At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide peer support to individuals affected by substance use and homelessness.
- Company: Join Inclusion Hampshire, a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, meaningful work, and the chance to inspire others.
- Other info: Work in diverse community settings with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Use your lived experience to empower others on their recovery journey.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of recovery or rough sleeping is essential.
The predicted salary is between 28458 - 34782 £ per year.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role, your application may be withdrawn.
Do you have lived experience of recovery from drug and/or alcohol use, or experience of rough sleeping? Are you passionate about using your experiences to support others? Following investment in our Harm Reduction and Rough Sleeping service, we are recruiting three Peer Support Workers (16 hours per week) to join Inclusion Hampshire. This role is specifically designed for people with lived experience who want to use their recovery journey to inspire hope, build trust and support others to make positive changes.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will provide one-to-one peer and practical harm reduction support to people affected by substance use, including those experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping. By sharing your experiences appropriately, you will help people build confidence, identify strengths, achieve personal goals and access the support they need. You will work in community settings, supporting engagement with treatment services, healthcare and housing, while helping individuals reduce harm and improve wellbeing. We particularly welcome applications from people who believe their lived experience can bring hope, understanding and value to those facing similar challenges.
As a Peer Support Worker, you will:
- Use your lived experience of recovery and/or rough sleeping to provide hope, encouragement and practical support to others.
- Deliver harm reduction information and interventions alongside the wider team.
- Build positive, trusting and non-judgemental relationships with people accessing the service.
- Support individuals to identify strengths, interests and personal recovery goals.
- Assist people to engage with drug and alcohol treatment, healthcare, housing and wider community services.
- Accompany and support individuals to attend appointments where appropriate.
- Assist with the development and delivery of peer-led and educational interventions.
- Support care planning and review processes, encouraging individuals to take an active role in their recovery.
- Maintain accurate records using electronic systems and follow organisational policies and procedures.
- Work flexibly across Hampshire, including outreach, community-based work and occasional evenings or weekends.
Please note: If you use Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of your application, we encourage you to review the Trust's guidance on the use of AI within the recruitment process. Further information can be found on Join Us :: Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust or www.mpft.nhs.uk/joinus. Please note, we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.
Provide peer support to people affected by drug and alcohol use and those experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping. Share lived experience appropriately to inspire hope, encourage recovery and promote self-determination. Work alongside service users to identify goals, strengths and opportunities for positive change. Support individuals to access healthcare, housing, treatment and community resources. Assist people in managing substance use and understanding harm reduction approaches, including safer use, overdose prevention and wider health promotion. Facilitate a needle syringe programme, providing safer injecting equipment and harm reduction advice. Contribute to care planning, risk monitoring and communication with the multidisciplinary team. Promote recovery values, challenge stigma and act as an ambassador for lived experience within the service and wider community. Participate in outreach activities, supervision, training and service development initiatives. Work safely and effectively in a range of community settings while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Please read the Person Specification below carefully before applying. The essential and desirable criteria will be used for shortlisting, so ensure your supporting information clearly demonstrates how you meet these requirements.
Peer Support Worker – Drug & Alcohol Harm Reduction and Rough Sleeping in Hampshire employer: Inclusion Services
Inclusion Recovery Hampshire is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting individuals in their recovery journey, particularly those affected by alcohol use. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, comprehensive training, and a collaborative work culture, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth. Located in South Hampshire, our team thrives in a supportive environment that values compassion, inclusivity, and evidence-based practices, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to contribute to positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Support Worker – Drug & Alcohol Harm Reduction and Rough Sleeping in Hampshire
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Inclusion Services, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Inclusion Services. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Inclusion Services's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Support Worker – Drug & Alcohol Harm Reduction and Rough Sleeping in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Inclusion Services. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Inclusion Services.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inclusion Services
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Inclusion Services.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Peer Support Worker – Drug & Alcohol Harm Reduction and Rough Sleeping at Inclusion Services.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Inclusion Services that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Peer Support Worker – Drug & Alcohol Harm Reduction and Rough Sleeping role.
