7 Community peer recovery practitioners jobs

We’re looking for a compassionate and motivated Community Connector to join our GP Integrated Mental Health Service and Mental Health Integrated Community Service in Surrey Heath.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of local communities, supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing by helping them access the right support at the right time. Working alongside GPs, mental health practitioners, partner agencies and community organisations, you will provide timely assessments, brief psychosocial interventions and practical support that helps people build on their strengths, overcome barriers and connect with services, activities and networks that promote independence and recovery.

As part of Catalyst Support, you will be joining a Surrey charity committed to supporting wellness together through kindness, integrity and commitment. We are looking for someone who is confident working with people experiencing mental health challenges, able to build positive relationships with professionals and community partners, and passionate about making support more accessible, joined-up and person-centred.

Location: Surrey Heath
Salary: £30,280
Hours: 35 hours across Monday to Friday
Contract type: Permanent

Key responsibilities:

To work jointly with the Mental Health Practitioner in conducting assessments, including risk assessment, and to work with patients to support them in identifying their socially determined needs and goals, provide self-management tools and facilitate the development of personal support plans

• To provide a range of motivational and structured psychosocial interventions
• To promote independence through an enabling asset-based approach that draws on individuals’ strengths, preferences and ‘natural’ support networks
• To establish effective working relationships with a range of agencies to facilitate a ‘joined up’ approach to support plans
• To liaise with, develop and maintain good relations with GPs, practice managers and other health practitioners across mental health and physical health pathways and wider support networks
• To provide continuity throughout recovery; engaging the patient with key services such as Safe Havens, accessing CMHRS, and providing support for those engaged with and leaving CMHRS, and linking into local wellbeing services and activities
• To co-ordinate and support patients to access a range of community services such as wellbeing services, housing providers, family and carer support services, debt and employer advisors where appropriate
• To assist with community resource mapping exercises and maintain a database of community resources; map where there are gaps in provision across the PCN and wider geography and work with other VCS organisations to develop resources where most needed
• To promote and support (where necessary) advised follow up actions from physical health checks for people with serious mental illness
• To support patients to engage with local peer support workers and volunteering services
• To support and supervise any peer support workers linked to PCN
• To work with the service to identify opportunities to expand provision particularly in local communities where there is a lack of service provision identified
• To broker and establish new partnerships between public and voluntary sector agencies to enhance service delivery and access to services
• To develop and sustain professional relationships with service users, partner agencies and appropriate external agencies
• To complete locally agreed quality outcome measures, with patients and to undertake regular reviews
• You may be required to cover duties not listed within this job description.

About the organisation

Through Community, Specialist and Outreach services, we support recovery, mental health, and wellbeing—together, every step of the way.

 About you

Essential:

• A diploma or degree in an appropriate subject, e.g. counselling, psychology, social work, probation, mental health, or Health and Social Care Level 3; and/or a minimum of two years’ community experience in drug, alcohol or mental health work.
• Understanding and ability to work to confidentiality, consent, information sharing and safeguarding policies within an integrated service.
• Good communication and written skills, with a commitment to accurate and confidential record keeping.
• Ability to interact effectively with the client group, colleagues and other professionals while maintaining clear boundaries.
• Ability to break down stigma and barriers associated with working with the client group.
• Understanding of the issues and needs of the client group.
• Knowledge and understanding of community working and lone working, with the ability to maintain safety while working in the community.
• Ability to work to all policies, procedures and standards of the service and joint-working arrangements with key partners.
• Good understanding of personal limitations, with the ability to identify when to seek advice and support and deal with emotionally challenging issues objectively and professionally.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour, anger and verbal aggression from patients.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Ability to enter data onto a database as required by the service.
• Demonstrates Catalyst’s values of kindness, commitment and integrity.
• Ability to maintain equal opportunity standards at all times.
• Ability to be resilient when working with the client group, while demonstrating compassion and willingness to go the extra mile.
• Ability to maintain respect for the client group, peers and partners.
• Adaptable to change.
• Dynamic and self-motivated.
• Proactive, motivated and energetic.
• Ability to work calmly in a challenging environment.
• Capacity to innovate and work flexibly on own initiative as well as part of a team.
• Commitment to developing skills and knowledge through ongoing learning and development.
• Ability to work flexibly across operational hours.
• Ability to work to the policies, procedures and standards of the charity.

Desirable

• If holding a professional qualification, maintain up-to-date professional registration, e.g. BACP, HCPC, BPS or recognised equivalent.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Pension scheme and access to Simply Health (including optical, dental, counselling sessions)
• Birthday leave, employee discounts, and flexible working where possible
• Supportive probation, sick pay after probation, and wellbeing/EAP resources

Safeguarding & Checks

• This role is subject to a basic DBS check.
• A past history of drug/alcohol issues or criminality will not necessarily exclude you from this role; we encourage applications from people with lived experience where appropriate.
• All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK

Catalyst Support is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate difference and are committed to fairness, accessibility, and inclusion throughout recruitment and employment.

