Author: Ali

Senior Peer Support Worker & Coordinator

Job Description

About the Peer Support Transformation Project

The Peer Support Transformation Project is commissioned by South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust, and delivered in partnership with Sound Minds and Wandsworth Carers Centre.

The Trust review, allocate and coordinate patient referrals through Daily Integrated Allocation Meetings (DIAM). This is an internal operational and clinical triage process used by teams like the Integrated Recovery Hubs (IRH) and Single Point of Access (SPA) to signpost efficiently to care pathways to appropriate community services.

The aim of the Service is to support individuals through Peer Support for early intervention, help avoid crisis or deterioration, but also as a step down from more intensive clinical support to help reintegrate with the Community.

Given its framework of reference to the diversity of cultures and languages, Mushkil Aasaan is well-placed in the heart of the Community in being a Wellbeing Hub. This offers a spectrum of shared activities and opportunities that enhance the overall wellbeing and sense of belonging in navigating ‘Care for the Community by the Community’.

As such it is essential for this role to transcend Mushkil Aasaan’s ethos in enhancing the Peer Support Service in line with the wider aims of the Trust’s transformation programme in reducing health inequalities and reaching out to groups who experience barriers in accessing support. This Co-production aims to capitalise on the Community’s strengths in self-determination and people identifying their own goals, whilst creating an understanding of the dynamics and stigma that contribute to mental ill-health.

The Senior Peer Support Worker at Mushkil Aasaan will play a pivotal role in delivering tailored support to individuals facing emotional distress whilst focusing on their strengths and personal resources, aligning with their recovery goals and overall well-being. Our approach emphasises the use of own lived experiences with mental health challenges, whether personal or professional, to foster understanding and empathy.

The Senior Peer Support Worker will maintain a good oversight of the accountability to the Commissioning Trust with the processes and procedures already in place in collaboration with the Manager. The role would also co-ordinate a smooth-running delivery of the Service ensuring that the team of 2 Junior Peer Support Workers are well supervised and supported in their work with allocated clients. The role is responsible for the chairing of fortnightly client allocation meetings and immediately reporting any issues and safeguarding concerns.

Peer Support Project Co-ordination

• Line management of the Team, ensuring that referrals are responded to in a /timely manner, and that wait list databases are accurately maintained.
• To maintain positive and effective working relationships with colleagues and professionals at all times.
• Responsibility for chairing fortnightly Peer Support Team allocation meetings, ensuring a thoughtful and equitable approach to allocation.
• Work closely with Manager in ensuring that the team of two Peer Support Workers are well supported in their work with clients.
• To offer reflective practice as part of supervision for the wellbeing and development of the Peer Support Workers whilst undertaking emotionally demanding work.
• Collaborating with the Manager in quarterly service reports by gathering and compiling data from the team.
• Report any service delivery issues to Management, working closely with them to design and implement improvements where necessary.
• Ensuring that any safeguarding concerns raised by any of the Peer Support team are promptly reported to Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• To appreciate the hectic atmosphere of a bustling Centre with multiple Services and Activities whilst maintaining the identity and privacy of a Peer Support Service.

Peer Support Sessions

• To support individuals experiencing emotional challenges drawing appropriately on lived experience to foster hope, mutuality and recovery-focused conversations.
• To provide a person-centred, strength-based approach that is responsive to and focusing on the individual whilst providing non-judgemental support, respecting diversity and lifestyle choices.
• Supporting in identifying how to manage their daily lives and signposting to key resources to support their wellbeing.
• Provide help to navigate the health and wellbeing system and connect into community resources to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.
• To enable access to local services to promote community inclusion and connectedness, enabling sustainable recovery and support.
• To provide practical support to help people access the right services and support based on needs, preferences, and the options available.
• To actively signpost to Mushkil Aasaan’s Advocacy Service, Support Groups, and creative activities and events where appropriate.
• To maintain high levels of safeguarding awareness and to respond to risk and safeguarding issues as they arise whilst respecting the autonomy of the individual wherever possible.
• To monitor the effectiveness of interventions offered through the routine use of outcome monitoring tools reviewed directly in person.

Administration and Data Processing

• Maintain accurate and high-quality client records using databases and electronic filing systems.
• Ensuring compliance by the whole Team in entering all relevant data to ensure timely monthly DataSet reporting and Quarterly Reporting on the required 23 standards.
• Report quarterly client data updates in a timely manner, supporting the Head of Operations in compiling quarterly reports to the Trust.
• Support clients to complete relevant surveys and feedback forms at specific points in their peer support programme.
• Respond to any queries from the Trust relating to clients on the caseload in a timely manner, maintaining the required level of detail, accuracy and professionalism.
• Undertake any other ad-hoc administration related to the project from time-to-time. For example, scanning documents or printing Peer Support Group resources.

General

• To attend appropriate internal and external training courses, supervision and staff development.
• To attend regular clinical and line management supervision and to attend professional meetings with the Trust as appropriate.
• To be sensitive to the complex boundary issues in user-led work, act appropriately and with high standards of confidentiality.
• To adhere to Mushkil Aasaan’s policies related to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Health and Safety, and Safeguarding.
• To understand and respects the rights of individuals including choice, self-determination and cultural and religious needs.
• To adhere to data collection guidelines, complying with Data Protection policy.
• Any other duties that may be required in connection with this role and are deemed necessary and in the interest of the Charity.

