At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals struggling with addiction by providing guidance and connecting them to resources.
- Company: Rehabit, a compassionate organisation dedicated to helping those in need.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive training, and make a real difference in your community.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering opportunities with potential for community outreach.
- Why this job: Use your lived experience to empower others on their recovery journey.
- Qualifications: Personal experience with addiction and peer support skills are essential.
Rehabit is looking for volunteers with personal lived experience of addiction or substance abuse to join our team and help those struggling with drugs and alcohol.
Your role will help people struggling with drugs and alcohol who are stuck in the mental health system or falling through the cracks to receive much‑needed support, guidance and counselling.
What are we looking for?
- Lived experience of addiction and experience offering peer support or working with addicts/substance abusers.
- At least three years of experience advising, mentoring, or advocating on behalf of such clients.
- A good working knowledge of the social care sector.
Key Skills
- Advice‑giving and guidance skills
- Confidence having conversations with people they don’t know
- Coaching or mentoring
- Listening and reflecting
- Empathy
- Open about own recovery story
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Flexible
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Confidence working with people from diverse backgrounds
What will you be doing?
Peer supporters will connect with clients ready for recovery, acting as the first point of contact and helping to channel them into our in‑house counselling services or 12‑step fellowships. They may also join community drop‑in sessions at partner locations such as community centres, food banks, residential centres, and hostels. Initially these sessions will be based mainly in Islington. Peers can focus on one of the two role types or a combination of both. The main goals are to identify and support clients, not to build long‑term relationships. Workloads may vary with low client volume and fluctuations over time.
All volunteers will need a DBS check (or an existing DBS on the Update Service) and will receive mandatory training plus in‑house coaching and charity orientation sessions. Our primary service areas are Islington, with additional outreach in Haringey, Camden, Barnet, and Enfield.
Peer support volunteer - Volunteer employer: Rehabit UK
Rehabit is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals struggling with addiction. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth and development, offering comprehensive training and coaching to equip volunteers with the skills needed to provide effective peer support. Located in Islington, we provide unique opportunities to engage with diverse communities, ensuring that every volunteer's contribution is valued and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer support volunteer - Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Rehabit and understand their mission and values. This will help you connect with them during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former volunteers at Rehabit through social media or community events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills. Be ready to share your own recovery story and how it relates to helping others. Authenticity is key, so let your passion shine through when discussing your experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Peer support volunteer - Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. Share your lived experience with addiction openly and honestly, as this is what makes you unique and relatable to those we aim to support.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous experience you've had in peer support or working with individuals facing similar challenges. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Show Your Empathy:In your application, demonstrate your understanding of the struggles faced by those dealing with addiction. Use examples that reflect your ability to listen and provide guidance, as these skills are crucial for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rehabit UK
✨Share Your Story
Be open about your personal lived experience with addiction. This is a key part of the role, so sharing your journey can help demonstrate your empathy and understanding of what clients are going through.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your advice-giving and guidance skills during the interview. Think of specific examples where you've successfully mentored or supported someone in need, as this will show your capability to connect with clients.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role involves working in various community settings, express your willingness to adapt to different environments and client needs. Mention any past experiences where you’ve had to be flexible and how it benefited those you were helping.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready for the interviewer. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their approach to peer support or how they measure success in helping clients.