We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process.

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Change Mental Health is looking for a Senior Practitioner to join our team in Invergordon, supporting people through both our community Hub and Outreach services.

You’ll combine direct mental health support with day-to-day guidance and supervision for Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioners. You won’t hold overall management responsibility for the service, but you’ll be an experienced point of contact for colleagues and help maintain consistently high-quality, person-centred practice. 

About the role

You’ll work directly with people experiencing mental illness, helping them build confidence, resilience and greater independence.

The role includes structured 1:1 support, group activities, personal and outcome-focused planning, community engagement and outreach support. You’ll also provide guidance and supervision to colleagues, support reflective practice and contribute to the continued development of our services. 

Essential

•  Experience providing community-based, recovery-focused or non-clinical mental health support. 
•  Experience delivering structured 1:1 support and developing or reviewing personal plans. 
•  Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive professional relationships. 
•  Understanding of risk assessment and safe decision-making. 
• SVQ Level 3 Social Services and Healthcare (Adults) or willingness to work towards this if required. 
• SSSC registration, or willingness to register within the required timescale. 

Desirable

•  Experience providing guidance, support or supervision to staff. 
•  Experience working within a registered service and meeting SSSC requirements. 
•  Experience facilitating groups or community-based mental health activities. 
•  Knowledge of local services, referral pathways and community supports.

The post is typically worked Tuesday to Thursday, 9am–5pm, with some flexibility occasionally required to meet service needs.

What we offer

• 37 days’ annual leave (pro rata) 
• Two paid Mental Wellbeing Days
• Enhanced sick pay and leave entitlements
• Professional development, including funded opportunities 
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, including legal, financial and medical support 
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Blue Light Card eligibility
•  A supportive approach to flexible working and work-life balance

If you’re an experienced practitioner who enjoys supporting both people accessing services and the colleagues around you, we’d love to hear from you.

Change Mental Health is looking for a Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner to join our community-based Hub in Invergordon.

Our Hub provides a welcoming, non-clinical space where people can connect with others, build confidence and resilience, and improve their mental health and wellbeing through group activities, peer support and recovery-focused opportunities. 

About the role

You’ll play an important part in the day-to-day running of the Hub, working directly with people experiencing poor mental health or mental illness.

Your work will include facilitating groups and wellbeing activities, providing person-centred 1:1 support, helping people develop achievable goals and personal plans, and connecting people with wider community support. You’ll also build relationships with local organisations and help make sure everyone accessing the Hub feels respected, included and heard. 

We’re looking for someone who can build positive relationships, work confidently both independently and as part of a team, and bring an empathetic, strengths-based and recovery-focused approach to their work.

Essential

• Experience of facilitating groups or community-based mental health activities.
• Experience providing structured 1:1 support.
• Ability to build positive, professional relationships with people accessing support. 
• Willingness to work towards an SVQ Level 2 in Social Services and Healthcare (Adults) and SSSC registration, if required. 

Desirable

• Knowledge of local community resources, services and support networks.
• Experience supporting people affected by trauma, social isolation or complex life circumstances. 

The role is typically worked Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am–4pm, and Thursday, 10am–3.30pm, with some flexibility occasionally required to meet service needs.

If you’re passionate about helping people strengthen their wellbeing, connections and confidence within their own community, we’d love to hear from you

Location: Edinburgh & Lothians
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £25,994.05 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Dates: 31/08/2026 – 14/09/2026

Change Mental Health is looking for a Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner (Outreach) to join our Central Services team.

This is a community-based role supporting adults affected by mental illness to build confidence, resilience and greater independence. You’ll work primarily one-to-one with people in their own homes and communities, with opportunities to contribute to our Hub-based services where needed.

About the role
You’ll provide practical and emotional support tailored to each person, helping them identify goals, develop personal plans and build strategies to self-manage their mental health and wellbeing.

You’ll connect people with community opportunities and wider services, work collaboratively with local partners, and ensure safeguarding or wellbeing concerns are identified and responded to appropriately.

You’ll be part of a supportive team while managing your own workload and building positive, professional relationships with the people you support.

Essential

• Experience providing community-based, recovery-focused or non-clinical mental health support. 
• Experience delivering structured 1:1 support and contributing to personal or outcome-focused plans. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Ability to work independently, manage your workload effectively and contribute positively to a team. 
• Understanding of risk assessment and safe decision-making. 
• Commitment to person-centred, strengths-based and recovery-focused practice. 
• SVQ Level 2 Social Services and Healthcare (Adults) or willingness to work towards this. 
• SSSC registration, or willingness to register within six months. 

