Peer Support Worker - Younger Adults (18-25)

Teesside Mind is excited to introduce a new Peer Support Worker role focused on supporting younger adults aged 18–25. This role is part of a wider partnership with Darlington Mind and the Cornforth Partnership, who are recruiting to similar roles.

We define peer support as a relationship where people with shared experiences connect to build safe, trusting, and non-judgemental relationships through which they learn and grow together. Peer Support Workers use their own lived experience of mental health problems and accessing services to support others on their recovery journey.

This role aims to provide holistic, recovery-focused support that reduces the need for future secondary NHS mental health services or hospital admissions. You’ll be part of a trauma-informed, person-centred team working across organisational boundaries to meet the wide-ranging needs of young adults.

Overview

As a Peer Support Worker, you will:

• Support young adults referred by TEWV NHS community services or recently discharged from Roseberry Park Hospital.
• Build trusting, compassionate relationships through shared lived experience.
• Create safe, non-judgemental spaces where people feel heard and valued.
• Promote hope, empowerment, and recovery through peer support.
• Work alongside with each person to help plan and move forward in their own recovery journey.
• Advocate for the voices of those you support within the wider mental health system.
• Attend peer support training alongside new colleagues from partner organisations.
• Work collaboratively with peer workers across Teesside Mind, Darlington Mind, Cornforth Partnership, and TEWV.

Qualifications & Experience Required

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification OR the ability to work with information at this level through equivalent experience
• Understanding of mental health problems and services 
• Understanding of the voluntary sector and its role in mental health support
• Understanding of CHIME model of recovery, person-centred and trauma-informed practice
• Understanding of Safeguarding and safety planning
• Understanding of local services in the Teesside area
• Significant experience using own lived experience to support others (paid or voluntary)
• Experience working with young adults with complex social needs or in distress
• Personal experience of mental health challenges and using services between ages 18-25
• Experience working as part of a team and in multi-agency settings
• Experience working in community settings
• Experience working in hospital settings or with TEWV NHS

Main Responsibilties

• Deliver one-to-one peer support to young adults accessing the service.
• Hold and manage a caseload efficiently and independently.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records using online systems.
• Manage your own diary using Microsoft Outlook.
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of this pilot project.
• Work as part of a wider recovery-focused system to promote lived experience involvement.

Working Hours

22.5 - 30 hours per week

Salary Range

£27,661 pro rata for part-time, full time hours 36.5