Peer Support Worker - Warrington & Halton @ Mental Health Matters

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a compassionate and motivated Peer Support Worker to join our Community Matters team in Warrington.

Working alongside Crisis Recovery Workers and other colleagues within our service, you will use your own lived experience of mental health difficulties, or experience of caring for someone with mental health difficulties, to offer practical and emotional support to people accessing our services.

Main duties of the job

• At MHM, we recognise that lived experience is a valuable source of knowledge and understanding.
• As a Peer Support Worker, you will use your experiences to build meaningful connections, offer hope and help people feel understood, supported and empowered.
• You will work alongside individuals to help them identify their personal goals, recognise their strengths and take positive steps towards recovery.
• This may include supporting people to build confidence, develop coping strategies, access appropriate services and become more involved in their local communities.
• The role will involve providing support face-to-face, by telephone and virtually, including supporting people during times of crisis where required.
• You will also help individuals access community resources, statutory services and digital technology, as well as co-facilitating groups and activities.

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 - WARRINGTON Hours of work:18 hours per week Salary:£11,892 with progression to £12,239 per annum (£24,775 - £25,498 FTE) Location: Warrington & Halton Could you use your own experiences to help others find hope and move forward?
• Join our team and use the power of lived experience to make a meaningful difference to people experiencing mental health difficulties.

About the role

• We have an exciting opportunity for a compassionate and motivated Peer Support Worker to join our Community Matters team in Warrington.
• Working alongside Crisis Recovery Workers and other colleagues within our service, you will use your own lived experience of mental health difficulties, or experience of caring for someone with mental health difficulties, to offer practical and emotional support to people accessing our services.
• At MHM, we recognise that lived experience is a valuable source of knowledge and understanding.
• As a Peer Support Worker, you will use your experiences to build meaningful connections, offer hope and help people feel understood, supported and empowered.
• You will work alongside individuals to help them identify their personal goals, recognise their strengths and take positive steps towards recovery.
• This may include supporting people to build confidence, develop coping strategies, access appropriate services and become more involved in their local communities.
• The role will involve providing support face-to-face, by telephone and virtually, including supporting people during times of crisis where required.
• You will also help individuals access community resources, statutory services and digital technology, as well as co-facilitating groups and activities.
• You will play an important part in promoting the voices and rights of people accessing our services, encouraging involvement in service development and challenging the stigma surrounding mental health.
• This is a rewarding opportunity to turn your own experiences into a positive force for change, helping others recognise their potential and feel more hopeful about their future.

About you

• To be successful in this role, you will be a compassionate, approachable and empathetic individual who understands the value of lived experience and wants to use this to support others.

You will need:

• Lived experience of mental health difficulties and experience of supporting someone with mental health difficulties.
• The ability to draw on your own experiences appropriately to offer insight, understanding and encouragement to others.
• Good listening and communication skills, with the ability to build positive and trusting relationships.
• A non-judgemental and respectful approach, with a commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
• An understanding of recovery-focused and person-centred approaches, including the importance of empowering people to make their own choices and decisions.
• The ability to encourage and support individuals to identify their personal goals and take steps towards achieving them.
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality, professional boundaries and maintaining the safety and wellbeing of those accessing support.
• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, external agencies and community organisations.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise your workload and manage competing demands.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team, using your initiative when required.
• Good written communication skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.

You will also need to have completed Peer Support Worker training, or be willing to undertake the relevant training within your first 12 months of employment, subject to course availability. Experience of working within a recovery-focused setting, or in a coaching, mentoring or training role, would be desirable. Most importantly, you will be passionate about using your experiences positively, helping people feel heard and understood, and supporting them to build hope, confidence and independence.

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 process
• 25 days Annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus bank holidays
• Enhanced Occupational Sick pay
• Access to our workplace pension scheme
• Family friendly and flexible working arrangements to support a good work life balance
• Access to our Wellbeing Offer - including EAP, Virtual GP service and wellbeing resources
• Life Assurance and Free Will writing service
• Blue Light Card and Charity Workers discounts
• Access to Tickets for Good
• Employee recognition and celebration schemes
• A 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: Tatum Amaral - 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

• Peer Support Worker training, or be willing to undertake the relevant training within your first 12 months of employment, subject to course availability.

Experience

Essential

• You will need:
• Lived experience of mental health difficulties and experience of supporting someone with mental health difficulties.
• The ability to draw on your own experiences appropriately to offer insight, understanding and encouragement to others.
• Good listening and communication skills, with the ability to build positive and trusting relationships.
• A non-judgemental and respectful approach, with a commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
• An understanding of recovery-focused and person-centred approaches, including the importance of empowering people to make their own choices and decisions.
• The ability to encourage and support individuals to identify their personal goals and take steps towards achieving them.
• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality, professional boundaries and maintaining the safety and wellbeing of those accessing support.
• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, external agencies and community organisations.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise your workload and manage competing demands.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team, using your initiative when required.
• Good written communication skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Mental Health Matters

Address

85-101 Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1SR

Warrington

WA1 1SR

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.mhm.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)