Peer Support Worker

Rethink Mental Illness is an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. 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 are currently recruiting for a Peer Support Worker to become part of a team providing excellent quality of support to people using the Gloucestershire Support and Advice Service.

A Peer Support Worker is someone who will have lived experience of recovery from mental illness. Someone who has been on their own recovery journey, explicitly drawing upon and sharing their lived experiences of recovery from mental illness, and tells their own recovery story, to inspire hope, model recovery and inform service users, as well as supporting service users in finding their own path to recovery. For this peer role, it is essential that you can demonstrate your own lived experience.

This a new opportunity to have a direct influence on how services are provided in Gloucestershire and be part of a dynamic team that is working towards breaking down barriers and ensuring people get the right support at the right time. 

The successful candidate will work within a multi-disciplinary, innovative and creative team which provides high-quality, safe and person-centred support in the community – most importantly delivering great outcomes for people who have mental illness needs.

This role is ‘field based’ (meaning you will work from home and also in community locations). You will be provided with a laptop and smart phone, and travel expenses will be covered when required to work across Gloucestershire.

The successful candidate will have:

• A way of working that demonstrates and reflects Rethink Mental Illness’ values of CARES (Connect, Accountable, Respect, Evolve and Success)
• Lived experience of recovery from mental illness.
• An understanding of the ‘trauma-informed’ model of support
• Ability to work proactively and collaboratively with others and also be creative, adaptable, and bring a positive enthusiasm to my work
• Experience and knowledge of the best ways to support people who have a mental illness
• Excellent time management skills with ability to plan and prioritise a complex workload
• Ability to demonstrate a significant knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with mental illness and I am familiar with best practice developments
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate confidently with colleagues of all levels.
• The ability to engage with and place service users, including carers, at the heart of our services
• Excellent IT skills – proficient in the use of Microsoft Office
• A good knowledge of Gloucestershire and the ability to travel around the county

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. 
• Wagestream: gives you instant access to up to 50% of your pay. Also provides a library of expert tools, tips and articles plus, helps you start building a rainy-day pot straight from your salary.
• 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.