Peer worker jobs in tonbridge

Role Purpose

• To provide psychosocial assessments and bereavement support interventions to children and young people and/or their significant adults or professionals (as appropriate) who are experiencing moderate levels of psychological distress as a result of a bereavement through the Winston’s Wish On Demand services as required.
• To work with children and young people and/or their significant adults (as appropriate) using a range of supportive methods, approaches and techniques, functioning at level 2 of the NICE psychological framework.
• To provide psychosocial education to children and young people and/or their significant adults (as appropriate) about grief, bereavement and coping skills.
• To carry out comprehensive risk assessments with children and young people, and/or their significant adults (as appropriate), and to liaise with relevant external agencies—including social services, the police, general practitioners, and parents or carers—following the safeguarding policy.
• To conduct referral callbacks on a regular weekly basis, applying clinical judgement to ensure that each child or young person is supported in accessing the most appropriate services for their individual needs at that time.
• To co-facilitate therapeutic group sessions in collaboration with the clinical team, and to deliver one-off psychosocial educational groups as required.
• To accurately record and maintain individual case data within the organisation’s CRM system, in accordance with Winston’s Wish policies and procedures. This includes documenting contact notes, safeguarding concerns, and any information shared with external agencies and parents/carers (as appropriate).

Main Responsibilities

Communication and Relationships

• Communicate effectively within the organisation and externally including liaising appropriately with social care, health care and mental health professionals such as schools, social services, CAMHS and GPs.
• Communicate complex and sensitive information to stakeholders.
• Manage individuals and groups, including those who may be distressed by the information given to them. 
• Establish excellent internal working relationships with peers and colleagues. 
• Model the values and culture of the organisation in interactions and relationships at work.
• Build and maintain trusting, empathetic relationships with children, young people, and their significant adults, ensuring interactions are trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate.
• Adapt communication style and approach to suit the needs, preferences, and emotional states of service users, including those with neurodiverse profiles or communication difficulties.
• Provide clear, compassionate explanations of support options, safeguarding procedures, and next steps to children, young people, and families.
• Maintain professional boundaries while fostering a safe and supportive environment for service users.
• Respond to challenging or emotionally charged situations with sensitivity, professionalism, and a focus on empathy and support.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of communications and decisions in line with organisational policies and data protection regulations.

Knowledge, training and experience

• Assess and engage in interventions with children and young people and/or their significant adult (as appropriate) in accordance with best practice.
• Complete comprehensive assessments which include assessments of risk and determining appropriate level of response/intervention.
• To be accountable for ensuring own practice meets minimum national standards and is compliant with professional Code of Conduct.
• Maintain knowledge about current, evidence-based practice.
• To maintain a personal profile of professional development in accordance with professional requirements/governing bodies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of all relevant policies and procedures.
• To practice in accordance with relevant legislation involving Safeguarding Children and Young People, Safeguarding Adults and the Mental Capacity Act and to be able to provide advice and guidance to other professionals.
• Provide supervision to volunteers in group or individually as needed.

Analytical and judgment skills

• To work within given frameworks for good and best practice.
• To participate appropriately in meetings to plan and/or evaluate strategies of care.
• Responsible for the provision of accurate and timely data to support team and organisational needs. 

All Staff

• Contribute to the vision and mission of Winston's Wish; whilst embedding the values into your daily work activities.
• Promote equality of opportunity and diversity in accordance with Winston’s Wish policy.
• Contribute to the overall success of the charity’s fundraising needs by providing case studies, attending events and adding value to the experience of our supporters as required.
• Contribute to the brand and reach of the charity by working alongside our Marketing & Communications Team when relevant press opportunities arise or when required for social media and online content (including the use of photography).
• Work to objectives, targets and work plans agreed with your line manager.
• Undertake specific projects and other ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager, fulfilling any deadlines, reviews and reporting procedures required.
• Take an active part in the Quarterly review process and participate in training agreed with your line manager.
• Recognise and champion the lived experience of children and young people with bereavement within your work.
• Ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, volunteers and visitors in accordance with Winston’s Wish policy.

Together for Short Lives is a charity that makes sure seriously ill children and their families get the care they need, especially at the end of life. We work closely with families, care professionals, and services to improve children’s palliative care. We also speak up to government leaders and decision-makers to help make sure families have access to the best support when they need it.

About the Role

As a Kentown Family Service Coordinator, you will be the first point of contact for families referred into the Kentown programme, helping them navigate health, social care, and voluntary sector services. You will:

• Carry out family needs assessments and co-develop personalised support plans with families.
• Build strong local relationships with health, education, and community services to ensure families can access the help they need.
• Promote the work of the Kentown Programme and Together for Short Lives and raise awareness of children’s palliative care in the region.
• Support family engagement events, training opportunities, and ongoing evaluation of the programme’s impact.
• Work collaboratively with the Kentown team, sharing learning and best practice across regions.
• This is a home-based role with travel across Lancashire, Cumbria, and Manchester.

About You

We’re looking for someone with experience in health, social care, or education who is passionate about supporting families. You will bring:

• Experience working directly with children, young people, or families with complex needs.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with families and professionals.
• The ability to assess needs, coordinate support, and signpost families to the right services.
• Confidence in collecting feedback and supporting events or activities for families.
• A proactive, compassionate, and organised approach, with good IT and record-keeping skills.
• A full driving licence and willingness to travel are essential.