Peer support workers jobs

Do you want to support people with mental health issues?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

Can you demonstrate our values of Hope, Courage, Together and Responsive and want to be part of our mission to create opportunities for individuals to make choices, find their own solutions, build resilience and manage their whole life and wellbeing?

If the answer to all of these is yes, we want to hear from you.

Peer Support Workers
Reference: 326
Responsible to: Peer Support Team Lead
Working hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract: One Year Fixed Term (Subject to Contract Extension)
Salary: £25,233 to £26,000 per annum FTE
Based: Closest Herts Mind Network Wellbeing Centre to home, but role involves travelling across Herts county

We are pleased to be able to offer an opportunity for two Peer Support Workers to join our thriving team.

About the Peer Support Services

Our Peer Support Service started 14 years ago, Since then, we have seen our service grow and we now offer Peer Support across the whole of Hertfordshire.

Working in co-production with clients, staff, volunteers and stakeholders, we were able to create our own Peer Support Charter Values (this can be found on our website).  These values form the ethos we work towards within our peer support team.  These values also complement HMN’s values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness and Responsive, which form the basis of all the work we do as an organisation.

About the Role

Working with the team to offer 1-1 peer support to anyone accessing HMN. The Peer Support service provide tailored support for individuals to support their needs. This includes using different tools and techniques to help an individual improve areas of their life they may be struggling with. Having a lived experience of mental health issues or supporting someone who has is a key element to what makes this service so unique.

The Peer Support approach includes empathy, warmth, acceptance, authenticity and compassion. Peer Support is based on the recognition that there is no better person to support the path towards recovery, than someone who has walked a similar path as that person.

To meet client needs, and work to this personalised approach, we do support people out in the community, within their home, as well as in one of our Wellbeing Centres.

The successful candidate will need a personal understanding of mental ill health, either from your own lived experience or by caring for someone with a mental health condition and have awareness of issues in mental health service provision.

Peer Support Workers will also provide support within our Peer Support Groups, Peer Support Learning Sets and Peer Support Academy when needed.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 28 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 16 February 2026.
Shortlisted Applicants will be notified of an interview date.
Please note: Due to high numbers of expected applicants, we may close this advert early.

N.B. Please quote reference number 326 when completing your application for this role.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Peer Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Havering Crisis Alternatives Service.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The main purpose of this role is to provide high-quality support and interventions to clients with mental health needs who require early intervention and prevention. The postholder will support clients throughout their time in the service, empowering them with the skills to cope independently, while working in line with organisational values, the ethos of recovery, and principles of co-production. Responsibilities include managing a caseload of clients, delivering group activities and programmes, and clearly communicating the aims, objectives, pathways, and service model to enable clients to fully participate in and co-produce their support. The role also involves helping service users engage effectively with community professionals, developing peer support networks and community-based approaches, monitoring the health, wellbeing, and safety of service users, and contributing to the core work of the service. Accurate and timely administration, referrals, assessments, and service reviews are required, alongside participation in supervision, appraisals, training, and team development activities. Flexibility, initiative, and a collaborative approach are essential to ensure effective service delivery and support for both clients and colleagues.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

The ideal candidate will have lived experience of mental health care pathways, including emergency department attendance, acute admissions, and community mental health services, alongside a solid understanding of the issues affecting individuals with a range of mental health conditions. They will be able to communicate effectively and provide support with dignity and respect, forming and sustaining trusting relationships with service users, carers, peer support workers, and professionals. Strong listening and verbal communication skills are essential to engage appropriately with service users in crisis, colleagues, and external agencies, both in person and over the phone. Knowledge of recovery tools, local mental health and wellbeing support, and the ability to assess needs, risks, and aspirations to provide appropriate signposting are required. The candidate will demonstrate strong prioritisation, time management, and the ability to work dynamically under pressure. Proficiency in IT, including MS Word, Outlook, and internet functions, as well as good literacy and numeracy skills to produce clear written correspondence, is expected. They will have a sound understanding of safeguarding issues and the ability to address them appropriately, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and support the induction of new peer staff and volunteers. Strong communication, partnership building, and interpersonal skills are essential.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Peer Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Mental Health Crisis Alternative Service in Waltham Forest.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The main purpose of this role is to provide high-quality support and interventions to clients with mental health needs who require early intervention and prevention. The postholder will support clients throughout their time in the service, empowering them with the skills to cope independently, while working in line with organisational values, the ethos of recovery, and principles of co-production. Responsibilities include managing a caseload of clients, delivering group activities and programmes, and clearly communicating the aims, objectives, pathways, and service model to enable clients to fully participate in and co-produce their support. The role also involves helping service users engage effectively with community professionals, developing peer support networks and community-based approaches, monitoring the health, wellbeing, and safety of service users, and contributing to the core work of the service. Accurate and timely administration, referrals, assessments, and service reviews are required, alongside participation in supervision, appraisals, training, and team development activities. Flexibility, initiative, and a collaborative approach are essential to ensure effective service delivery and support for both clients and colleagues.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

