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- Tasks: Support clients in crisis using your lived experience to empower their recovery journey.
- Company: Join Southdown, a leading mental health service provider in Sussex.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, health cashback scheme, and interest-free loans.
- Other info: Full training provided; excellent career growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of mental health challenges and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 26587 - 26587 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 10 May 2026
Department: MHHS
Location: East Sussex - Hastings
Compensation: £26,587 / year
Address: Hastings & St Leonards Wellbeing Centre, Carisbrooke House, Stockleigh Road, St‑Leonards‑on‑Sea, TN38 0JP
Salary: £26,587 per year (pro rata)
Hours: 19 per week
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.
It is a requirement of this role to attend mandatory face‑to‑face training sessions held primarily in Lewes, East Sussex during standard office hours. Training typically takes place approximately four to five times per year.
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
- 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
- Enhanced 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.
Peer Worker (Recovery) in St Leonards employer: Southdown
Contact Detail:
Southdown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Worker (Recovery) in St Leonards
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mental health field, attend local events, or join online forums. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for interviews! Research common questions for peer support roles and think about how your lived experience can shine through. Practise your answers with a friend or in front of the mirror.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them know why you care about mental health support. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at Southdown.
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Worker (Recovery) in St Leonards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to hear about your lived experiences and how they shape your approach to supporting others. Authenticity is key in connecting with clients.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Peer Worker role. Highlight any relevant experiences or skills that align with the job description. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and have put thought into your application.
Show Your Passion: We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about mental health support. Use your application to express why this role matters to you and how you can contribute to our mission at Southdown. Your enthusiasm can really make a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown
✨Know Your Story
As a Peer Worker, your lived experience is your greatest asset. Be ready to share your personal journey with mental health challenges and how it has shaped your understanding of recovery. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your genuine passion for supporting others.
✨Research the Organisation
Familiarise yourself with Southdown and their Staying Well service. Understand their mission, values, and the specific support they provide. This knowledge will show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and can articulate how you align with their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations involving clients in crisis. Think through potential scenarios and how you would apply your lived experience to support someone effectively. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewers. Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.