recover Workers (West Sussex, Inpatient wards)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mental health field, especially those connected to CAPITAL or Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to lived experience and recovery. Think about how your personal journey can positively impact patients and the team. We want to hear your story!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for inclusion and participation during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to service improvement in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the values of CAPITAL.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in inpatient care.
We think you need these skills to ace Lived Experience Recover Workers (West Sussex, Inpatient wards)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. Share your lived experience in a way that feels genuine and relevant to the role. We want to see how your journey can contribute to the positive environment we're aiming for on the wards.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the job description. We’re looking for how you can support recovery-focused activities, so connect your past experiences directly to what we do at CAPITAL.
Show Your Team Spirit: This role is all about collaboration, so don’t forget to mention your ability to work well within a team. Share examples of how you've built relationships and contributed to group activities in the past. We value teamwork and want to know how you can fit into our multidisciplinary approach.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there. Let’s make this process as smooth as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at CAPITAL Charity
✨Know Your Lived Experience
Be ready to share your personal journey with mental health challenges and recovery. Think about how your experiences can positively impact the role and the patients you'll be working with. This is your chance to show how your story can inspire hope and support others.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of being a Lived Experience Recovery Worker. Review the job description and think about how you can contribute to structured recovery activities and build rapport with patients. Prepare examples of how you've worked in teams or supported others in similar settings.
✨Practice Professional Boundaries
Reflect on how to maintain clear professional boundaries while using your lived experience. Be prepared to discuss how you would navigate situations where your personal experiences might come into play, ensuring that you remain a supportive presence without overstepping.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role is all about collaboration, so highlight your ability to work well within a multidisciplinary team. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated and built trust with diverse groups. Show them you're not just a lone wolf but a team player who can contribute to a positive ward environment.