The ideal candidate will have lived experience of mental health care pathways, including emergency department attendance, acute admissions, and community mental health services, alongside a solid understanding of the issues affecting individuals with a range of mental health conditions. They will be able to communicate effectively and provide support with dignity and respect, forming and sustaining trusting relationships with service users, carers, peer support workers, and professionals. Strong listening and verbal communication skills are essential to engage appropriately with service users in crisis, colleagues, and external agencies, both in person and over the phone. Knowledge of recovery tools, local mental health and wellbeing support, and the ability to assess needs, risks, and aspirations to provide appropriate signposting are required. The candidate will demonstrate strong prioritisation, time management, and the ability to work dynamically under pressure. Proficiency in IT, including MS Word, Outlook, and internet functions, as well as good literacy and numeracy skills to produce clear written correspondence, is expected. They will have a sound understanding of safeguarding issues and the ability to address them appropriately, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and support the induction of new peer staff and volunteers. Strong communication, partnership building, and interpersonal skills are essential.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Peer Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Islington Recovery Cafe.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The main purpose of this role is to provide high-quality support and interventions to clients with mental health needs who require early intervention and prevention. The postholder will support clients throughout their time in the service, empowering them with the skills to cope independently, while working in line with organisational values, the ethos of recovery, and principles of co-production. Responsibilities include managing a caseload of clients, delivering group activities and programmes, and clearly communicating the aims, objectives, pathways, and service model to enable clients to fully participate in and co-produce their support. The role also involves helping service users engage effectively with community professionals, developing peer support networks and community-based approaches, monitoring the health, wellbeing, and safety of service users, and contributing to the core work of the service. Accurate and timely administration, referrals, assessments, and service reviews are required, alongside participation in supervision, appraisals, training, and team development activities. Flexibility, initiative, and a collaborative approach are essential to ensure effective service delivery and support for both clients and colleagues.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

The ideal candidate will have lived experience of mental health care pathways, including emergency department attendance, acute admissions, and community mental health services, alongside a solid understanding of the issues affecting individuals with a range of mental health conditions. They will be able to communicate effectively and provide support with dignity and respect, forming and sustaining trusting relationships with service users, carers, peer support workers, and professionals. Strong listening and verbal communication skills are essential to engage appropriately with service users in crisis, colleagues, and external agencies, both in person and over the phone. Knowledge of recovery tools, local mental health and wellbeing support, and the ability to assess needs, risks, and aspirations to provide appropriate signposting are required. The candidate will demonstrate strong prioritisation, time management, and the ability to work dynamically under pressure. Proficiency in IT, including MS Word, Outlook, and internet functions, as well as good literacy and numeracy skills to produce clear written correspondence, is expected. They will have a sound understanding of safeguarding issues and the ability to address them appropriately, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and support the induction of new peer staff and volunteers. Strong communication, partnership building, and interpersonal skills are essential.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

We are SIFA Fireside, the support service for any adult in Birmingham that faces homelessness. For 40 years we have supported Birmingham’s most vulnerable people through Homelessness Intervention, Prevention and Recovery services.

We welcome applications from people with lived experience of some of the issues our clients face, including homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, or involvement with the criminal justice system.

SIFA Fireside’s Support Centre, based in Digbeth, delivers a range of services to people experiencing homelessness or who are vulnerably housed. The Peer Support Worker Service (PSWS) is a team of individuals who work with rough sleepers across the city of Birmingham, aiming to facilitate connection, motivate and inspire, and provide a non-judgemental listening ear. The service supports individuals facing Multiple Exclusion Homelessness (MEH), empowering them to make informed choices about their lives.

