At a Glance
- Tasks: Support others in their mental health journey by co-facilitating peer groups.
- Company: Leading mental health service provider in Sussex, focused on community support.
- Benefits: Health cashback scheme, interest-free loans, discounts, and 25 days paid holiday.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for ongoing training and personal development.
- Why this job: Use your lived experience to empower others and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of mental health challenges; peer worker training is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 8622 - 8622 £ per year.
Location: Based at Lewes Wellbeing Hub, Western Road. Travelling across Lewes and Wealden neighbourhoods.
Salary: £8,622 per annum (£26,587 per year, pro rata)
Hours: 12 per week (to include some evening and weekend working)
What you'll be doing:
Southdown is one of the leading providers of mental health services in Sussex. We have transformed our services to provide easier access to mental health support for people across East Sussex. As Peer Facilitator (Entry), you will use your lived experience of mental health challenges and seeking support from mental health services, to enable clients to find hope, connect with others and build their confidence.
You’ll demonstrate excellent listening skills and the ability to help others feel welcome and comfortable when they attend a group. Working with a Lead Peer Facilitator, you will co-facilitate peer groups for people who are experiencing similar challenges and social spaces for people who have previously accessed support. These groups will use accessible activities to help participants to connect with each other and build confidence. Southdown will provide reflective practice, supervision and team meetings and ongoing training to support you in your role and develop your facilitation skills.
If you want to use your own experiences to support others in their mental health journey, we’d love to hear from you. We welcome applications from candidates who have previously experienced mental health challenges or who live with enduring mental illness and have experience of accessing mental health support. We also welcome applications from candidates who have completed peer worker training but this is not mandatory.
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.
Peer Facilitator (Entry) in London employer: Southdown
Southdown is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities, offering a compassionate work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in the vibrant community of Worthing, our Service Manager role provides opportunities for meaningful engagement, ongoing training, and access to a range of benefits including health cost cash-back schemes and interest-free loans, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally while making a positive impact in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Facilitator (Entry) in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Jump into local community events or volunteering gigs related to social work. These can be fantastic for making connections and showcasing your commitment to the field. Plus, they're often great conversation starters when you’re networking!
✨Connect with Educational Institutions
Don’t underestimate your university's career services! They usually have strong ties with local organisations that are looking for entry-level social workers. Attend any job fairs they host—this could be your perfect chance to meet employers like Southdown and get your foot in the door.
✨Show Your Passion Through Social Media
Use platforms like Twitter or Instagram to follow and engage with social work professionals. Share relevant content that reflects your beliefs and passions. This can make you stand out to potential employers as someone who is genuinely invested in the field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you see a role you like, especially at Southdown, don’t just send in a CV—apply through our website for a better chance. Your application can get noticed quicker, and we love to see candidates show enthusiasm by reaching out directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Facilitator (Entry) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Empathy Skills:In social work, showcasing your ability to connect with people is key. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant volunteer experience or coursework that demonstrates your ability to listen and support others. This will help us see your passion for helping those in need!
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Real-Life Examples:When writing your cover letter, include specific examples where you've made a difference, whether through internships, placements, or community work. This will give us a glimpse into your hands-on experience and your understanding of the challenges faced in social work. Show us why you're a great fit for the role!
Qualifications Matter:Since this is an entry-level position, including your qualifications is essential! Make sure to list any relevant degrees, certifications, or training certificates you've obtained. Even if they're not directly in social work, any related fields can demonstrate your commitment to learning and growing in this industry.
Make Your Application Shine with Passion:Don’t just list skills and experiences; let your passion for social work shine through. Share your motivation for wanting to join Southdown and what you hope to achieve. This can really set you apart from other candidates and show us that you're not just looking for any job, but are genuinely excited about making a positive impact!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, your motivation can set you apart from other candidates. Be ready to share personal experiences or stories that demonstrate your passion for helping people. This could be a volunteer position, an impactful project, or a time you supported someone in need.
✨Brush Up on Relevant Legislation
As you're aiming for an entry-level position in social work, be familiar with key legislation and regulations that impact the field, like the Children Act or the Care Act. Being able to discuss how these laws affect practice will show you have a solid understanding of your future role.
✨Ask About Mentorship Opportunities
Since this is an entry-level role, demonstrate your eagerness to learn by asking about mentorship and training opportunities within Southdown. This shows that you’re not only committed to growing your skills but that you value support in your professional journey.
✨Prepare for Hypothetical Scenarios
Expect to encounter situational questions that test your problem-solving abilities. Prepare by thinking about how you would handle specific challenges common in social work, like managing conflicts or supporting families in crisis. This way, you can showcase your critical thinking skills and empathy during the interview.
