At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals on their recovery journey by connecting them with local resources.
- Company: Join a leading not-for-profit health and social care provider dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days paid holiday, career progression, and a supportive learning culture.
- Other info: Part-time role based in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, or Lowestoft with flexible working opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a dynamic and fulfilling environment.
- Qualifications: Lived experience of substance use is essential; transferable skills from other fields are welcome.
The predicted salary is between 23808 - 25550 £ per year.
Job Introduction
Part-time role based in either Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds or Lowestoft.
We are seeking compassionate and motivated individuals with lived experience of substance use and recovery to join our team as a Peer Support Worker. In this role, you will provide support to individuals by helping them navigate the next steps of their recovery journey. You will empower the people we support to connect with local recovery groups, access additional support services, and build a positive and sustainable future.
At the Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Service we support adults and young people to live meaningful and fulfilling lives independent from substance use by addressing their needs including issues relating to drugs, alcohol and family relationships. We also work closely with other services including housing, mental health, employment and mutual aid.
As a Peer Support Worker we offer a starting salary of £23,808 rising each year in line with our pay progression salary bands, rising to £25,550 per year.
You will have opportunities to progress your career with a structured learning journey and clearly defined career pathways that will enable you to achieve your long-term goals and work to your strengths. We will support and encourage you on your career journey.
Role Responsibility
As a Peer Support Worker we are looking for new colleagues with a passion to support individuals with substance use issues. Your role will be to work alongside team members to enable the people we support to access person centred care and navigate the different opportunities available within their local community.
Peer Support Workers act as ‘advocates, mentors and coaches’ to service users supporting them to succeed in their chosen goals around treatment. The role includes maintaining regular contact with your clients, offering advice, information as well as supporting service users to access support in the Suffolk Drug and Alcohol Service and the local community utilising lived experience to provide hope, inspiration and support. No day is the same in this role but an ability to communicate effectively with a range or service users and colleagues, an ability to manage different tasks and a commitment to Turning Point values are essential. As a Peer Support Worker, you yourself will have lived experience around the issues experienced by our service users. You may come with experience supporting people in health and social care or just have a keen interest in supporting this group; if your values are right, we have a role for you.
The Ideal Candidate
You will have an understanding of substance and alcohol use and the challenges and opportunities for individuals on a recovery journey. However, we also recognise that many people have transferrable skills from other backgrounds such as mental health, housing or other health and social care provision. The roles are varied, so flexibility, an ability to work dynamically on a one to one and group basis and knowledge of harm reduction, relapse and other barriers to recovery will be useful but we can help to shape these skills where needed. We also look for candidates with excellent communication skills and who share our values as an organisation. This role is specifically aimed at people with lived experience looking to develop in a career in substance use.
You will be supported in your role by extensive training to help develop your skills. Our learning culture encourages everyone to stay on top of the latest developments in their field and helps drive service improvement.
About us
As a leading health and social care provider with more than 300 locations across England, we take real pride in the services we offer.
We run all of our services on a not-for-profit basis; instead, we invest every penny back into our services and people. We never stop believing in change for the better, and we work constantly to improve the lives of the people we support.
What Benefits Will I Receive?
We know reward looks different to each person and so whether its ways to make your money go further, a culture supporting recognition and celebration, or opportunities to boost your career – we want to support you in every way we can with our total reward package that includes:
- 25 days’ paid holiday a year + Bank Holidays, increasing with each year of service up to 27 days + Bank Holidays. Plus the option to buy additional holidays and spread the cost.
- Join our team and discover the comprehensive benefits we offer by following this link to explore all the exciting perks available to our employees. Turning Point Benefits
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closing date.
Salary Starting salary £23,808 with annual pay progression up to £25,550 (Pro-Rata)
Frequency Annual
Job Reference turningp/TP/135/11715
Contract Type Part Time
Closing Date 10 August, 2025
Job Category Recovery Work
Business Unit Substance Use
Location Suffolk - The role will be based in one of our hubs (Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds or Lowestoft), United Kingdom
#J-18808-LjbffrPeer Support Worker - Suffolk Drug & Alcohol Service in Ipswich employer: Turning Point UK
At Turning Point, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values lived experience and personal growth. As a Peer Support Worker in Suffolk, you will benefit from a structured learning journey, competitive salary progression, and generous holiday allowances, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals on their recovery journey. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that believes in the power of change and invests in your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Peer Support Worker - Suffolk Drug & Alcohol Service in Ipswich
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Turning Point UK, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Turning Point UK. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Turning Point UK's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Peer Support Worker - Suffolk Drug & Alcohol Service in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Turning Point UK. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Turning Point UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Turning Point UK
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Turning Point UK.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Peer Support Worker - Suffolk Drug & Alcohol Service at Turning Point UK.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Turning Point UK that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Peer Support Worker - Suffolk Drug & Alcohol Service role.