The Peer Support Worker role includes street outreach across Birmingham, building trust and rapport with the rough sleeping community. Many individuals have had negative experiences with services, leading to a lack of trust and reluctance to engage. Some may also have limited experience of managing accommodation or navigating support services. The role therefore centres on developing supportive, persistent, and compassionate relationships.

Key tasks (selection of)

1. Support people through street outreach, building trust and rapport with rough sleepers in Birmingham.
2. Build and maintain trust with individuals facing Multiple Exclusion Homelessness through social and community-based activities.
3. Support individuals in their positive behavioural change journeys using trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches that build confidence and wellbeing.
4. Work collaboratively with other frontline services across the city, engaging in day-to-day liaison to ensure a multi-disciplinary response.
5. Assist in crisis intervention and provide support in challenging situations, connecting individuals with appropriate professional help when required.

Exciting Opportunity: Carer Locality Workers covering Keighley

Carers' Resource is excited to announce a new opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of carers. We are currently seeking:

2 x Carer Locality Workers

Hours: 37 hours or 22 hours per week (hours to be confirmed at interview)

Location: Keighley

Salary: £24,437 - £26,802 (FTE)

Role Overview:

You will play a pivotal role in supporting unpaid carers through listening, advising, and advocating for them. You'll conduct wellbeing reviews, needs assessments, identify and carry out required actions, and collaborate with local services. Your work aligns with local safeguarding procedures, promoting wellbeing and positive change for carers.

Own transport, clean driving license, and business class insurance is a requirement of the role.

For an informal discussion about this role, please reach out to Julie Peacock at Carers' Resource.

Join Our Team:

This is an opportunity to join a dedicated team that is committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of carers. If you are passionate about supporting others and making a difference, we encourage you to apply. Carers' Resource values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Closing date for applications Sunday 8th February 2026
Proposed interview date: Monday 16th February 2026 (in Skipton)

Job Title: Victim Support Case Worker (London)

Salary: £23,400 (£29,250 FTE) + London Weighting (£4,680 for inner London, £3,510 for outer London)

Hours: 30 hours per week, or 0.8 FTE. 

Contract: 12-month fixed term contract (continuation subject to funding)

Annual Leave: 18.5 days plus bank holidays 

Based: Hybrid, London

About NUM:

National Ugly Mugs (NUM) is an award-winning charity with a mission to ‘end all forms of violence against sex workers.’ NUM provides a mechanism for sex industry workers to report crimes and harm they experience and share this information within their communities to warn others of potentially dangerous individuals and situations. We have a dedicated casework team of industry experts who support sex workers to further access criminal justice remedies and other services as determined by these victims/survivors to cope and recover from crimes they experience. We also host a range of other projects in racial justice, mental health, drop-in support (Scotland), and vocational exploration.

Role Summary:

National Ugly Mugs is looking to recruit a Victim Support Case Worker to provide greater access to justice and protections for sex workers based in or touring in London. The role will also involve contributing to the writing and quality assurance of harm reduction tools and resources, ensuring they are accurate, accessible, and responsive to the needs of sex workers. The post holder will work across multiple agencies, from victim support services, Citizens Advice, SARCS, specialist sex worker support organisations to those providing services to sex workers, and sex worker-led groups. They will work with police and Met officials via working groups or direct engagement with BCU SPOCs to support reporting to police.

The Victim Support Case Work plays a part in maintaining a wide network of practitioners and officials, both local and national, to ensure that we are victim-centred and provide resources in ways that are individualised and safest for sex worker survivors as part of prevention, victim support and recovery. As such, the postholder will engage with other sex worker-led groups and rights activists, and will be provided with relevant training and clinical supervision to support them in this role.

If you are passionate and knowledgeable about sex worker rights and victim support, you could be the person we are looking for!

Applications from people with lived experience are desirable.

Role Purpose:

To provide a pro-active victim support to marginalised and racialised sex workers when they are victims of crime by working within and outside of the criminal system and in partnership with other frontline support services and the police.

• Provision of victim support case work to London-based sex workers

• Risk assess and help members keep safe.

• Support members to access resources in keeping with their rights and entitlements.

• Support members to access (mental) health and other services they require.

• Monitor and keep members informed of case progress.

