Vacancy Location: Macclesfield/Crewe
This is a permanent, 22.5-hour vacancy that will close in 16 days at 23:59 BST.
Your role
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Lived Experience Recovery Worker to join our Community Mental Health Unit.
At our organisation, our core purpose is to support those severely impacted by mental illness. We believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity, with equity as a fundamental value. We leverage the expertise, perspectives, and lived experiences of our staff—regardless of background—to foster an inclusive, anti-racist environment, and to reflect the diverse communities we serve.
The Community Mental Health Unit at Rethink collaborates with various specialists to be a key partner in system transformation. Our goal is to provide coordinated treatment and support tailored to individuals severely affected by mental illness.
Rethink Mental Illness partners with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to deliver this service. You will work alongside colleagues from the Community Mental Health Unit at Rethink and within the IRWC, where the Involvement, Recovery & Wellness Team coaches, mentors, and utilizes lived experience to teach self-management of long-term health conditions through group and individual sessions, fostering hope, opportunity, and empowerment.
How you will make a difference
As a mental health charity, Rethink Mental Illness is committed to improving the quality of life for people affected by mental illness. In this role, you will work closely with the IRWC at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to deliver peer support, coaching, and mentoring to service users.
You will engage with:
* Service users and carers
* IRWC clinical staff, practitioners, and community mental health teams
* Other health, social care services, and community groups
All Lived Experience Recovery Workers will perform similar roles; however, each worker is expected to have lived experience and knowledge in one of these specialisms: LGBTQ+, Neurodiversity, Carer’s support, or Severe enduring mental health.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
We value diversity and inclusiveness, recognizing that different perspectives enrich our understanding and service delivery. We support staff networks for ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues, are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and are signatories to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
We aim for our workforce to mirror the communities we serve, ensuring everyone feels heard, valued, and belongs. We actively encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of mental illness, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse individuals, people with disabilities, and from diverse ethnic backgrounds, regardless of age, religion, or socioeconomic status.
Our commitment to anti-racism
We aspire to be a truly anti-racist employer and service provider. Our multi-year Race Equality Action Plan guides our efforts, with progress updates available on our website.
We are dedicated to leading improvements in mental health equity and supporting those severely affected by mental illness.
What you will receive
We offer numerous opportunities for professional development, including funded training, career progression, and e-learning. Benefits include:
* Employer-funded pension
* Flexible working
* Life assurance
* Up to £55 towards glasses or lenses
* Training and e-learning courses
* Annual leave: 25 days rising to 30 plus bank holidays
* PULSE rewards platform
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Rethink day and birthday leave
Colleague testimonials
“From the start, I felt welcomed and respected. I can contribute ideas and develop my role, which helps me build new skills.”
“Working here is rewarding. I support volunteers and create opportunities that benefit mental health and our community.”
“This is the best employer I’ve worked for—caring about staff and making a real difference.”
“It’s fulfilling to be part of an organisation where everyone is valued and can make an impact.”
Note: We may close applications early if we receive high interest, so we encourage early applications.
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