Skills and Attitudes

• Very strong ability to actively engage with a wide range of Mental Health needs and an understanding of the issues people face in their lives.
• Ability to work consistently with high levels of empathy, warmth and unconditional positive regard.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with Service Users, their families, carers, community groups, partner agencies and stakeholders.
• Ability to identify risk and assess/manage risk when working with individuals.
• An understanding of the principles of confidentiality and how these apply when handling personal information.
• A working understanding of the principles of equality, inclusion & diversity and a commitment to providing an inclusive, culturally sensitive service.

 Person Specification

 Lived experience of mental health difficulties and the ability to use lived experience safely, purposefully and within appropriate boundaries in a professional role.

 Good understanding of the mental health system.

 Can demonstrate an awareness of the needs and perspectives of people experiencing mental health problems and of different cultures.

 Can demonstrate an awareness of issues around confidentiality and boundaries.

 Well organised, with good time management skills and attention to detail.

 Ability to learn and be supported through supervision.

 Excellent verbal communication skills and a high standard of written English.

 Strong Office IT skills including MS Word and Excel or equivalent.

 Able to relate to a wide range of people.

 To be proactive, use own initiative, and have a positive and can-do attitude.

 Collaborative approach to working with others, as part of a small, busy and passionate team.

 Flexible attitude to working hours.

 An understanding of the values and behaviour expected within this role

 Caring attitude towards people living with long term mental ill health and an understanding or how this role supports the needs of people with mental health issues.

 Clear understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and how they relate to mental health.

 Willingness to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

Ethnicity and Mental Health Improvement Program (EMHIP)

Hub 2 Updated Activities Timetable

Part-time Male Peer Support Worker x 0.5 Fte Post.

Apply on NHS Jobs Website

Hours: 0.5 FTE POST – HOURS/DAYS NEGOTIABLE

Salary: SP 23 £13,035

Pension: 3% pension contributions

Base: Mushkil Aasaan Community Centre, 220 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7EW

Closing Date: 8 December 2025

To apply, please email

• A current comprehensive CV
• A covering letter stating how you believe your skills and experience match the requirements of the role.

If you would like to have an informal chat about it, please contact Naseem Aboobaker on mobile at 07587634356.

In line with Mushkil Aasaans ethos of ‘Care for the Community by the Community’ it is essential for these roles to transcend detailed knowledge and understanding of the diverse languages, cultures, faiths and values of the Community and the dynamics and stigma that contribute to mental ill health.

The Peer Support Workers at Mushkil Aasaan will play a pivotal role in delivering tailored support to individuals facing emotional distress whilst focusing on their strengths and personal resources, aligning with their recovery goals and overall well-being. Our approach emphasises the use of own lived experiences with mental health challenges, to foster understanding, empathy and hope.

About the Peer Support Service:

As part of the Community Mental Health Transformation Programme, SW London & St Georges Mental Health Trust is commissioning the Peer Support Service. Mushkil Aasaan is excited to be working collaboratively with partners such as Wandsworth Carers Network and Sound Minds in delivering the Service.

The aim of the Service is to support Service Users through Peer Support for early intervention, help avoid crisis or deterioration, but also as a step down from more intensive medical support to help reintegrate with the community. Referrals will be triaged by the Integrated Recovery Hub in Wandsworth

The aim of the service is that Peer Support Workers use their own lived experience of mental health difficulties to support other people. They will work collaboratively with people within their service, focusing on the person’s strengths and personal resources and offer educational, emotional and practical support towards goals that are defined by the person.

About Mushkil Aasaan

Mushkil Aasaan began in the early 1990s as a grassroots project driven by Muslim women’s concerns for marginalized groups facing social exclusion and unmet needs. Originating from the breakdown of traditional family structures and urban migration, it evolved into a thriving Community Care Service. Committed to diversity and inclusivity, Mushkil Aasaan advocates for best practices and provides equitable services to all, regardless of background or identity.

Regulated by the Care Quality Commission it is a Specialist Provider of culturally- sensitive Domiciliary Care and End of Life. It also offers Crisis Intervention, Counselling and Family Mediation, Advocacy Services and Cost of Living Support, and Support Groups.

In promoting mental well-being, we implement a unique model of holistic support, offering management of crises and emotional distress. It aims to explore, enhance, and promote the inner strengths and resources of the individual towards a greater well-being, personal empowerment and focus.

Given its framework of reference to the diversity of cultures and languages it is well-placed in the heart of the Community in being a Wellbeing Hub. This offers a spectrum of shared activities and opportunities that enhance the overall wellbeing and sense of belonging in navigating ‘Care for the Community by the Community’.