• Provide support through the criminal system from report to court and beyond.

Documents below contain and a full person specification and the main responsibilities of the role.

How to Apply:

Please send a CV and a cover letter, explaining why you’re interested in the post and how you fit the person specification, to admin[at]nationaluglymugs[dot]org, or apply via Charity Job by 5:30pm (UK time) on Friday 6th February. NUM aims to hold interviews from February 10th 2026 but encourages people to apply as soon as possible as the job advert may close early if the right candidate is found.

We actively encourage applicants of all different ages, genders, social and economic backgrounds, ethnicities, religions and sexual orientations, and from people with disabilities. If you have any access requirements related to applying, please contact admin[at]nationaluglymugs[dot]org. We can also be contacted for any queried relating to this role.

We're looking for a kind, empathetic and resilient Specialist Support Worker to join our Mental Health Service in Tower Hamlets.

£29,681.60 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

We are seeking a Support Worker with a focus on Community Connection to join our mental health pathway in Tower Hamlets. In this role, you will engage with Look Ahead customers, helping them harness their talents and skills to broaden horizons, build networks, and access vital community resources.

What you'll do:
* Champion co-production as a core principle, ensuring customer voices are central to service design and delivery.
* Work with customers to identify their aspirations and connect them to local resources, networks, and opportunities that help achieve those goals.
* Co-create a programme calendar of culturally relevant, social, and educational activities with customers.
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date information-sharing protocols and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
* Organise and facilitate educational and developmental training opportunities for customers.
* Provide coordination and line management for Peer Support Workers.
* Arrange and invite in-reach sessions at drop-in groups to enhance engagement.
* Build and sustain strong relationships with community partners to expand opportunities for customers.
* Develop partnerships to meet emerging customer needs, such as access to assistive technology for physical health.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement.
* Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour.
* Prefers working as part of a group or team.
* Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement.
* Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised.
* Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments.
* Is confident with high levels of self-esteem.
* Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication.
* Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude.

What you'll bring:
Essential:
* IT literate
* Experience of working within communities with a diverse range of stakeholders.
* Ability to research information from a range of sources.

Desirable:
* NVQ Level 2 or equivalent or experience within charity/social care sector.
* Experience and understanding of mental health and social care services.

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job Description

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Support Worker to join our Mental Health Social Care Service in Southwark. No personal care or experience is required, just the right values.

£29,927.87 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The successful applicant will have experience working closely with a range of services to support individuals to address and/or recover from their dependence on drugs and or alcohol. Or have expertise in supporting customers with complex mental health needs, including dual diagnosis, forensic histories, and personality disorders.

Specialist Support Workers within Look Ahead are required to have either an extra dimension of experience or a higher qualification level as determined relevant for the post. Specialist Support Workers provide information, social inclusion and vocational opportunities to support people to recover and stay well; exercise choice and control in their care and lives; and participate on an equal footing in the community. Support is also provided to develop a model of re-enablement towards self-advocacy, self-management and empowerment, incorporating the principles and practice of recovery, co-production and peer support. Working with individuals with complex needs, who may display challenging, chaotic behaviours, regularly test boundaries and have experienced multiple traumas as a result of abuse, neglect and substance misuse and addictions it is integral that the post holder is motivated to support individuals to progress. They should continually hold aspirations for individuals despite multiple setbacks, and display emotional resilience, able to process challenging incidents and remain motivated to deliver excellent support.

You will have excellent knowledge of harm reduction techniques and various treatment approaches for addiction and be confident in the use of these approaches. These should include but are not limited to medication treatment, behavioural counselling and relapse prevention. You will also provide information, social inclusion and vocational opportunities to support people to recover and stay well; exercise choice and control in their care and lives; and participate on an equal footing in the community. Provision of care and support is also provided to develop a model of re-enablement towards self-advocacy, self-management and empowerment, incorporating the principles and practice of recovery, co-production and peer support. Post holders will deliver trauma informed and asset-based support to a caseload of up to 4 complex service users with substance misuse support needs. - The caseload is subject to change depending on the service needs. Shifts are - Early 8-4pm late 2pm-10pm Monday to Friday and double or 8am-3pm/3pm-10pm Saturday and Sunday. With some mid shifts. Working days also includes bank holidays.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for the full job description.

