Peer Support Worker | Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
| Posting date: | 13 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £25,760 - £27,476 per annum pro rata |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 13 May 2026 |
| Location: | Southend, SS4 1RB |
| Company: | Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 7929772/364-A-9882-A |
Summary
We are looking for a dynamic, self-motivated Peer Support Worker (PSW) to join our Community Mental Health Services, supporting individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use needs (dual diagnosis). This exciting role offers the opportunity to provide peer support and practical assistance to empower people to regain control of their lives and shape their own unique recovery journey.
We are keen to employ a creative, passionate, and recovery-focused individual who can inspire hope and belief that change is possible by drawing on the wisdom and insight of their own lived experience of mental health challenges and/or substance use. Working within relationships of mutuality and shared understanding, you will promote choice, self-determination, and connection to personal goals, social roles, and community resources.
A key focus of this role will be supporting individuals who are in the early stages of recovery, including those who may feel ambivalent or unsure about change. You will help people explore their values and motivations, working alongside them through the stages of change and offering consistent, strengths-based support.
A key focus of this role will be supporting individuals who are in the early stages of recovery, including those who may feel ambivalent or unsure about change. You will help people explore their values and motivations, working alongside them through the stages of change and offering consistent, strengths-based support.
You will also:
• Communicate effectively with and offer lived-experience-informed insight to mental health professionals, peer support colleagues, and external services.
• Work collaboratively across a range of services (e.g. primary care, secondary care, and voluntary sector providers) to support engagement and access to care.
• Contribute to the wider development of recovery-focused, trauma-informed practices within the team and organisation.
• Help embed the ethos of peer support by sharing best practice and championing recovery values. You will be joining a growing peer workforce within EPUT with access to a highly regarded training programme supporting the development of peer support workers as part of your first six months in post, also gaining a recognised award in peer support worker practice upon completion.
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.
• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.
Benefits
• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
• Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.
Work that wraps around your needs
• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.
Interested? Apply using information below.
If you would like to discuss the detail of this role please contact Unity Hewson (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) on mobile number 07583139634 or Ann Currid on mobile number 07581030491 (Tues, Wed or Thurs morning)
Interviews will take place on W/C 20th April 2026
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This advert closes on Friday 17 Apr 2026