At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients in mental health crises using your lived experience to empower and connect.
- Company: Join Southdown, a leading mental health service provider in Sussex.
- Benefits: Enjoy health cashback, interest-free loans, discounts, and 25 days paid holiday.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of mental health challenges; training provided for all skill levels.
The predicted salary is between 25663 - 25663 £ per year.
Job Description
Location: Hastings & St Leonards
Salary: £25,663 per year (pro rata)Hours: Between 14 and 18.5 hours per week, including some Bank Holidays and weekend shifts.
What you’ll be doing:
Southdown is one of the leading providers of mental health services in Sussex. Staying Well is an innovative out of hours crisis mental health service which supports clients experiencing a mental health crisis. Staying Well provides crisis intervention to increase resilience and coping skills, empowering clients to safely manage their wellbeing within the community. We are open 7 days a week, (including bank holidays), from 5pm on weekdays and 3pm at the weekend.
We’re looking for someone with lived experience of mental health challenges to join the team and support us in delivering our service. This role focuses on providing support to clients using the Peer Support Model, where personal experiences of mental health challenges and services is used to better support clients. You will use your lived experience to connect with and provide hope to clients who are currently experiencing a mental health crisis.
If you are passionate about providing peer support to clients experiencing a mental health crisis, we’d love to hear from you. We welcome applications from candidates with previous experience such as Support Worker, Social Prescriber, Case Manager, Social Worker, Care Coordinator, Mental Health Specialist or Service Coordinator. However, this is not essential and full training will be provided.
Perks and benefits:
- Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
- Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
- Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
- Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
- Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
- 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.
What you’ll need for the role:
- Lived experience of mental health challenges
- You’ll need a good understanding of working in partnership to support people in a community setting
- You have knowledge of mental health services and a desire to support people in their mental health recovery work
- An Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will be paid for by Southdown
What would be nice:
- Experience supporting clients experiencing mental health challenges, including those in crisis and/or facing complex challenges
Training:
You’ll receive an initial induction, followed by regular in person training and supervisions to invest in your development and provide all the tools needed to succeed in this role. We’ll help you to gain valuable experience, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.
How to apply:
Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and fill out our simple one-page application form.
The application closing date is 29th September 2025 and interviews will be held on 23rd October 2025.
Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Peer Worker Recovery Staying Well Hastings in Saint Leonards-on-Sea employer: Southdown Housing Association
Southdown is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about mental health. Located in Hastings & St Leonards, we offer flexible working hours, comprehensive training, and numerous benefits including a health cost cash-back scheme and access to the Easit Network for travel discounts. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying 25 days of paid holiday and opportunities for personal and professional growth within the largest provider of housing, care, and support in Sussex.
Contact Details:
Southdown Housing Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Worker Recovery Staying Well Hastings in Saint Leonards-on-Sea
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Southdown Housing Association. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Southdown Housing Association.
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Worker Recovery Staying Well Hastings in Saint Leonards-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Southdown Housing Association:Take some time to research Southdown Housing Association and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown Housing Association
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Southdown Housing Association's values and approach.