This role uses experiential insight to inform peer support, service design and engagement. We will assess how candidates apply that insight professionally (boundaries, safeguarding, confidentiality). This role is open to applicants with demonstrable, recent lived experience of homelessness (including rough sleeping, insecure or temporary accommodation).

About the role

The Passage has secured funding to deliver a 1-year pilot, exploring how the use of peer support can prevent further homelessness and increase social mobility, by giving people the support and confidence to get reintegrated into the community. 

This pilot will involve the recruitment and training of 10 lived experience volunteers who will share their insights and provide support to people recently re-housed to set and achieve goals with a focus on community re-integration. The pilot will offer a range of interventions including 1:1 support, community events and online training. 

The Passage recognizes that someone’s journey of homelessness doesn’t just end when accommodation is secured. What is often a confidence-stripping and traumatizing experience can take time to recover from. The first steps can be the most challenging for individuals to put down new roots and get back to where they were before that period. 

As The Lived Experience Specialist Project Worker, you will support your manager in the design, delivery, monitoring and reporting of the pilot; with a particular focus on supporting the volunteers in their roles. 

The Passage believes that peer support and the sharing of lived experience are essential tools in supporting people to take steps toward becoming more active, involved and connected. We also know that delivering peer support and helping others are also crucial cornerstones in processing living experience into lived experience. 

Main duties

• To support the recruitment and retention of lived-experience volunteers. 
• Have oversight of the day-to-day delivery of volunteers work by providing guidance & direction and ensuring volunteer support is delivered in a safe and supportive manner. 
• Support the creation of a volunteering environment where having lived experience is not a barrier but a tool to help others. 
• To support the manager to create and maintain procedures which underpin the pilot and volunteers’ activities, ensuring they are fit for purpose. 
• Meeting potential referrals, explaining the scope of the service, and undertaking person centered role matching. 
• Identify challenges including safeguarding issues encountered by volunteers 
• and working with the manager to address them. 
• Ensuring accurate and efficient recording of actions undertaken by volunteers. 
• Maintain a directory of low-cost activities, promote local events, and support development of an online resource to boost social connection and reintegration. 
• To support the Lived Experience Project manager in reporting to key stakeholders about the project, including attendance at some external meetings. 

Key responsibilities

• In conjunction with your Line Manager to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage. 
• To participate in internal/external meetings as required, and attend training events, conferences and other functions as necessary. 
• To participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal and help in identifying your own job-related development and training needs. 
• To adhere to all Passage policies and procedures. 
• To contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults. 
• To at all times undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high- quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage1. 
• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role. 

Person specification

As a Vincentian organisation, The Passage strives to be inclusive; encompassing a diverse and rich culture from within our members, clients, volunteers and staff. This approach is reflected in our core values and it is important that all staff have respect for this.

The person specification sets out the essential abilities and qualities that will be used in the selection criteria for this post. When completing your application form, please address criteria E1 to E4 and K1 to K5 demonstrating your experience and knowledge, giving evidence of your experience and abilities. 

Any information you provide will be handled confidentially and in line with UK GDPR and our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

EXPERIENCE 

E1 - Demonstrable, recent lived experience of homelessness (including rough sleeping, insecure or temporary accommodation)

E2 - Volunteering in a peer support capacity and/or working with vulnerable people in a support role. 

E3 - Experience of working both collaboratively as part of a team, and able to work independently. 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS 

K1 - Skilled communicator with strong emotional intelligence and an ability to connect with & motivate vulnerable people. 

K2 - Understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping. 

K3 - Proficient in digital literacy, for example use of digital applications and online navigation. 

K4 - Familiarity with safeguarding and personal boundaries principles (desirable). 

K5 - An understanding of data protection principles (desirable). 

About Us:
Richmond Borough Mind is dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our local communities. We provide innovative, person-centred services that reduce stigma, improve access to care, and empower individuals to live well.

The Role:
We are looking for a compassionate and proactive Mental Health Outreach Worker to join our team. You will deliver community-based crisis prevention and mental health support, with a focus on underrepresented groups, particularly racialised communities and LGBTQI+. 

This role combines crisis intervention, peer support, and holistic outreach to individuals with complex mental health needs, including co-occurring conditions, substance use, trauma, and suicidal ideation.