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PEER SUPPORT WORKER – Main Responsibilities

Using lived experience to deliver peer support interventions

• Use their own lived experience of mental ill health and/or accessing mental health services to provide both emotional and practical support for service users.
• Work from a person centred, strength-based approach that responds to what the individual feels will support their recovery
• Delivery of short-term 1-1 Peer Support sessions with service users focussed on talking through their emotional challenges, building coping mechanisms and working together to meet their wellbeing goals.
• Delivery of short term, facilitated group peer support to allow service users to develop their own peer support networks and find strategies to improve and manage their own condition
• To be able to provide time-limited peer support that empowers service users to build confidence and take ownership of their own recovery. To avoid creating dependency by safely ending peer relationships in agreement with service users.

Assessing needs/goals, developing peer plans and measuring/reporting outcomes

• To conduct a person-centred, holistic wellbeing assessment that identifies goals and develops a peer plan to support and sustain positive mental wellbeing, building on assessment and referral notes from clinical teams.
• To monitor the effectiveness of interventions offered through the routine use of outcome monitoring tools reviewed directly with Service Users.
• To maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all work delivered on relevant data systems and to contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of our services
• To provide qualitative and quantitative reports on service outputs and service users’ outcomes as per the contract requirement with SWLSTG and NHS England.

Connecting and encouraging links with community resources

• Support Service Users in identifying how to manage their daily lives and offering key resources to support their wellbeing.
• Provide help to navigate the health and wellbeing system and through person-centred approaches connect into community resources to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.
• Supporting access to local services to promote community inclusion, connection, enable sustainable recovery and increase awareness of support available in the wider community.
• Offer practical support to help people access the right services and support based on needs, preferences and the options available.

Partnership work and collaborations with clinical teams

• Work as part of the wider Peer Support team, liaising with the Peer Support Coordinators, Community Mental Health Team, managing new referrals and working in partnership with Peer Support colleagues in partner agencies.
• To attend clinical team meetings such as Daily Integrated Allocation Meeting (DIAM) and Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) when appropriate to promote peer support service and discuss case allocation.
• To attend regular line management supervision, peer catch ups and reflective spaces and to attend other team meetings as appropriate including occasional meetings/ training days

Service user participation and safeguarding

• To maintain high levels of safeguarding awareness and to respond to risk and safeguarding issues as they arise whilst respecting the Service Users’ autonomy wherever possible.
• To ensure Service Users’ voices are always central to service developments and contributing to Service Users’ participation and engagement activities in the Charity

Other service and organisational duties/needs

• Undertaking direct promotion and publicity of the Charity’s services to Service Users, communities and professionals
• To actively implement and adhere to the Charity’s policies and procedures, including equalities, inclusion and diversity, safeguarding, GDPR, Health & Safety & Service User engagement policies.
• To confidently use Microsoft tools including Teams, Excel, Word, Power Point and Access, as well as other operational programmes that support the development and promotion of the service.

This list isn’t exhaustive, and the post holder might be required to support other tasks in the interest of the project and the organisation.

PEER SUPPORT WORKER – Person Specification

(E) = Essential, (D) = Desirable

Experience and Knowledge

• Able to draw on personal lived experience of mental health challenges, using mental health services and working on personal recovery journey (E)
• Experience of providing 1-2-1 support (social, emotional or practical) to people living with a mental health condition (either professionally or personally) (E)
• Experience in facilitating group work and delivering psycho-educational material (D)
• Ability to actively engage with a wide range of Service Users and understanding of the issues people with mental health issues face in their lives (E)
• Knowledge of mental health conditions, and the services and systems that support people experiencing mental ill health (D)
• Knowledge and understanding of a strength-based approach and ability to use lived experience to role model hope and to support people’s recovery (E)
• Understanding the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion, and commitment to providing an inclusive, culturally sensitive service (E)
• Understanding of confidentiality and how these apply when handling service user information (E)
• Understanding of legislation and policies related to the role, including the Care Act, Equality Act and the Mental Capacity Act
• Experience in recording data and case notes and experience in using a record management system (D)

Skills and Attitudes

• Ability to work consistently with high levels of empathy, warmth and unconditional positive regard (E)
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with Service Users, their families, carers, community groups, and partner agencies(E)
• Ability to identify, assess and manage risk when working with individuals (D)
• Ability to help clients identify recovery goals and support needs, as well as identifying other people and services that might help achieve these goals (E)
• Flexible attitude including a willingness and ability to offer a range of mental health support and to contribute to new initiatives and ways of working (E)
• Commitment to working collaboratively, linking with other community resources, including the Ethnicity and Mental Health Improvement Project (EMHIP) (D)
• IT skills to manage record-keeping systems and facilitate monitoring and reporting procedures to meet contractual requirements. (E)
• Ability to maintain professional working boundaries whilst offering flexible, compassionate support to clients (E)
• Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team in a busy and varied role (E)
• Able to undertake regular travel within Wandsworth, work remotely or make home visits where appropriate with colleagues from SWLStG (E)
• Ability to promote mutuality and reciprocity, as well as identify and address dependency (E)
• Ability to build safe, trusting relationships with individuals based on non-judgmental listening and shared lived experience (E)
• Willingness to undertake training as necessary and as part of professional development, including Peer Support Worker training (E)
• Willingness to regularly attend peer support reflective space meetings and one-on-one catch-up sessions with the peer support coordinator (E)