Join Us as We Reopen Our New CAMHS Inpatient Unit
We are pleased to invite applications for our brand new Peer Support Worker to join our newly redesigned CAMHS Inpatient Unit, reopening in Autumn 2026.
Following extensive co-design with young people, families and staff, and significant investment in our workforce and therapeutic approach, this is an exciting opportunity to work in a modern, recovery-focused inpatient service delivering high-quality, purposeful care to young people with acute mental health needs.
About the unit
Our refreshed CAMHS inpatient service is built around:
Purposeful admissions with early review points
Strong links with crisis and community services, including Crisis Outreach Acute Support Team
Trauma-informed and autism-aware practice
A focus on least restrictive practice and improving experience and outcomes
Supportive MDT working, safe staffing and strong clinical leadership
As a Peer Support Worker, you will bring hope, understanding and encouragement, helping young people to develop confidence, identify strengths and build towards their own recovery goals.
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- Use lived experience of mental health recovery in a purposeful and recovery-focused way to inspire hope and support young people during their inpatient admission
- Support young people on a one-to-one basis and through therapeutic group activities
- Help young people identify strengths, goals, coping strategies and sources of support
- Encourage participation in therapeutic, social, educational and recreational activities
- Work closely with the multidisciplinary team to support recovery-focused care planning
- Maintain clear and professional boundaries at all times and work within the defined scope of the Peer Support Worker role
- Recognise and escalate concerns relating to risk, safeguarding, wellbeing or deterioration to appropriate clinical staff
- Record information accurately in accordance with Trust policies and procedures
- Engage actively in peer and professional supervision, applying learning to practice while monitoring and maintaining own wellbeing and raising concerns promptly through appropriate support processes
- Contribute to the development and promotion of peer support within the inpatient service
Location
The unit is based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, with on-site parking and excellent transport links to London and across Sussex, as well as close proximity to Gatwick Airport.
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust delivers specialist mental health, learning disability and neurodevelopmental services across Sussex.
This post sits within our Specialist CAMHS Services and offers a unique opportunity to be part of a newly redesigned inpatient service from the beginning.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to creating a compassionate and supportive workplace where staff feel valued, respected and able to thrive.
What we can offer you
- The opportunity to help develop a new CAMHS inpatient service
- Comprehensive induction programme prior to opening where all staff train together and contribute to the team's therapeutic approach
- Specialist Peer Support Worker training and development opportunities
- Access to regular peer supervision, reflective practice and wellbeing support
- A supportive multidisciplinary team and positive learning culture
- Opportunities for ongoing CPD and career development
- NHS Pension Scheme and Agenda for Change benefits
If you are passionate about using your lived experience to support young people and want to help shape a new inpatient service focused on hope, recovery and meaningful change, we would love to hear from you.
Essential criteria
- Lived experience of mental health difficulties and personal recovery
- Ability to reflect on and use lived experience appropriately to support others
- Understanding of recovery-focused, person-centred and trauma-informed approaches
- Ability to establish positive and supportive relationships with young people
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
- Experience of working with people with mental health needs in either a paid, voluntary or lived experience capacity
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Willingness to engage in supervision, reflective practice and ongoing development
- Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-stigmatising practice
- Basic IT skills and ability to maintain accurate records
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience as a Peer Support Worker
- Experience facilitating group activities
- Understanding of CAMHS or services for children and young people
- Experience working in healthcare, social care, education or voluntary sector settings
- Knowledge of recovery, peer support and wellbeing approaches within mental health services
- Additional skills or interests that could support therapeutic activities such as art, sport, music, gardening or creative activities
