Overview
Senior Peer Support Worker (BAND 4; 1.6 WTE; Fixed Term: 1 year in first instance) – North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT).
The closing date is 06 October 2025
NELFTs Research and Development Department is seeking to appoint 2 peer support workers (PSWs) to work on the Let\s Talk 2 Trial. The PSWs will be primarily responsible for delivering the peer-delivered intervention Let\s Talk. The Let\s Talk intervention is a semi-structured approach to supporting people with psychosis who are experiencing internalised stigma and who report concerns about talking about their psychosis experiences or concealing their experiences because of stigma. It is underpinned by the principles of Peer Support. The PSWs will work together with service users across the footprint of the Trust. The posts will be for a fixed term of 12 months initially.
You will have lived experience of psychosis and experience in a relevant peer support role. You will be able to work in an independent and autonomous fashion handling a diverse caseload. You will uphold peer values of supporting and promoting recovery as a user-led concept, emphasise hope and optimism, value learning through lived experience and focus on strengths rather than deficits.
Supervision is provided for all duties by Dr Lisa Wood, Consultant Clinical Psychologist & site lead for Let\s Talk 2 in NELFT. The post will involve travel within the North East London area. For further information, please contact Dr Lisa Wood.
Main duties of the job
We will deliver the peer-delivered intervention Let\s Talk as part of the Let\s Talk 2 Trial and work across the footprint of the Trust.
Responsibilities include delivering the Let\s Talk intervention to people with psychosis experiencing internalised stigma, managing a diverse caseload, and working in collaboration with service users and the research team. The Let\s Talk PSWs will work jointly with service users across the footprint of the Trust. The posts are fixed term for 12 months initially.
References: Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage you to refer closely to these documents when applying. We welcome applications even if you do not meet all criteria; development needs can be discussed at interview.
About us
Starting with NELFT
NELFT place a high importance on welcoming and inducting new starters. All new starters join on the first Monday of each month and undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks, including mandatory training, systems training and equipment allocation. Induction includes opportunities to meet the executive team and attend drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction is held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.
Other terms
Probationary Period
This post is subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period unless they are currently part way through probation or are a current bank staff member.
High Cost Area Supplement
This post attracts a High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (minimum £4,714 to maximum £5,941 per annum pro rata for part time).
Sponsorship
This role is not eligible for sponsorship. You must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Applications from individuals requiring sponsorship will not be progressed.
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at NELFT. We encourage you to refer closely to these when completing your application. We welcome your application even if you do not meet all the criteria; any development needs can be discussed at the interview stage.
Supporting Our Communities
At NELFT, we are committed to supporting and investing in local communities. We prioritise applications from individuals who live within the areas we serve to build a workforce that reflects the diverse populations we care for and to strengthen local employment opportunities. Recruiting locally supports a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable health and care system.
References
Please ensure that references are from your most recent employer and that one is your direct Line Manager or Supervisor. Provide professional email addresses for all referees. We will contact them after an offer is made. We do not request references prior to interviews. Any gaps in employment should be clearly indicated. All applications via NHS Jobs are processed by the TRAC system. Some emails may go to spam/junk; please check regularly.
Use of AI
Applications should be written by the applicant. If AI programmes are used, the application may be rejected as this document is an important part of the assessment process. Support is available for applications for declared disabilities.
Sponsorship
Although we are a registered sponsor organisation, sponsorship for some roles cannot be offered and will be indicated via filtering questions at the start of the application on the TRAC recruitment system.
If you like the sound of working with NELFT, apply now!
Person Specification
Education
* NVQ level 2 or equivalent literacy and numeracy
* A willingness to undertake further training and/or qualifications
* NVQ3 in health and social care or equivalent experience
* Commitment to underpinning knowledge through work-based learning and mandatory training
Experience
* Significant experience of working as a Peer Support Worker in a relevant setting
* Own personal lived experience of mental health
* Understanding of mental health issues
* Awareness of local services and community organisations
* Knowledge of benefits/employment systems
* Ability to speak other languages
* Experience of delivering training
Knowledge and Skills
* Basic IT skills and familiarity with standard software
* Knowledge of good practice in Peer Support Work
* Ability to use email and word processing packages
* Understanding of personal Recovery
* Interpersonal skills and ability to form peer relationships with service users and carers
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Ability to understand other people\s experiences
* Commitment to Trust Equality and Diversity policies and Trust values
* Awareness of discrimination and disadvantage in mental health
* Ability to recognise and challenge stigma and discrimination
* Willingness to take initiative and advocate for peers
* Ability to communicate with a broad range of stakeholders
* Understanding of recovery principles
* Knowledge of Intentional Peer Support
* Experience in audits, surveys, and consultations
* Ability to co-produce new information resources
Other
* Awareness of Trust values
* Ability to travel effectively throughout the Trust
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires an enhanced DBS check.
NELFT North East London Foundation Trust
Address
Goodmayes Hospital, Research & Development
Salary
£27,485 to £30,162 per year, pro rata plus High Cost Area Supplement
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
Reference number
395-CC263-25
Job locations
Goodmayes Hospital, Research & Development
J-18808-Ljbffr