At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing mental health and financial challenges through peer support and guidance.
- Company: Join Solent Mind, the largest mental health charity in Hampshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Fixed term role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Empower others while gaining valuable experience in mental health and community support.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of mental health issues and good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Overview
- Salary: £21,600.00 to £23,269.19 per annum (£24,975 to £26,905 full time equivalent)
- Hours: 32 hours per week
- Location: Portsmouth Wellbeing Centre
- Interview Date: to be confirmed
- Closing Date: Monday 13 July
Role details
This is a fixed term contract for 6 months (linked to project funding) starting on 1 August 2026. The Peer Worker will support the delivery of a wellbeing drop-in and targeted one-to-one support service at Solent Mind’s Portsmouth Wellbeing Centre. The role helps people experiencing mental health problems and financial hardship to access early support, build confidence, and engage with appropriate advice and community services.
The postholder will use a peer support approach to provide emotional wellbeing support, practical encouragement, and guided navigation for people who may feel overwhelmed, excluded, or unable to access mainstream advice services independently. The service is designed to reduce financial vulnerability and help prevent repeated cycles of crisis by supporting people to take practical steps towards improving their financial resilience. This includes supporting people through open-access drop-ins, providing follow-up one-to-one sessions, helping with forms and online applications, and enabling warm connections into specialist services such as money advice, Jobcentre Plus, welfare support, housing support and other local agencies.
About you
You will bring to the role:
- Understanding of peer support principles, including mutuality, hope, empowerment, choice and recovery
- Personal lived experience of mental health challenges
- Understanding of how financial hardship, debt, poverty, housing issues, employment difficulties and mental health can affect each other
- Good communication and listening skills
- Basic IT skills
- Teamwork
You will be able to work within confidentiality, safeguarding, boundaries and data protection.
About us
Solent Mind is the largest mental health charity in Hampshire. It is part of a network of 125 local Minds in England and Wales, which are independent charities affiliated to Mind. Solent Mind has its own board of trustees and raises its own funds to deliver its services, support and training tailored to the needs of people living in Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight. Solent Mind has a gold award for Workplace Wellbeing Index 2022/2023 and has signed up to be a Mindful Employer.
For further details on this role please email: Solent Mind Talent Acquisition team.
Additional information
Note to applicants: you will be asked about gaps in your employment at interview and you will need to provide proof of your right to work in the UK before you start your employment. We cannot sponsor this role as we do not hold a sponsorship licence. Any offer for this role will be subject to a relevant Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and obtaining your references.
We welcome people from all the communities we work in to apply for a role within Solent Mind, especially those with experience of mental health problems. Offers are made based on merit. Please submit your application as early as possible, as we may close this advert before the advertised closing date.
Peer Support Worker– Financial Resilience (Fixed Term 6 Months) in Eastleigh employer: Solent Mind
Solent Mind is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in the vibrant communities of Eastleigh and Southampton, we offer our team members the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in mental health services while benefiting from ongoing training and development programmes. Join us to be part of a compassionate team that values collaboration and innovation in delivering vital crisis support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Support Worker– Financial Resilience (Fixed Term 6 Months) in Eastleigh
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Solent Mind, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Support Worker– Financial Resilience (Fixed Term 6 Months) in Eastleigh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Solent Mind. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Solent Mind. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solent Mind
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Solent Mind.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Peer Support Worker– Financial Resilience (Fixed Term 6 Months) role at Solent Mind, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Solent Mind that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
