At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients with mental health needs and empower them to cope independently.
- Company: Hestia, a diverse and inclusive organisation dedicated to community mental health.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a disability confident employer committed to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in mental health support.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of mental health pathways and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Right now, we are looking for a Peer Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Community Mental Health in Harrow.
The main purpose of this role is to provide high-quality support and interventions to clients with mental health needs who require early intervention and prevention. The postholder will support clients throughout their time in the service, empowering them with the skills to cope independently, while working in line with organisational values, the ethos of recovery, and principles of co-production.
Responsibilities include:
- Managing a caseload of clients
- Delivering group activities and programmes
- Clearly communicating the aims, objectives, pathways, and service model to enable clients to fully participate in and co-produce their support
- Helping service users engage effectively with community professionals
- Developing peer support networks and community-based approaches
- Monitoring the health, wellbeing, and safety of service users
- Contributing to the core work of the service
- Accurate and timely administration, referrals, assessments, and service reviews
- Participation in supervision, appraisals, training, and team development activities
Flexibility, initiative, and a collaborative approach are essential to ensure effective service delivery and support for both clients and colleagues.
We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.
The ideal candidate will have lived experience of mental health care pathways, including emergency department attendance, acute admissions, and community mental health services, alongside a solid understanding of the issues affecting individuals with a range of mental health conditions. They will be able to communicate effectively and provide support with dignity and respect, forming and sustaining trusting relationships with service users, carers, peer support workers, and professionals.
Strong listening and verbal communication skills are essential to engage appropriately with service users in crisis, colleagues, and external agencies, both in person and over the phone. Knowledge of recovery tools, local mental health and wellbeing support, and the ability to assess needs, risks, and aspirations to provide appropriate signposting are required. They will have a sound understanding of safeguarding issues and the ability to address them appropriately, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and support the induction of new peer staff and volunteers. Strong communication, partnership building, and interpersonal skills are essential.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences different people and communities bring to our organisation.
We are a disability confident employer: Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for.
Safeguarding Statement: Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.
We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.
Peer to Peer Support Worker in London employer: Hestia Housing & Support
At Hestia, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. Our inclusive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering extensive training and development opportunities while championing diversity and equal opportunities. Located in London, our team collaborates closely with various community organisations, ensuring that our employees are part of a supportive network that empowers them to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer to Peer Support Worker in London
✨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 Hestia Housing & Support.
✨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 Hestia Housing & Support!
✨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 Hestia Housing & Support, 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 Hestia Housing & Support 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 to Peer Support Worker in London
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 Hestia Housing & Support:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hestia Housing & Support! 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 Hestia Housing & Support
✨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.
