Peer Support Worker

Your roleRethink 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 countyInterviews will take place on 11th & 12th September 2024. Rethink supports all members of staff to access professional development opportunities and training and are supportive of flexible working requests which may help people to thrive in their roles.*Appointments will be at the minimum of the band.We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Please see further details on our websiteYou can also follow us on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram and LinkedIn to find out more about the work we do!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. 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. 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, InclusionDiversity 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 organisationWe 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 - [email protected] CharityOur work to achieve this is guided by seven core values: Commitment Equity Expertise Hope Openness Passion UnderstandingWhat do we value?PassionWe are passionate about leading the way to a better quality of life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.CommitmentWe work tirelessly to provide support for everyone severely affected by mental illness.OpennessWe are open and transparent in all our work with beneficiaries, supporters, partners and the public to achieve change for people severely affected by mental illness.HopeWe offer hope of a better quality of life for all those severely affected by mental illness.ExpertiseWe constantly use our expertise to provide practical and personal support for people who are severely affected by mental illness.UnderstandingPeople who are severely affected by mental illness are at the heart of everything we do in our organisation - our membership, our governance and our workforce.EquityWe believe that in a world where discrimination and disadvantage exist, treating people with equity is critical to ensure justice and fairness for all.OpennessWe are open and transparent in all our work with beneficiaries, supporters, partners and the public to achieve change for people severely affected by mental illness.What will you receive?You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your abilities with the opportunity to make a real difference every day. In addition, you will have excellent development opportunities including funded training, career development, and a range of e-learning courses. You will also receive: Employer funded pensionFlexible workingLife assuranceEmployee Assistance ProgrammeEyecare vouchersup to £55 towards the cost of new glasses or lensesTraining opportunitiese-learning courses & much moreAnnual leave25 days rising to 30, plus bank holidaysRethink day1 day's additional leave (pro rata) on your BirthdayPULSEReward, Benefits and Recognition PlatformEmployee Assistance ProgrammeRethink day1 day's additional leave (pro rata) on your BirthdayFor the full list, see our website here.Our colleagues say"From the very start I was made to feel welcome and respected in my new team. In the short time I have been working with Rethink Mental Illness as a service administrator I have been able to contribute ideas and make meaningful change, and I appreciate that Rethink allows me to direct my own role development and help me build on the skills I want to work on.""Working for Rethink Mental Illness is the most rewarding job I could ask for. As a Peer and Volunteer Co-ordinator I get to work with a huge variety of people, with a range of skills and support them to incorporate those skills into their volunteering roles. I am always looking for gaps that need filling and creating new and exciting opportunities that will benefit our service, mental health in the community, but most importantly the people giving up their time to help.""I've previously worked in a large corporate environment, in the criminal justice sector and other charities. Without a shadow of a doubt, Rethink Mental Illness has been the best employer I've ever had. They care about their staff. Its great working with like-minded people and knowing that you are making a real difference to people's lives.""It feels very rewarding to be part of such a meaningful Organisation where everyone is valued and has the opportunity to make a difference".Please be mindful that we may need to close adverts early if we receive a high volume of applications, we, therefore, encourage you to apply as soon as possible.