About this role
Job summary We have an exciting opportunity for a compassionate and motivated Peer Support Worker to join our established Rotherham Safe Space team on a 6-month fixed-term contract.
Rotherham Safe Space provides a welcoming, non-clinical environment for adults aged 18+ who are experiencing emotional distress or mental health difficulties. The service provides a safe and supportive space where people can access one-to-one support, connect with others and take part in structured group activities.
Main duties of the job Rotherham Safe Space provides a welcoming, non-clinical environment for adults aged 18+ who are experiencing emotional distress or mental health difficulties. The service provides a safe and supportive space where people can access one-to-one support, connect with others and take part in structured group activities.
As a Peer Support Worker, you will use your own lived experience of mental health challenges in an appropriate and purposeful way to build positive relationships with people accessing the service. You will promote hope, recovery, independence and connection, helping individuals recognise their strengths and develop strategies that support their wellbeing.
A key part of this role will be planning, facilitating and supporting our regular group sessions. You will take a lead in creating engaging, inclusive and supportive groups for people accessing Rotherham Safe Space.
About us Mental Health Matters (MHM) is a national charity delivering innovative, life-changing mental health support for individuals and communities across the UK. Through our diverse range of services, we help people improve their mental wellbeing, overcome barriers and lead fulfilling lives.
Everything we do is people focused. Whether supporting those who access our services or investing in the wellbeing and development of our colleagues, people are at the heart of MHM.
Our workforce is the driving force behind our success, and we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and values-led environment where talented individuals can thrive and make a meaningful difference.
By joining MHM, you'll become part of a compassionate and ambitious organisation that is committed to improving mental health, promoting recovery and creating positive change in communities across the country.
Job description Job responsibilities PEER SUPPORT WORKER - FIXED TERM CONTRACT Hours of work: 18 hours per week Salary: £11,892 - £12,239 per annum (£24,775 - £25,498 FTE) Location: Rotherham Safe Space Working pattern: Monday, Thursday and Saturday, 6:00pm-12:00am Could you use your lived experience to help someone feel less alone? Join us and make Mental Health Matter! About the role We have an exciting opportunity for a compassionate and motivated Peer Support Worker to join our established Rotherham Safe Space team on a 6-month fixed-term contract. Rotherham Safe Space provides a welcoming, non-clinical environment for adults aged 18+ who are experiencing emotional distress or mental health difficulties. The service provides a safe and supportive space where people can access one-to-one support, connect with others and take part in structured group activities. As a Peer Support Worker, you will use your own lived experience of mental health challenges in an appropriate and purposeful way to build positive relationships with people accessing the service. You will promote hope, recovery, independence and connection, helping individuals recognise their strengths and develop strategies that support their wellbeing. A key part of this role will be planning, facilitating and supporting our regular group sessions. You will take a lead in creating engaging, inclusive and supportive groups for people accessing Rotherham Safe Space. Our current groups include:
Monday - Mental Health Discussion Group: A safe and supportive environment for people to explore different mental health and wellbeing topics, share experiences and learn from one another.Thursday - Social Brew: A relaxed social group focused on reducing isolation, building connections and providing a welcoming space for people to meet and engage with others.Saturday - Arts & Crafts: A creative and informal group providing opportunities for self-expression, relaxation, social interaction and developing new interests. Our groups run from 7:00pm-8:30pm, with the Peer Support Worker contributing to planning activities and discussion topics, preparing resources, facilitating sessions and encouraging people to participate in a way that feels comfortable for them. Alongside group facilitation, you will support the wider day-to-day running of Rotherham Safe Space. This will include welcoming people into the service, providing peer and emotional support, helping individuals identify coping strategies and sources of ongoing support, and working alongside Crisis Recovery Workers and the wider team to ensure people receive safe, compassionate and person-centred support. You will help create an environment where people feel listened to, respected and understood, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality and safeguarding responsibilities. This is an 18-hour-per-week, 6-month fixed-term contract, working: Monday: 6:00pm-12:00amThursday: 6:00pm-12:00amSaturday: 6:00pm-12:00am Due to the nature of the role and the requirement to facilitate our established group programme, applicants must be able to work these evenings. About you To be successful in this role, you will be able to positively and appropriately draw upon your own lived experience of mental health challenges to support others. You will be compassionate, approachable and empathetic, with the ability to engage with a wide range of people, including those experiencing emotional distress or social isolation. You will have: Lived experience of mental health difficulties and experience of supporting someone with a mental health