Desirable

• Experience facilitating groups, peer-support or community activities. 
• Knowledge of local community services and referral pathways. 
• Experience supporting people affected by trauma, isolation or complex circumstances. 
• Understanding of co-production, lived-experience approaches or Scottish health and social care policy. 

What we offer

• 37 days’ annual leave (pro rata) 
• Two paid Mental Wellbeing Days
• Enhanced sick pay and leave entitlements
• Professional development, including funded opportunities 
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Blue Light Card eligibility
•  Support for flexible working and work-life balance

Hours are typically worked Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, although occasional evening and weekend working may be required.

If you’re passionate about helping people live well in their communities and build greater confidence and independence, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Peer Support Transformation Project

The Peer Support Transformation Project is commissioned by South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust, and delivered in partnership with Sound Minds and Wandsworth Carers Centre.

The Trust review, allocate and coordinate patient referrals through Daily Integrated Allocation Meetings (DIAM). This is an internal operational and clinical triage process used by teams like the Integrated Recovery Hubs (IRH) and Single Point of Access (SPA) to signpost efficiently to care pathways to appropriate community services.

The aim of the Service is to support individuals through Peer Support for early intervention, help avoid crisis or deterioration, but also as a step down from more intensive clinical support to help reintegrate with the Community.

Given its framework of reference to the diversity of cultures and languages, Mushkil Aasaan is well-placed in the heart of the Community in being a Wellbeing Hub. This offers a spectrum of shared activities and opportunities that enhance the overall wellbeing and sense of belonging in navigating ‘Care for the Community by the Community’.

As such it is essential for this role to transcend Mushkil Aasaan’s ethos in enhancing the Peer Support Service in line with the wider aims of the Trust’s transformation programme in reducing health inequalities and reaching out to groups who experience barriers in accessing support. This Co-production aims to capitalise on the Community’s strengths in self-determination and people identifying their own goals, whilst creating an understanding of the dynamics and stigma that contribute to mental ill-health.

The Senior Peer Support Worker at Mushkil Aasaan will play a pivotal role in delivering tailored support to individuals facing emotional distress whilst focusing on their strengths and personal resources, aligning with their recovery goals and overall well-being. Our approach emphasises the use of own lived experiences with mental health challenges, whether personal or professional, to foster understanding and empathy.

The Senior Peer Support Worker will maintain a good oversight of the accountability to the Commissioning Trust with the processes and procedures already in place in collaboration with the Manager. The role would also co-ordinate a smooth-running delivery of the Service ensuring that the team of 2 Junior Peer Support Workers are well supervised and supported in their work with allocated clients. The role is responsible for the chairing of fortnightly client allocation meetings and immediately reporting any issues and safeguarding concerns.

Peer Support Project Co-ordination

· Line management of the Team, ensuring that referrals are responded to in a /timely manner, and that wait list databases are accurately maintained.

· To maintain positive and effective working relationships with colleagues and professionals at all times.

· Responsibility for chairing fortnightly Peer Support Team allocation meetings, ensuring a thoughtful and equitable approach to allocation.

· Work closely with Manager in ensuring that the team of two Peer Support Workers are well supported in their work with clients.  

· To offer reflective practice as part of supervision for the wellbeing and development of the Peer Support Workers whilst undertaking emotionally demanding work.

· Collaborating with the Manager in quarterly service reports by gathering and compiling data from the team.

· Report any service delivery issues to Management, working closely with them to design and implement improvements where necessary.

· Ensuring that any safeguarding concerns raised by any of the Peer Support team are promptly reported to Designated Safeguarding Lead.

· To appreciate the hectic atmosphere of a bustling Centre with multiple Services and Activities whilst maintaining the identity and privacy of a Peer Support Service.

Peer Support Sessions

· To support individuals experiencing emotional challenges drawing appropriately on lived experience to foster hope, mutuality and recovery-focused conversations.

· To provide a person-centred, strength-based approach that is responsive to and focusing on the individual whilst providing non-judgemental support, respecting diversity and lifestyle choices. 

· Supporting in identifying how to manage their daily lives and signposting to key resources to support their wellbeing.

· Provide help to navigate the health and wellbeing system and connect into community resources to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. 

· To enable access to local services to promote community inclusion and connectedness, enabling sustainable recovery and support.

· To provide practical support to help people access the right services and support based on needs, preferences, and the options available.

· To actively signpost to Mushkil Aasaan’s Advocacy Service, Support Groups, and creative activities and events where appropriate.

· To maintain high levels of safeguarding awareness and to respond to risk and safeguarding issues as they arise whilst respecting the autonomy of the individual wherever possible. 

· To monitor the effectiveness of interventions offered through the routine use of outcome monitoring tools reviewed directly in person.

Administration and Data Processing

· Maintain accurate and high-quality client records using databases and electronic filing systems.

