Peer Support Worker

Reporting to:            Senior Peer Support Worker 

Responsible for:      None

Hours:                       24 hours per week. These hours to be agreed with post holder set against the backdrop of the needs of the service and in consultation with Ward Managers.

Contract:                   Permanent

Location:                  Westways Rehab Unit at the Bethlem Royal Hospital.

Mind in Croydon is a charity concerned with the welfare of people with mental health problems living in the London Borough of Croydon and the surrounding areas. Mind in Croydon delivers Mental Health Transformation Program services alongside Croydon BME Forum, these include Croydon Health and Wellbeing Space and Mental Health Personal Independence Coordinators. Other services include Recovery Space, Advocacy, Active Minds, Carers Support, In-Reach Peer Support, Social Networking, Therapeutic Service and an Information Service.

Purpose of the role:

We are seeking a Peer Support Worker who has personal lived experience of mental health challenges. This individual will act as a role model for service users, utilizing their own recovery journey to instil hope and resilience. By sharing their life experiences and the lessons learned throughout their recovery, they will motivate others.

The Peer Support Worker will collaborate with the multidisciplinary team within the Unit, assisting in-patients in developing essential skills and coping mechanisms, while promoting overall wellness through strength based and non-directive conversations. They will provide both practical and emotional support, facilitate access to community resources to help individuals maintain their independence while ensuring their wellbeing.

Additionally, this role includes supporting service users after discharge in the community for up to 12 weeks, aiding them in fostering independence within their local community, connecting with various agencies, enhancing life skills, providing guidance related to employment or educational opportunities and improving their ability to manage challenges effectively to prevent re-admission.

This position requires building connections with service users through shared experiences of mental health challenges, making lived experience a crucial requirement for applicants.

Please apply only if you meet this requirement.

You will join the wider Peer Support In-Reach Service alongside 7 other peers who will work in various Rehab wards across South London but primarily work in a well-supported In-Patient Unit with the MDT at Westways Rehab Unit, Alexandra House, First Floor, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham, BR3 3BX.

The ward is for people, aged 18-65, who have severe mental illness. We provide 24-hour rehabilitation, treatment and care for people who live in the London Borough of Croydon.

Our service is for people who would benefit from six months to two years rehabilitation. We help people to maintain their health and move towards greater independence in the community.

Mind in Croydon is an equal opportunities employer. No job applicant or employee will be discriminated against on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We encourage applications from those with Lived Experience.

To apply please complete the application form with a cover letter explaining:

• Why would you like to apply for this role?
• How your skills and experience relate to the competencies in the Person Specification of the job description?
• What value you can add to the service?

Closing date for applications is Friday 6th June 2025