difficulty.Excellent listening, communication and interpersonal skills.A non-judgemental and empathetic approach.An understanding of recovery-focused and person-centred approaches.The ability to support people with self-management and encourage greater independence and control over their own lives.The confidence to facilitate group discussions and activities.The ability to motivate and encourage people who use our services.The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and external voluntary and statutory agencies.Good organisational skills, including the ability to plan and prioritise your workload and manage competing demands.The ability to maintain accurate records.A commitment to your own learning, development, training and CPD.An understanding of professional boundaries, confidentiality and safeguarding. You will need to have completed Peer Support Worker Training, or be willing to undertake the training within the first 12 months of employment, subject to course availability. If you are passionate about using your lived experience to support others, reduce isolation and create a safe and welcoming environment, this could be an excellent opportunity for you to make a meaningful difference within your local community. Why Join Us? Mental Health Matters (MHM) is a national charity delivering innovative, life-changing mental health support for individuals and communities across the UK. Through our diverse range of services, we help people improve their mental wellbeing, overcome barriers and lead fulfilling lives. Everything we do is people focused. Whether supporting those who access our services or investing in the wellbeing and development of our colleagues, people are at the heart of MHM. Our workforce is the driving force behind our success, and we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and values-led environment where talented individuals can thrive and make a meaningful difference. By joining MHM, you'll become part of a compassionate and ambitious organisation that is committed to improving mental health, promoting recovery and creating positive change in communities across the country. What we offer you Competitive salaries, with an annual pay review process25 days Annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus bank holidaysEnhanced Occupational Sick PayAccess to our workplace pension schemeFamily friendly and flexible working arrangements to support a good work-life balanceAccess to our Wellbeing Offer - including EAP, Virtual GP service and wellbeing resourcesLife Assurance and Free Will writing serviceBlue Light Card and Charity Workers discountsAccess to Tickets for GoodEmployee recognition and celebration schemesA tailored induction programme, bespoke Personal Development and Career Pathways to support you in your role and your career aspirations How to Apply At Mental Health Matters, we are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring that we appoint people who share our values and are dedicated to making a positive difference. If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete our online application form. As part of your application, you will be asked to answer a number of questions to demonstrate how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. We encourage you to provide examples that highlight your suitability for the role. For further information about our recruitment and selection processes, please refer to our Candidate Guide. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We believe everyone should have access to fair and accessible opportunities, and we are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are welcoming and inclusive for all. During the application process, we may ask for some personal information to help us understand how we can make our recruitment practices as fair and accessible as possible. Any information you provide will be treated confidentially and used solely for this purpose. We value the unique experiences, perspectives and contributions that diversity brings and are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels respected, supported and able to be themselves. Interested in Finding Out More? We welcome informal conversations about the role. If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact: Saira Ajaib - We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming talented people who share our passion for improving mental health and changing lives.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
You will need to have completed Peer Support Worker Training, or be willing to undertake the training within the first 12 months of employment, subject to course availability.
Experience Essential
You will have:
Lived experience of mental health difficulties and experience of supporting someone with a mental health difficulty. Excellent listening, communication and interpersonal skills. A non-judgemental and empathetic approach. An understanding of recovery-focused and person-centred approaches. The ability to support people with self-management and encourage greater independence and control over their own lives. The confidence to facilitate group discussions and activities. The ability to motivate and encourage people who use our services. The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and external voluntary and statutory agencies. Good organisational skills, including the ability to plan and prioritise your workload and manage competing demands. The ability to maintain accurate records. A commitment to your own learning, development, training and CPD. An understanding of professional boundaries, confidentiality and safeguarding
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Mental Health Matters
Address Milton House, 77 Sheffield Road, Rotherham, S60 1DA
Rotherham
S60 1DA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mhm.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)