Peer Support Worker

Peer Support Worker

Part-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Turning Point

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support individuals transitioning from mental health wards to community living.
  • Company: Join a leading not-for-profit health provider dedicated to community improvement.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 31 days of paid holiday, career development, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Full training provided before the service launches in October 2025.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by sharing your journey and helping others regain control of their lives.
  • Qualifications: Experience in face-to-face support and group facilitation is essential; must understand Recovery Principles.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

Job Introduction Please Note: A Full UK Driving License and Access to a Vehicle is an Essential Requirement. 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 £24,773 rising each year in line with our pay progression salary bands, rising to £26,316 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. You will get 33 days’ paid holiday a year, increasing with each year of service up to 35 days. Plus the option to buy additional holidays and spread the cost. Join our team and discover the comprehensive benefits we offer by following the link below 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 closed date. Turning Point Attached documents Peer Support Worker Role Profile.pdf Apply

Peer Support Worker employer: Turning Point

As a leading health and social care provider in Grantham, we offer a unique opportunity for Peer Support Workers to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals transitioning from acute mental health wards to community living. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee growth through comprehensive training and development programmes, alongside a generous benefits package that includes 31 days of paid holiday, increasing with service. Join us in shaping a new pilot service that not only supports our communities but also fosters personal and professional fulfilment for our team members.

Turning Point

Contact Details:

Turning Point Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Peer Support Worker

Tip Number 1

Make sure to highlight your personal experiences with mental health challenges during any informal conversations or networking events. Sharing your journey can create a genuine connection with the hiring team and demonstrate your passion for supporting others.

Tip Number 2

Engage with local mental health organisations or support groups in Grantham. Building relationships within the community can provide valuable insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations or referrals.

Tip Number 3

Familiarise yourself with Recovery Principles and be prepared to discuss them in detail. Understanding these concepts will not only help you in the role but also show your commitment to the values of the service.

Tip Number 4

Consider volunteering or shadowing in similar roles before applying. This hands-on experience can enhance your understanding of peer support work and make you a more attractive candidate when you apply through our website.

We think you need these skills to ace Peer Support Worker

Empathy
Active Listening
Communication Skills
Understanding of Recovery Principles
Group Facilitation
Resilience
Resourcefulness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Peer Support Worker position. Highlight your personal experiences that align with the role.

Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in mental health support, group facilitation, and teamwork. Emphasise your lived experience and how it has shaped your approach to supporting others.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for helping others and your understanding of recovery principles. Share specific examples of how your journey can inspire and support service users.

Highlight Relevant Skills:In your application, focus on skills such as effective communication, resilience, and flexibility. Mention any previous experience in face-to-face support or working with diverse populations to strengthen your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at Turning Point

Share Your Personal Journey

As a Peer Support Worker, your lived experience is invaluable. Be prepared to share your personal journey with mental health challenges during the interview. This not only demonstrates your authenticity but also shows how you can relate to and inspire others.

Understand Recovery Principles

Familiarise yourself with the principles of recovery in mental health. Be ready to discuss how these principles can be applied in practice. This will show your commitment to the role and your understanding of what it means to support others on their recovery journey.

Demonstrate Teamwork Skills

The role involves working closely with Recovery Workers and other professionals. Highlight your teamwork skills and provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. This will reassure the interviewers that you can work effectively within a team setting.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and approach to peer support. Think about potential situations you might encounter and how you would handle them. This preparation will help you respond confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.