Peer Support Worker

We are looking for an experienced and Passionate Peer Support Worker to work as part of our East Kent Peer Support Service.

Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.

How you will make a difference:

• I share my own personal experiences of recovery and coping with mental illness to build connection and provide support to service users
• I provide key worker support to a specified number of service users, including one to one individual support and liaison with other mental health agencies on behalf of people who use our services
• I identify and co-facilitate group based support alongside volunteer Peer Leaders
• I have the individual’s needs at the fore at all times, working to the recovery model and using communication, motivation and coaching skills to support the service user to achieve their goals and aspirations
• I develop a rapport with service users based on respect and honesty, the post holder will at all times work within clear professional boundaries and the Rethink Mental Illness Code of Conduct
• I enable and encourage service users to find out about local services and facilities within their community and facilitate access to alternative services where specific needs are identified
• I am familiar with individual Care/Recovery Plans and support people who use our services in achieving their goals.
• I encourage service users to recognise, understand and manage factors that affect their mental wellbeing and physical health
• I carry out needs assessments of clients choosing to engage within the service and prioritise needs effectively
• I carry out all individual safety and support planning within organisational and legislative requirements.
• I work with service users in developing, reviewing, monitoring and adapting support and safety plans

What we are looking for

We are looking for an individual who:

• I have the ability to make a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s situation and needs; to develop, implement and review risk management plans and devise support plans and activities to meet these needs.
• I have my own lived experience of mental illness and am prepared to use this openly in my role whilst maintaining strong boundaries
• I have experience of providing support to people with a mental illness; or experience of providing care and/or support services within another social care setting in either a paid or voluntary capacity.
• I have a strong working knowledge of mental health and appropriate intervention methods# QCF Diploma or NVQ level 3 in Care or Certificate in Community Mental Healthcare (or working towards) or an equivalent qualification.
• I am able to demonstrate behaviors consistent with the values of the Charity

This is a Fixed Term Contract until 31/03/2026.
London allowance is paid for roles that are based in Greater London only.

Please see further details on our website

You can also follow us on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram and LinkedIn to find out more about the work we do.

Don’t meet all requirements?

If the role sounds exciting to you but your experience, skills or qualifications don’t exactly match every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply, you may be just the right person for our position!

Caring for our people.

We offer a wide range of support. Some of our benefits include:

• PULSE – our recognition, rewards, wellbeing, and benefits platform. Providing access to thousands of discounts and benefits including cashback; reloadable cards; savings etc. As well as being able to thank colleagues and nominate them for awards.
• Wellbeing support: our Wellbeing hub gives physical, emotional, and mental health support. We also have a BUPA Employee Assistance Programme with access to appointments.
• Taking time for you: we work flexibly –you get to choose where you work, managing your own diary. We have generous annual leave, starting at 25 rising to 30 days, plus bank holidays, as well as your birthday off. We also offer the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave.
• Planning for the future: We have a contributory pension scheme.
• Structured Corporate Induction: Onboarding you into the Charity supporting your wellbeing along the way.
• £300 when you introduce a Friend: receive up to £300 when you introduce a friend or family member.

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact -