At a Glance
- Tasks: Support others using your lived experience to build trust and reduce harm.
- Company: Join Maggs Day Centre, a supportive team making a difference in Worcester City.
- Benefits: Earn £13 per hour with ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a chance to influence local services positively.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping those facing substance use and homelessness challenges.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of substance use and a compassionate, non-judgemental approach.
Are you passionate about using your lived or living experience to support others? Maggs Day Centre is looking for Harm Reduction Peer Support Workers (Living Experience) to join our Worcester City team. This is a unique opportunity to use your own experiences to help build trust, reduce harm and support people who use drugs and alcohol and may be experiencing homelessness or other challenges.
Working alongside our Harm Reduction Team, you’ll help connect with people who may not currently access services, provide practical support and encouragement, and ensure the voices of people with lived and living experience help shape how services are delivered.
An Overview of the Role
Reporting to the Service Lead for North Worcestershire & Harm Reduction, you will support outreach and harm reduction activities across Worcester City. Using your own lived or living experience appropriately, you will help build positive relationships with people who may be experiencing substance use, homelessness and multiple disadvantage. You will provide peer support, help people access services, gather feedback about local provision and contribute to making services more accessible, inclusive and effective. We recognise that lived and living experience is valuable and welcome applications from people at different stages of their journey.
Key Responsibilities
- Peer Support & Relationship Building
- Engage with people through outreach activities and drop‑in sessions
- Build positive, trusting relationships with people who use drugs and/or alcohol
- Offer encouragement, practical support and a listening ear
- Use your lived or living experience appropriately to help people feel understood and connected
- Harm Reduction & Service Access
- Help people access harm reduction support, including needle and syringe provision (NSP) and naloxone
- Share information that helps people stay safer and healthier
- Support people to access treatment, healthcare, housing and other support services
- Accompany people to appointments where appropriate
- Listen to people’s experiences of local services
- Gather feedback through outreach and drop‑in activities
- Share insights and ideas with the team to help improve services
- Help ensure the voices of people with lived and living experience are heard
- Team Working
- Participate in training, team meetings and support sessions
- Raise safeguarding, welfare or wellbeing concerns with staff
- Work positively alongside the Harm Reduction Team and wider Maggs services
Experience, Skills & Knowledge
- Lived or living experience of substance use
- A non‑judgemental and compassionate approach
- Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality
- Good understanding of spoken English
- Willingness to learn and participate in training and support sessions
- Understanding of the challenges faced by people who use substances and/or experience homelessness
- Confidence in reading English
- Experience of working as part of a team
What We Offer
- £13 per hour
- Approximately 4 hours per week
- Ongoing training and support
- Regular supervision and development opportunities
- The opportunity to use your experiences to help others
- A supportive and inclusive team environment
- The chance to influence and improve local services
Location and Contract
- Location: Worcester City
- Hours: Approximately 4 hours per week
- Pay: £13 per hour
How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a Harm Reduction Peer Support Worker, please contact a member of staff at your convenience. When contacting, please provide a brief explanation of why you are interested in the role and confirm that you can commit to approximately 4 hours per week, including training and support sessions. Please note that we reserve the right to close this opportunity early if a suitable candidate is identified before the closing date.
Harm Reduction Peer Support Worker (Living Experience) in Worcester employer: Maggsdaycentre
Maggs Day Centre is an exceptional employer that values the unique insights of its team members, particularly those with lived experience. Located in Worcester City, we foster a supportive and inclusive work culture where employees can grow through ongoing training and development opportunities while making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals facing challenges such as substance use and homelessness. Join us to be part of a compassionate team dedicated to improving local services and empowering others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Harm Reduction Peer Support Worker (Living Experience) in Worcester
✨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 Maggsdaycentre, 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 Maggsdaycentre. 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 Maggsdaycentre's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Harm Reduction Peer Support Worker (Living Experience) in Worcester
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 Maggsdaycentre. 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 Maggsdaycentre.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maggsdaycentre
✨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 Maggsdaycentre.
✨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 Harm Reduction Peer Support Worker (Living Experience) at Maggsdaycentre.
✨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 Maggsdaycentre that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Harm Reduction Peer Support Worker (Living Experience) role.