Key Responsibilities:

· Provide timely, community-based crisis prevention and support, including outreach to individuals leaving inpatient care.

· Engage marginalised communities to improve access to mental health services and reduce stigma.

· Build relationships with LGBTQ+ and BAME individuals and organisations, co-producing peer-led support initiatives.

· Deliver culturally appropriate engagement and awareness activities in partnership with local services.

· Provide holistic, person-centred support for individuals facing complex mental health challenges, addressing co-occurring issues such as substance use, trauma, and housing instability.

· Collaborate with statutory and voluntary sector partners to remove barriers to care, promote recovery, and improve wellbeing outcomes.

· Act as a peer and advocate, creating inclusive and safe spaces for individuals at risk of crisis.

About You:

· Experience in mental health, crisis intervention, or community outreach.

· Strong understanding of the needs of underrepresented communities, including LGBTQ+ and racialised groups.

· Ability to provide trauma-informed, person-centred support.

· Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.

· Passion for reducing mental health stigma and improving access to support.

Why Join Us:
This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in your community, supporting individuals to live well and promoting inclusive, accessible mental health services across Richmond and Kingston.

We offer:

· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year, increasing by 1 day per full year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days) [pro rata]

· Contributory pension

· Bonus 1 day of annual leave per year over the festive period (pro rata)

· Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which includes free counselling sessions

· Training and personal development opportunities

· Paid time off for medical appointments

· Staff away days and socials

The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure & Barring (DBS) check.

Overview

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives.   

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our teams apply these daily offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each user as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.    

 We are looking for a passionate and experienced professional to lead the development of our Affected Others service, supporting children, young people (CYP), and families impacted by familial substance misuse. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow a service that makes a real difference in breaking cycles of harm and building resilience.

Where: Buckinghamshire (Countywide)

Full Time Hours: 37.5 per week

Full Time Salary Range: £32,002.35- £34,214.20*

*Please note: Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours. 

Responsibilities

About the Role
As the lead for this specialist area, you will:

• Drive the design and delivery of innovative interventions for children, young people and families affected by substance misuse.
• Develop group programmes, resources, and training to strengthen whole-family approaches.
• Build strong partnerships with key stakeholder such as adult substance misuse services, schools, children’s services, and health professionals to ensure seamless referral pathways.
• Develop and deliver training and consultation to external partners and stakeholders on the issues facing young people affected by substance misuse of others. 
• Champion safeguarding and best practice across the service.
• Hold a caseload of complex and high-risk cases involving children, young people, and families, delivering whole-family support, including parenting programmes and harm reduction strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate service impact, ensuring continuous improvement.

About You
We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in working with families facing multiple risk factors, including parental substance misuse.
• Skilled in delivering 1:1 and group interventions and developing new programmes.
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Qualified to Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
• A strong communicator and collaborator, able to influence and lead within multi-agency settings.
• You will need to work flexibly countywide across Buckinghamshire so must hold a full UK driving license and have access to a car.

 What we Offer 

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service “Capped at 30 days” 
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme 
• Contributory pension scheme 
• A great selection of benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc. 
• Opportunity to lead and shape a vital service alongside a friendly and supportive team 
• Training, career development & progression opportunities 
• Refer a friend scheme.

Please ensure that when completing your application form and supporting statement, you reflect on the details outlined in the job description. This will help us understand how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role. 

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 28 to 30 (£32,002.35 - £34,214.20)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

N/A - Outside London Weighting Area

Closing Date

19/2/2026

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

Job Purpose

This role sits within our new project supporting male asylum seekers accommodated in hotels based in Ealing. The service aims to address mental health challenges exacerbated by displacement, trauma, and isolation, with a culturally sensitive approach that prioritises language accessibility, stigma reduction, and improved access to onward referrals.

This will be achieved through in-reach targeted group sessions and 1:1 tailored support sessions, addressing:

• Psychoeducation
• Emotional regulation and coping support
• Peer-based and social connection activities
• Creative and expressive activities (art, drama, storytelling)
• Better accessibility with onward services

The Role

The role of the Mental Health (Asylum Seekers) Coordinator is to engage male asylum seekers who are accommodated in hotels in Ealing; arrange, coordinate and facilitate a range of culturally appropriate psychoeducation, peer-led and expressive activities which will be delivered twice a week. The role will also include 1:1 sessions; providing mental health stabilisation, advice and support to connect with wider services including multilingual engagement. This role includes autonomous and creative thinking.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.

