Peer Support Worker : MHTR
Job summary
A rare opportunity for a motivated individual who has lived experience of the Criminal Justice System or custody in prison.
Do you want to become involved in working with psychologists and other practitioners, to support the recovery journey of people who struggle with their mental health?
Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) is seeking to recruit people with lived experiences to join our Primary Care Mental Health Treatment Requirements teams in Surrey, Buckinghamshire and Hampshire. This application is for Guildford area.
This post would be ideal for someone who wishes to use their own experiences of Prison and/or the Criminal Justice Service to help others who are accessing support for the Primary Care Mental Health Treatment Requirement.
Experience of peer support work is desirable, but not required, as the role depends more upon your ability to use your personal experience to support others and your aspiration to do so whilst being part of a NHS team that is supportive, approachable and dedicated to the role. Training will be provided.
The ability to commute independently across the Guilford area is essential.
The foundation of peer support is based on the recognition that there is no better person to support the path towards recovery than someone who has walked the same path as that individual. We actively seek peers who have lived experience of both the CJS and a health and social care need, e.g. mental health, substance misuse, etc.
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the job
The Peer Support Worker will provide formalised peer support and practical assistance to service users in order for them to engage with appropriate services, develop an identity outside of the criminal justice system, and regain control over their lives and their own unique recovery process. The Peer Support Worker will come alongside a service user and assist them when aspiring and considering the initial steps on their recovery journey.
About us
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.
We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.
We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.
We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Details
Date posted
15 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
£24,937 to £26,598 a year pa pro rata
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
18 months
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
301-LBG-25-7475325
Job locations
Guilford Probation Office College House
89 Woodbridge Road
Guildford Surrey
GU1 4RS
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
To establish a supportive and respectful relationship with service users
To help individuals identify strengths, interests, and their own achievable and meaningful recovery goals
To support the implementation of groups and networks that enable participation in activities
To actively engage with colleagues and other professionals to ensure the needs of the client group are met
Job descriptionJob responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
To establish a supportive and respectful relationship with service users
To help individuals identify strengths, interests, and their own achievable and meaningful recovery goals
To support the implementation of groups and networks that enable participation in activities
To actively engage with colleagues and other professionals to ensure the needs of the client group are met
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Lived experience of the Criminal Justice System
- Willingness to use own experiences to support others
Desirable
- Experience of supporting people in the community
Other
Essential
- Able to fulfil the requirement to commute across the whole of the West Mercia Area
Desirable
- Personal values
Experience
Essential
- Lived experience of the Criminal Justice System
- Willingness to use own experiences to support others
Desirable
- Experience of supporting people in the community
Other
Essential
- Able to fulfil the requirement to commute across the whole of the West Mercia Area
Desirable
- Personal values
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
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Guilford Probation Office College House
89 Woodbridge Road
Guildford Surrey
GU1 4RS
Employer's website
https://www.mpft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Guilford Probation Office College House
89 Woodbridge Road
Guildford Surrey
GU1 4RS
Employer's website
Salary range
- £24,937 - £26,598 per year