Peer Support Worker - Warrington & Halton in Coalville

We have an exciting opportunity for a compassionate and motivated Peer Support Worker to join our Community Matters team in Warrington. Working alongside Crisis Recovery Workers and other colleagues within our service, you will use your own lived experience of mental health difficulties, or experience of caring for someone with mental health difficulties, to offer practical and emotional support to people accessing our services.

At MHM, we recognise that lived experience is a valuable source of knowledge and understanding. As a Peer Support Worker, you will use your experiences to build meaningful connections, offer hope and help people feel understood, supported and empowered. You will work alongside individuals to help them identify their personal goals, recognise their strengths and take positive steps towards recovery. This may include supporting people to build confidence, develop coping strategies, access appropriate services and become more involved in their local communities.

The role will involve providing support face-to-face, by telephone and virtually, including supporting people during times of crisis where required. You will also help individuals access community resources, statutory services and digital technology, as well as co-facilitating groups and activities. You will play an important part in promoting the voices and rights of people accessing our services, encouraging involvement in service development and challenging the stigma surrounding mental health.

This is a rewarding opportunity to turn your own experiences into a positive force for change, helping others recognise their potential and feel more hopeful about their future.

Qualifications

• Peer Support Worker training, or be willing to undertake the relevant training within your first 12 months of employment, subject to course availability.

Experience

• Lived experience of mental health difficulties and experience of supporting someone with mental health difficulties.
• The ability to draw on your own experiences appropriately to offer insight, understanding and encouragement to others.
• Good listening and communication skills, with the ability to build positive and trusting relationships.
• A non-judgemental and respectful approach, with a commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
• An understanding of recovery-focused and person-centered approaches, including the importance of empowering people to make their own choices and decisions.
• The ability to encourage and support individuals to identify their personal goals and take steps towards achieving them.
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality, professional boundaries and maintaining the safety and wellbeing of those accessing support.
• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, external agencies and community organisations.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise your workload and manage competing demands.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team, using your initiative when required.
• Good written communication skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.