• Promoting people’ rights and responsibilities

• Considering each person as an individual

• Working collaboratively with clients to understand their needs and developing flexible and realistic crisis support packages/person centred plans

• Understanding of safety planning

• Experience of working within mental health services

• Understanding and experience of challenges and stigma asylum seekers face

• Understanding of social climate and an advocate to challenge biases and stigma

• Understanding and experience of challenges men experience regarding mental health and society

• Experience of leading workshops

• Creative approach

• Experience with de-escalation, recognising and mitigating risks.

• Experience of working with those in crisis and challenging behaviour

• Listening to clients and encouraging positive steps towards self-management of wellbeing and recovery

• Understanding safeguarding adults and children processes and legal requirements

• Understanding of social issues such as debt, housing and welfare benefits

• Promoting people’ rights and responsibilities

• Providing advice, information, practical and emotional support to clients

• Proactively recognising the indicators of deteriorating mental health and facilitate appropriate action, whilst liaising with relevant agencies e.g., CATT, Emergency Duty Teams, CAMHS, Safe Space, SCFT etc

• Engaging with clients to show empathy, inspire hope and promote recovery

• Establishing supportive, empowering and respectful relationships with clients and carers/ family

• Maintaining accurate records, detailing interventions

• Ensuring that outcomes, outputs and impact are recorded

• Providing administrative and management support to the team

• Attend reflective practice, clinical supervision, peer supervision and line management supervision

• Create and maintain good working relationships with partner agencies

• Follow workplans

• Actively participate in training and development

• Provide and manage resources for clients and staff

Person Specification

• Minimum of 1 year working in mental health services and with clients experiencing mental health distress

• Minimum of 1 year working within trauma-informed approaches

• Understanding of cultural sensitivities

• Ability to challenge biases and stigma

• Experience of raising awareness and participation in outreach events

• Experience of managing challenging behaviour and dealing with clients with complex needs

• Minimum 1 year of project coordination/management

• Experience of facilitating workshops/group sessions

• Experience of managing safeguarding risks and understanding legal requirements for safeguarding adults and children

• Evidence of continual professional development

• Understanding of the principles of trauma informed care

• Understanding of suicide prevention and safety planning

• Understanding of the relationship between mental health and social issues and how these issues may impact on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing

• Understanding of relevant legislation and policies

• Awareness of issues in mental health service provision

• A good understanding of mental health conditions

• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals

• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals

• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations

• Ability to prioritise and manage workload

• Ability to involve clients and carers in all aspects of work

• Empathy and non-judgemental approach

• Good communication skills

• Capacity to work within an agreed shift pattern

• Experience of delivering information and advice (housing, benefits, debt etc)

• Experience of non-clinical, therapeutic interventions like psychoeducation

• Good IT skills including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint, with proven ability to input and extract information and produce reports

• Multilingual is desired

• Staff within this role will be considered key workers, so in the event of a government lockdown, staff will be expected to continue working

The Community Connectors programme is an exciting partnership between Community Links, Aston Mansfield, Mind in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Redbridge, and the NHS East London Foundation Trust (ELFT).

Community Connectors work alongside ELFT under what is called the Mental Health Transformation Programme. The ethos of the programme is recovery focused, exploring needs through complexity (rather than diagnosis), a focus on a person’s strengths and assets, and on the wider determinants of health and wellbeing.

The role involves providing holistic support to people suffering from a serious mental illness or SMI. Service users will have a single or range of diagnosed conditions, will be known to ELFT and will therefore have a range of needs, including symptoms of anxiety or depression, or have a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Specifically, the Community Connector will work with multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) who sit within primary care networks or PCNs (clusters of GP practices) across Newham, and will support people in accessing appropriate local services, embodying a true example of wrap around support.

Above all, the Community Connector will be a strong networker who is able to engage multiple stakeholders for the betterment of service user welfare and outcomes.

Qualifications

Essential competencies

• University degree and/or personal specification
• Local knowledge of services, provisions, and issues faced by people suffering from mental health
• Experience working with stakeholders and partnerships.
• A commitment in implementing the mission and values of Aston-Mansfield
• Any other duties deemed relevant to your role.