Peer Worker (Recovery)

Application Deadline: 10 May 2026

Department: MHHS

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: East Sussex - Hastings

Reporting To: Team Manager

Compensation: £26,587 / year

Description

Location: Hastings & St Leonards Wellbeing Centre, Carisbrooke House, Stockleigh Road, St-Leonards-on-Sea, TN38 0JP

Salary: £26,587 per year (pro rata)

Hours: 19 per week

What you’ll be doing:Southdown is one of the leading providers of mental health services in Sussex.  Staying Well is an innovative out of hours crisis mental health service which supports clients experiencing a mental health crisis. Staying Well provides crisis intervention to increase resilience and coping skills, empowering clients to safely manage their wellbeing within the community. We are open 7 days a week, (including bank holidays), from 5pm on weekdays and 3pm at the weekend. We’re looking for someone with lived experience of mental health challenges to join the team and support us in delivering our service.  This role focuses on providing support to clients using the Peer Support Model, where personal experiences of mental health challenges and services is used to better support clients. You will use your lived experience to connect with and provide hope to clients who are currently experiencing a mental health crisis. 
It is a requirement of this role to attend mandatory face‑to‑face training sessions held primarily in Lewes, East Sussex during standard office hours. Training typically takes place approximately four to five times per year. 

If you are passionate about providing peer support to clients experiencing a mental health crisis, we’d love to hear from you.  We welcome applications from candidates with previous experience such as Support Worker, Social Prescriber, Case Manager, Social Worker, Care Coordinator, Mental Health Specialist or Service Coordinator.  However, this is not essential and full training will be provided.   Perks and benefits: 

• Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
• Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
• Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
• Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors. 
• Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
• 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.

Knowledge, skills and experience

What you’ll need for the role: 

• Lived experience of mental health challenges
• You’ll need a good understanding of working in partnership to support people in a community setting
• You have knowledge of mental health services and a desire to support people in their mental health recovery work
• An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will be paid for by Southdown

What would be nice: 

• Experience supporting clients experiencing mental health challenges, including those in crisis and/or facing complex challenges

Training:You’ll receive an initial induction, followed by regular in person training and supervisions to invest in your development and provide all the tools needed to succeed in this role. We’ll help you to gain valuable experience, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex. 


How to apply:

Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and fill out our simple one-page application form.

Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.