We are looking for a new Carer Peer Support Specialist to be based at the East Brighton Community Mental Health Centre, working with the Specialist Older Adults Mental Health Service. 

The team works with older people who have mental health needs and or a dementia diagnosis. Many of the people we work with have friends or family who act as unpaid carers. The role of the Carer Peer Support Specialist is to provide information and support to these Carers;  to help them understand the mental health system and to help them work collaboratively with our clinical team to achieve the best possible outcomes for their loved ones.

We’re looking for people who share our values of compassion, accountability and optimism to help us provide high quality care for the patients, carers, families and communities we serve. We specialise in NHS mental health and learning disability services and we’re proud to make a difference every day.

• Supporting Carers directly.
• Providing useful information for Carers about mental health.
• Building support networks for Carers.
• Working with the clinical team to build collaborative alliances with Carers who may be struggling.
• Contributing to service development by ensuring the 'Carer voice' is always represented.
• To share and discuss common experiences with family and friend carers in a variety of settings.
• To initiate, establish and maintain relationships with family and friend carers in a variety of settings, while developing trust and rapport.

For the full job description, including the key areas of responsibilities and accountabilities, please click the 'apply now' button. 

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from disabled candidates, as these groups are currently underrepresented.

• Health care or relevant National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 or equivalent skills acquired through experience.
• A recognised Peer Support qualification, for example, Level 3 Certificate in Peer Support Work, or an in-depth understanding of peer support approach.
• Evidence of a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Lived experience as a family member or carer for someone with severe mental illness.
• Knowledge of the mental health system and carers support services.
• Understanding of family issues, including in culturally diverse communities.

In the event of a high number of applications, we may close this vacancy early.