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- Tasks: Support clients in crisis using your lived experience to empower their mental health journey.
- Company: Join Southdown, a leading mental health service provider in Sussex, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like health cashback, interest-free loans, discounts on travel, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team that values personal experiences and fosters community wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of mental health challenges is essential; training provided for all skill levels.
- Other info: Flexible hours with evening and weekend shifts; apply by 10th June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 25663 - 25663 £ per year.
Location: Wellbeing Hub, Preston Park
Salary: £25,663 per year (pro rata)
Hours: 18.5 per week, including some evening and weekend working
What you'll be doing: Southdown is one of the leading providers of mental health services in Sussex. Staying Well is an innovative 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.
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.
Knowledge, skills and experience
What you'll need for the role:
- Lived experience of mental health challenges
- A good understanding of working in partnership to support people in a community setting
- 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 10th June 2025 and interviews will be held on 17th June 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, Brighton employer: Southdown
Contact Detail:
Southdown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Worker (Recovery) - Staying Well, Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your lived experience of mental health challenges during any informal conversations or networking opportunities. This personal connection is crucial for the Peer Worker role and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Peer Support Model and be ready to discuss how your experiences can help others. Understanding this model will show your commitment to the role and your ability to connect with clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with local mental health communities or support groups before applying. This not only expands your network but also demonstrates your dedication to supporting others in their recovery journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've supported others in crisis situations. Sharing these stories can illustrate your skills and empathy, making a strong impression during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Worker (Recovery) - Staying Well, Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Lived Experience: Make sure to emphasise your personal experiences with mental health challenges in your application. This is a key requirement for the Peer Worker role, so share how your journey has equipped you to support others.
Demonstrate Understanding of Mental Health Services: Showcase your knowledge of mental health services and community support. Mention any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by clients in crisis.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to ensure your application stands out to the hiring team.
Submit Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Given that the position may close early if there are many applications, aim to apply as soon as possible to increase your chances of being considered.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown
✨Share Your Lived Experience
Since this role focuses on peer support, be prepared to share your personal experiences with mental health challenges. This will help demonstrate your understanding and ability to connect with clients who are in crisis.
✨Understand the Peer Support Model
Familiarise yourself with the Peer Support Model and how it is applied in mental health services. Being able to discuss this model during your interview will show that you are knowledgeable and committed to the approach used by Southdown.
✨Showcase Your Community Engagement Skills
Highlight any previous experience working in community settings or supporting individuals in their recovery journey. This could include volunteer work or roles where you collaborated with other services to support clients.
✨Prepare Questions About Training and Development
Since the role offers training and development opportunities, prepare thoughtful questions about these aspects. This shows your eagerness to learn and grow within the organisation, which is a key quality for a Peer Worker.
