At a Glance
- Tasks: Support others on their recovery journey using your lived experience of mental health challenges.
- Company: Rethink Mental Illness, dedicated to making a difference in mental health.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, ongoing training, and the chance to impact your community positively.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Turn your personal experience into powerful support for others in need.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of mental health challenges and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 20000 £ per year.
Location: Derbyshire (field‑based)
Service: Derbyshire Recovery & Peer Support Service
Salary: £9,817.96
Hours: 14 Hours per week
Make a Difference Through Your Lived Experience
At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe that recovery is possible for everyone. We’re looking for a Peer Support Worker to join our Living Well service in Derbyshire – someone who can use their own lived experience of mental health challenges to inspire hope and support others on their recovery journey. This is more than a job. It’s an opportunity to turn your experience into something powerful – helping people feel understood, connected, and supported in their communities.
About The Role
As a Peer Support Worker, you’ll be part of a multi‑agency Living Well team, working alongside professionals and community partners to provide meaningful, person‑centred support. You’ll build authentic, trusting relationships with people, using your lived experience to:
- Inspire hope and promote wellbeing
- Support individuals to regain control of their lives
- Help people connect with their communities and local support services
- Encourage confidence, independence, and self‑management
You’ll deliver both emotional and practical support, working one‑to‑one and in group settings, and helping individuals take positive steps in their recovery journey.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Providing peer support, encouragement, and companionship within local communities
- Sharing your lived experience in a safe, appropriate, and empowering way
- Supporting people to access services such as housing, education, and social opportunities
- Co‑facilitating recovery‑focused and peer support groups
- Working as part of a multi‑disciplinary team and attending team meetings
- Contributing to service development through co‑production and lived experience insight
- Keeping accurate records and supporting service evaluation
Who We’re Looking For
- Has personal lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery and is able to use this to support others
- Is passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives
- Can build strong, empathetic, and non‑judgemental relationships
- Understands the importance of boundaries, confidentiality, and safeguarding
- Is committed to their own wellbeing and ongoing recovery
- Works well as part of a team and is open to learning and development
It Would Be Great If You Also Have
- Experience supporting others with mental health challenges
- Knowledge of peer support principles or community resources
- A person‑centred, strengths‑based approach
About The Service
Derbyshire Recovery & Peer Support Services provide community‑based, recovery‑focused support to help people achieve and sustain long‑term mental wellbeing. Through Living Well, we work in partnership with NHS and VCSE organisations to deliver holistic, person‑centred care rooted in peer support and co‑production.
What We Offer
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- The chance to shape and influence services through lived experience
- The opportunity to make a genuine, lasting impact in your community
Important Information
This role is field‑based across Derbyshire. Enhanced DBS with Adults Barred List is required.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us, and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. We actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity, people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability, and people from an ethnically diverse background – regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio‑economic status. We are a disabled confident employer and signatories to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. We aim to be a truly anti‑racist organisation and have a multi‑year anti‑racist programme of work outlined in our Race Equality Action Plan.
Living Well Peer Support Worker Amber Valley employer: Rethink Mental Illness
At Rethink Mental Illness, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values lived experience and fosters a supportive, inclusive work culture. As a Living Well Peer Support Worker in Derbyshire, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community while benefiting from ongoing training and development, all within a team that champions diversity and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Living Well Peer Support Worker Amber Valley
✨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 Rethink Mental Illness, 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 Rethink Mental Illness. 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 Rethink Mental Illness's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Living Well Peer Support Worker Amber Valley
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 Rethink Mental Illness. 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 Rethink Mental Illness.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨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 Rethink Mental Illness.
✨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 Living Well Peer Support Worker Amber Valley at Rethink Mental Illness.
✨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 Rethink Mental Illness that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Living Well Peer Support Worker Amber Valley role.
