Peer Specialists

We are seeking compassionate, dedicated Peer Specialists ready to use their personal journey to inspire hope and guide others through self-defined mental health crisis. The Retreat - based in Weymouth (subject to final arrangements in a move of current base) offer an open access crisis mental health service every evening; providing a welcoming, safe space for people to come and receive support, without referral or judgement. The partnership between lived and clinical experience is fundamental to the ethos and values of the Retreats, and you will work alongside Registered Practitioners in this role. As a vital member of our team, you will provide practical support and peer‑led guidance to help visitors and their support networks regain control and hope while navigating challenging moments and moving forward in their recovery. By sharing your lived experience, you will foster trust, hope and promote self‑determination. You’ll receive comprehensive induction and specialist training, including trauma‑informed care and collaborative working practices, to ensure you can use your experience to create real, lasting impact. Full and part time hours are available (minimum 15 hours or 2 shifts per week). The service operates 365 days of the year, and whilst all reasonable flexible working requests will be considered, shift times are set at 16:00‑midnight, in line with the opening hours of the service. To utilise your own lived experience of mental health, by using it intentionally in therapeutic conversation with others. To support people presenting in mental health crisis, who are likely to be experiencing and displaying significant distress and vulnerability, providing compassionate and non‑judgemental care. Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check. Working for our organisation At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined‑up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward‑looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people. We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities. Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do, and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves. Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion, and expertise in all we do. For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post. We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over‑reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidate's individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application. As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact [email protected] At Dorset HealthCare we want to offer all our staff the opportunity to work flexibly, putting health and wellbeing first, whilst continuing the delivery of excellent patient care. Flexible working looks different for everyone and we welcome applicants to discuss flexible working opportunities with the recruiting manager. What working for us will provide 27 days of annual leave, rising to 33 over ten years (for staff on Agenda for Change terms and conditions) Excellent NHS pension scheme Health and wellbeing services Flexible working options, including family‑friendly hours Free training and one‑to‑one career coaching to reach your career goals Preceptorship programme for newly qualified nurses and AHPs Access to nine staff networks – have a voice and transform our Trust Relocation costs where applicable Salary sacrifice scheme opportunities – including childcare vouchers, car lease and cycle scheme, home technology equipment, and buying annual leave NHS discounts to save on your shopping, gym membership and more Visit our careers website to learn more about our culture, staff stories, benefits, development programmes and opportunities. #J-18808-Ljbffr