At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in engaging with drug and alcohol treatment through peer-led interventions.
- Company: St Giles Trust, a charity dedicated to helping people facing adversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and mentoring support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by using your lived experience to inspire others.
- Qualifications: Personal experience with the criminal justice system or substance misuse recovery.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion.
Part Time, 14 hours per week, Flexible – Monday to Friday Closing date: Monday, 29th December 2025 at 9.00am Ref LEP 252 Are you a proactive, collaborative and compassionate individual with proven experience of working positively with adults to engage successfully despite ‘challenging’ behaviour? Do you have the ability to be a positive role model, demonstrating the virtues of engaging with treatment support services? If so, St Giles is looking for a Lived Experienced Peer Volunteer to join our team and provide interventions and build meaningful, peer-led relationships with service users to encourage them to engage in drug and alcohol treatment following arrest. About St Giles Trust An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need. Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others. About this key role As a Peer Volunteer , you will increase client engagement with drug and alcohol treatment services by providing vital peer-led support and building trust and motivation among a client group that has been historically disengaged/not offered support previously. You will provide holistic, short-term intervention to bridge the gap between referral and full treatment engagement, capture client experiences and barriers to improve service design and accessibility and develop a strong service user voice to inform future service improvements. Areas of support from Peer Volunteers may also include initial engagement and motivation such as welcome calls, check-ins, peer-led conversations and motivational chats over coffee. You may also offer practical support such as appointment reminders, transport assistance and paperwork support, plus help to build positive routines such as activity-based engagement and supporting small lifestyle changes, including meal planning, budgeting, and time management. What we are looking for Personal experience of the criminal justice system or lived experience of the issues facing this client group (i.e. experience of substance misuse and recovery) Proven experience of working in a high intensity environment, being self-motivating, with an ability to effectively manage your own wellbeing Knowledge of the issues facing those arrested for potential criminal offences Knowledge of, and commitment to, safeguarding practices and policies The ability to use monitoring systems to record all aspects of the work Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, verbal and written. Please note: as an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients and successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Child Workforce with Child Barred list DBS. We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation. St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy. To apply visit our website via the apply button. Closing date: 29/12/2025 Interviews to be held on a rolling basis We will be reviewing applications as they are received and reserve the right to close this advert early if a suitable candidate is appointed. We therefore strongly encourage early applications to avoid any disappointment.
Lived Experienced Peer Volunteer employer: ST GILES TRUST
Contact Detail:
ST GILES TRUST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lived Experienced Peer Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research St Giles Trust and understand their mission and values. This will help you connect your personal experiences with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former volunteers at St Giles. They can give you insider tips on what it’s really like and how to stand out in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share your lived experiences in a way that highlights your resilience and how it can inspire others. This is key for a role focused on peer support.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace Lived Experienced Peer Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. Share your personal experiences and how they've shaped your understanding of the challenges faced by our clients. We want to see the real you!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Lived Experienced Peer Volunteer. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves building relationships, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent interpersonal and communication skills in your written application. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've effectively communicated in the past.
Apply Early!: We review applications as they come in, so don’t wait until the last minute! Applying early not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a better chance of standing out. Head over to our website and get your application in today!
How to prepare for a job interview at ST GILES TRUST
✨Know Your Story
As a Lived Experienced Peer Volunteer, your personal journey is your strongest asset. Be ready to share your experiences related to overcoming challenges, especially those relevant to the role. This will not only demonstrate your authenticity but also show how you can relate to and inspire others.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your interpersonal and communication skills during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with individuals facing difficulties in the past. Use specific scenarios where you’ve built trust or motivated someone to seek help, as this aligns perfectly with what St Giles is looking for.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Peer Volunteer. Think about how you can bridge the gap between referral and treatment engagement. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach initial engagement and support clients in practical ways, like meal planning or budgeting.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Since safeguarding is crucial in this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of safeguarding practices. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, which will reassure the interviewers of your suitability for the position.