We are Hestia. We make a difference.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Peer Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Hillingdon Cove Mental Health Crisis Alternative in Hillingdon.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

As a Peer Support Worker, you will manage a caseload of clients requiring early intervention or preventative mental health support, delivering individual and group-based activities that promote recovery, wellbeing, and community engagement. You will clearly communicate the service's aims and pathways, enabling clients to co-produce their support plans and empowering them to engage with professionals across housing, health, employment, and social care. Working flexibly within a team, you will ensure service coverage, uphold safety and safeguarding procedures, and support the delivery of co-produced peer networks and community initiatives. You will also maintain accurate records, ensure timely referrals and assessments, and participate in supervision and development processes, all while contributing to a high-quality, person-centred service.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

A candidate will have lived experience of navigating mental health care pathways, such as emergency department visits, acute admissions, or engagement with community mental health services, and a strong understanding of the issues faced by individuals with a range of mental health conditions. They will demonstrate the ability to offer support with empathy, dignity, and respect, while rapidly building trust with service users, carers, professionals, and peer workers. Excellent verbal and listening skills are essential for engaging effectively during crises and in day-to-day interactions, both face-to-face and over the phone. The candidate will also have a good understanding of local mental health and wellbeing services, recovery tools, and safeguarding practices, with the ability to assess needs, risks, and aspirations and provide appropriate signposting. Strong prioritisation, time management, and the ability to work dynamically under pressure are key, alongside good literacy and numeracy skills, proficiency in IT including MS Word, Outlook, and internet use, and the ability to produce clear written correspondence. They must be able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, support the induction of new peer staff and volunteers, and demonstrate excellent communication and partnership-building skills to contribute positively to a person-centred, recovery-focused service.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.