Peer Education Support Worker in Glasgow

Based within Murray’s Initiative’s Head Office in North Claremont Street with travel throughout Glasgow City, East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire & South Lanarkshire for service delivery.

Starting Salary £24,479 per annum (pro rata). Part-time - 21 hours per week – Fixed term until 31st May 2027. Working Pattern: Tuesday 9am-5pm, Wednesday 1pm-9pm, Thursday 1pm-9pm. We understand that many will have other commitments outside of work and so flexible working, part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements will be considered for the right candidate.

About Us:

Murray’s Initiative (formerly known as Glasgow Council on Alcohol) is an independent Scottish charity that works to reduce alcohol and drug-related harm at both individual and community levels. Established in 1965, Murray’s Initiative adopts a long-term, trauma-informed and asset-based approach to changing the culture around substance use. Its services are built on a person-centred, harm-reduction model, supporting people whether their goal is to reduce consumption or achieve abstinence.

Murray’s Initiative offers free, confidential counselling services for people concerned about their own or someone else's drinking. Murray’s Initiative delivers a range of interventions including groupwork and employability support as well as a number of holistic and inclusive services, such as a women’s service for survivors of gender-based violence, young persons peer education service, LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing support and tailored wellbeing programmes.

The foundation of Murray’s Initiative is our supportive and inclusive culture for all who engage and work with us.

About the Role:

The role of Peer Education Support Worker will support our peer-led Harm Reduction Service (U-Turn), benefiting young people aged 12 – 25 years old. This service is funded by Young Start from The National Lottery. The main focus of this service is to provide Peer Education, with the added provision of one to one support for young Peer Educators. The service adopts an active citizenship approach when working with young people. There will be an expectation that the Peer Educators will work towards achieving qualifications through training and as a result of the work they undertake. The service specifically targets some of the most vulnerable young people in areas where Murray’s Initiative currently delivers services, aiming to reduce the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs within their communities.

The Peer Educators will be supported to deliver peer-led inputs to other Young People on issue-based topics, with a focus to incorporate a harm reduction approach as well as a separate element of addressing stigma/language around drug and alcohol use. The Peer Education Support Worker will report to the Service Manager – Education & Development. This post requires a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme membership for both Children and Adults - successful applicants will be required to join the PVG Scheme.

Key Responsibilities of the Peer Education Support Worker:

• Support young Peer Educators to design and deliver peer-led harm reduction and prevention programmes.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with young people through one-to-one support, mentoring and group work.
• Deliver presentations, workshops and training sessions to young people, staff and partner organisations.
• Support participants to access appropriate services including education, training, housing, employability, mental health and wellbeing support.
• Encourage and support Peer Educators to work towards qualifications, personal goals and wider progression opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records, case notes and outcome information in line with organisational procedures.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with external partners, community organisations and stakeholders.
• Ensure safeguarding, risk management and professional boundaries are maintained at all times.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and reporting requirements linked to service outcomes and contractual targets.
• Undertake any other duties as required by the Service Manager – Education & Development.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience of working with young people aged 12–25 in a supportive, mentoring or community-based setting.
• Experience of planning or delivering workshops, group activities, training or educational sessions.
• An understanding of harm reduction approaches and the issues affecting young people and communities.
• Experience of partnership working and building positive relationships with a range of agencies and stakeholders.
• Confidence using digital systems and maintaining accurate records and reports.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate young people from diverse backgrounds.
• The ability to manage workload effectively and work both independently and as part of a team.
• A qualification in Youth Work, Community Development or a related field would be beneficial.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a car would be advantageous.

Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to build trusting and respectful relationships with young people.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to adapt communication styles to meet individual needs.
• Confident facilitating group discussions, workshops and presentations.
• Resilient and solution-focused approach when responding to challenges.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and trauma-informed practice.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with external partners.
• Competent IT and Microsoft Office skills.

Why Join Us?

• Your work will contribute to make a real difference to people’s lives.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Very generous annual leave entitlement: full time employees start with an annual leave entitlement of 37 days (inclusive of 12 bank holidays) which increases with length of service.
• Duvet days where employees may take time off at short notice.
• Death in service policy.
• Cycle to work scheme where employees can save money on a new bike and spread the cost.
• And much more!
• Opportunities for continuous learning and career development.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions are valued.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are invited to apply by completing the online application form which can be found by clicking the Apply button. Closing date for applications: Thursday 25th June 2026. Shortlisting: Monday 29th June 2026. Date of interviews: Wednesday 8th July 2026. Start date: ASAP.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Murray’s Initiative is an Equal Opportunities Organisation. We are committed to treating all workers and job applicants fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital / civil partnership status, age, race, disability or gender identity and expression or any other personal characteristic.