At a Glance
- Tasks: Use your lived experience to support and inspire others facing challenges.
- Company: Compassionate organisation dedicated to making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Permanent role, Level 3 apprenticeship, 25 days holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values empathy, integrity, and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing skills and confidence in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of accessing services and a desire to help others.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
Are you someone who wants to use your own lived experience to make a real difference to others? Do you enjoy supporting people to overcome challenges, build confidence and find hope in difficult times? If so, we’ve got a meaningful and rewarding opportunity for you as we’re looking for two Peer Worker Apprentices to join our Essex Outreach Service, supporting people who may be at risk of homelessness or struggling to manage their day‑to‑day wellbeing.
What Makes This Role Special
This isn’t just a job - it’s a chance to use your lived experience to uplift others. Joining us as a Peer Worker Apprentice, you’ll help people feel heard, supported and understood at a time when it matters most. You’ll support individuals dealing with trauma, complex challenges, dual diagnosis or social isolation but you’ll never do it alone. You’ll be part of a compassionate, experienced team who will guide you as you learn, grow and contribute your unique perspective. You’ll also gain valuable skills through a structured apprenticeship, giving you the opportunity to build confidence, develop professionally and take steps toward a future career in support work.
About The Apprenticeship
As part of your 15-month apprenticeship, you’ll spend at least 20% of your time learning and developing, taking part in training sessions, workshops and regular 1:1 review. You’ll complete assignments and assessments linked to your day‑to‑day role, receive mentoring and support from experienced colleagues, and gain exposure to different teams across the organisation. Your programme will conclude with an end‑point assessment to achieve your qualification.
What You’ll Need
- We’re looking for someone with lived experience of accessing services within your local area. This could be from treatment providers for drugs and alcohol addiction, homelessness or preventing risk of homelessness or to help manage your physical and mental health.
- You’ll need compassion, enthusiasm and a desire to help others whilst using your own experiences.
- An effective team worker who is open to learning.
- Able to communicate well with customers, colleagues and external partners.
- Confident in lone working when needed.
- Able to support a wide range of people with different backgrounds and needs.
You Will Have
- Personal experience of housing issues that may have affected your mental health.
- Personal experience of receiving support from services.
- Be open and honest in sharing your personal experiences to support and inspire others.
- The ability to stay calm, assertive and respectful in challenging situations.
- Basic computer skills (Word, Outlook, inputting onto a database).
- Good listening skills and the ability to work well with your team.
- Awareness of your own wellbeing and the confidence to seek support when needed.
- Empathy, kindness and a good sense of humour.
- The ability to provide great customer service, including helping people develop life skills and prepare for move‑on.
Please note - This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, however content will not be a barrier for you being successful in the role.
What We Value
- Be kind – We show empathy and care in every interaction.
- Do the right thing – We act with integrity and in the best interests of our residents.
- Love new ideas – We’re curious and always looking for ways to improve.
- Celebrate diversity – We value different perspectives and create a sense of belonging.
- Keep our promises – We do what we say we will.
- Pull together – We collaborate and support each other, especially when it’s tough.
What We Offer
- A permanent role with a clear progression pathway.
- A Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship, over 15 months.
- Support from our Learning & Development team and a dedicated mentor.
- 25 days’ annual holiday plus bank holidays.
- Two additional paid volunteering days each year.
- Flexible benefits scheme, including family friendly benefits and access to a retail discounts portal.
- 4 x salary life assurance.
- Up to 10% matched pension contribution.
Are You Eligible?
Before applying, check if you meet the apprenticeship funding requirements:
- You’ve lived in the UK, EEA, Switzerland, or Gibraltar for the last 3 years (you’ll need to show proof).
- You don’t already have a qualification at the same level or higher in this subject.
- You’ll be 18 or older when the apprenticeship starts.
Peer Worker Apprentice in Colchester employer: Peabody
Join our Essex Outreach Service as a Peer Worker Apprentice, where your lived experience can truly inspire hope and change lives. We offer a supportive and compassionate work culture, with structured training and mentorship to help you grow both personally and professionally. Enjoy a permanent role with clear progression pathways, generous holiday allowances, and flexible benefits that prioritise your wellbeing and work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Worker Apprentice in Colchester
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Jump into local community events or volunteering opportunities. Social work is all about connecting with people, so being visible in your community helps us make the right contacts. Plus, it’s a great way to show your passion!
✨Connect with Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks like local councils or universities that offer apprenticeship programmes. They often post unique opportunities and can connect us with mentors who can guide our journey and potentially lead to the apprenticeship at Peabody.
✨Tailor Your Approach to Apprenticeships
When applying for an apprenticeship, focus on showcasing your relevant experiences in your CV and during interviews. Highlight any volunteer work or practical experiences related to social work to stand out to Peabody.
✨Follow Up After Your Application
Once you’ve applied for an apprenticeship at Peabody, don’t just sit back! Follow up with a friendly email or a call to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and helps keep you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Worker Apprentice in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:When applying for an apprenticeship in social work, make sure to express your genuine passion for helping others. Use your cover letter to tell a story about why you’re drawn to this field and how your personal experiences have shaped your desire to pursue a career in social work. This personal touch can make a big difference!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you don't have formal work experience in social work, be sure to showcase any volunteering or community involvement. Mention any relevant skills you've developed, like communication, empathy, or conflict resolution. These are key in social work, and showcasing them can really strengthen your application to Peabody.
Tailor Your CV to Social Work:Craft your CV with a focus on social work-related skills and experiences. Include sections for relevant qualifications, such as any certifications, training, or workshops you've attended. Make sure to highlight your ability to work in diverse teams and support vulnerable individuals, all of which are essential in this field.
Be Ready to Learn:In your application, emphasise your enthusiasm for learning and growing within the social work sector. As an apprentice, it’s important for us at StudySmarter to see that you are eager to absorb knowledge and develop your skills. Let us know how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals in social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Peabody
✨Show Your Passion for Helping People
In social work, empathy and a genuine desire to help others are crucial. When chatting with Peabody, make sure to convey your passion for community support and social justice. Share any relevant experiences, even volunteer work, where you've made a difference.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
You might face some scenario-based questions during your interview that assess how you'd handle real-life situations, such as conflict resolution or crisis management. Practise responding to potential scenarios that are common in social work, so you feel confident when tackling these types of questions with the interviewers.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As you're aiming for an apprenticeship, your eagerness to learn is a huge asset! Be open about what you hope to gain from the role at Peabody and how you're excited to develop your skills. This shows them that you're not just there to fill a spot but genuinely enthusiastic about growing in the field.
✨Prepare to Discuss Relevant Theories and Tools
Brush up on key theories and tools used in social work, such as the person-centred approach or community assessments. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these in practise. This doesn't just show your knowledge but also signals your readiness to delve into the nitty-gritty of the job right from the outset.