· Ensuring compliance by the whole Team in entering all relevant data to ensure timely monthly DataSet reporting and Quarterly Reporting on the required 23 standards.

· Report quarterly client data updates in a timely manner, supporting the Head of Operations in compiling quarterly reports to the Trust.

· Support clients to complete relevant surveys and feedback forms at specific points in their peer support programme.

· Respond to any queries from the Trust relating to clients on the caseload in a timely manner, maintaining the required level of detail, accuracy and professionalism.

· Undertake any other ad-hoc administration related to the project from time-to-time. For example, scanning documents or printing Peer Support Group resources.

General

· To attend appropriate internal and external training courses, supervision and staff development.

· To attend regular clinical and line management supervision and to attend professional meetings with the Trust as appropriate.

· To be sensitive to the complex boundary issues in user-led work, act appropriately and with high standards of confidentiality.

· To adhere to Mushkil Aasaan’s policies related to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Health and Safety, and Safeguarding.

· To understand and respects the rights of individuals including choice, self-determination and cultural and religious needs.

· To adhere to data collection guidelines, complying with Data Protection policy.

· Any other duties that may be required in connection with this role and are deemed necessary and in the interest of the Charity. 

Skills and Attitudes

• Very strong ability to actively engage with a wide range of Mental Health needs and an understanding of the issues people face in their lives.

• Ability to work consistently with high levels of empathy, warmth and unconditional positive regard.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with Service Users, their families, carers, community groups, partner agencies and stakeholders.

• Ability to identify risk and assess/manage risk when working with individuals.

• An understanding of the principles of confidentiality and how these apply when handling personal information.

• A working understanding of the principles of equality, inclusion & diversity and a commitment to providing an inclusive, culturally sensitive service.

 Person Specification

  Lived experience of mental health difficulties and the ability to use lived experience safely, purposefully and within appropriate boundaries in a professional role.

 Good understanding of the mental health system.

 Can demonstrate an awareness of the needs and perspectives of people

experiencing mental health problems and of different cultures.

 Can demonstrate an awareness of issues around confidentiality and boundaries.

 Well organised, with good time management skills and attention to detail.

 Ability to learn and be supported through supervision.

 Excellent verbal communication skills and a high standard of written English.

 Strong Office IT skills including MS Word and Excel or equivalent.

 Able to relate to a wide range of people.

 To be proactive, use own initiative, and have a positive and can-do attitude.

 Collaborative approach to working with others, as part of a small, busy and

passionate team.

 Flexible attitude to working hours.

 An understanding of the values and behaviour expected within this role

 Caring attitude towards people living with long term mental ill health and an understanding or how this role supports the needs of people with mental health issues.

 Clear understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and how they relate to mental health.

 Willingness to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

Job title: Team Lead

Location: Golspie, Invergordon or Fort William
Hours: 21 hours per week
Salary: £29,176.75 FTE / £17,506.05 pro-rata
Contract: Permanent

Change Mental Health is looking for a Team Lead to support the delivery of our community mental health services across Highland.

This is a hands-on leadership role combining day-to-day team management with direct mental health practice. You’ll lead and support staff across our Hub and Outreach services, helping ensure people receive consistent, high-quality and person-centred support. 

About the role
You’ll manage staff and service delivery, provide regular supervision and work reviews, oversee referrals and caseload allocation, and help your team develop their practice.

Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you’ll maintain a small caseload where appropriate and remain involved in 1:1 support, group activities and community-based mental health work. You’ll also work closely with local partners, identify opportunities for service improvement and use outcome information to help demonstrate the impact of our work. 

Essential

• Experience working in community-based, recovery-focused or non-clinical mental health services. 
• Experience supporting, supervising and providing guidance to staff. 
• Experience delivering structured 1:1 support and outcome-focused planning. 
• Experience facilitating groups or community-based activities. 
• Strong understanding of risk assessment and safe decision-making. 
• SVQ Level 4 Social Services and Healthcare (Adults) or willingness to work towards this if required. 
• SSSC registration, or willingness to register if required. 

Desirable

• Knowledge of local community services, referral pathways and support networks. 
•  Experience supporting people experiencing trauma, isolation or complex circumstances. 
•  Understanding of co-production, lived-experience approaches and relevant Scottish health and social care policy.

What we offer

• 37 days’ annual leave (pro rata) 
• Two paid Mental Wellbeing Days
• Enhanced sick pay and leave entitlements
• Professional development, including funded opportunities 
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Blue Light Card eligibility
• Support for flexible working and work-life balance

The role is typically worked Tuesday to Thursday, 9am–5pm, although some evening or weekend working may occasionally be required. The role may also participate in an on-call rota. 

If you’re an experienced mental health practitioner ready to lead and develop others while staying connected to frontline practice, we’d love to hear from you.