Peer Worker Apprentice – Using Your Experience to Inspire Hope and Change Lives
Are you someone who wants to use your own lived experience to make a real difference to others? Do you enjoy supporting people to overcome challenges, build confidence and find hope in difficult times? If so, we’ve got a meaningful and rewarding opportunity for you as we’re looking for two Peer Worker Apprentice’s to join our Essex Outreach Service, supporting people who may be at risk of homelessness or struggling to manage their day‑to‑day wellbeing.
What makes this role special:
This isn’t just a job - it’s a chance to use your lived experience to uplift others. Joining us as a Peer Worker Apprentice, you’ll help people feel heard, supported and understood at a time when it matters most. You’ll support individuals dealing with trauma, complex challenges, dual diagnosis or social isolation but you’ll never do it alone. You’ll be part of a compassionate, experienced team who will guide you as you learn, grow and contribute your unique perspective.
You’ll also gain valuable skills through a structured apprenticeship, giving you the opportunity to build confidence, develop professionally and take steps toward a future career in support work.
About the Apprenticeship
As part of your 15-month apprenticeship, you’ll spend at least 20% of your time learning and developing, taking part in training sessions, workshops and regular 1:1 review. You’ll complete assignments and assessments linked to your day‑to‑day role, receive mentoring and support from experienced colleagues, and gain exposure to different teams across the organisation. Your programme will conclude with an end‑point assessment to achieve your qualification.
What you’ll need:
We’re looking for someone with lived experience of accessing services within your local area. This could be from treatment providers for drugs and alcohol addiction, homelessness or preventing risk of homelessness or help to manage your physical and mental health. You’ll need compassion, enthusiasm and a desire to help others whilst using your own experiences.
You will be
* An effective team worker who is open to learning
* Able to communicate well with customers, colleagues and external partners
* Confident in lone working when needed
* Able to support a wide range of people with different backgrounds and needs
You will have:
* Personal experience of housing issues that may have affected your mental health
* Personal experience of receiving support from services
* Be open and honest in sharing your personal experiences to support and inspire others
* The ability to stay calm, assertive and respectful in challenging situations
* Basic computer skills (Word, Outlook, inputting onto a database)
* Good listening skills and the ability to work well with your team
* Awareness of your own wellbeing and the confidence to seek support when needed
* Empathy, kindness and a good sense of humour
* The ability to provide great customer service, including helping people develop life skills and prepare for move‑on
Please note - This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, however content will not be a barrier for you being successful in the role.
What We Value
We’re proud of our values, and we live them every day:
* Be kind – We show empathy and care in every interaction.
* Do the right thing – We act with integrity and in the best interests of our residents.
* Love new ideas – We’re curious and always looking for ways to improve.
* Celebrate diversity – We value different perspectives and create a sense of belonging.
* Keep our promises – We do what we say we will.
* Pull together – We collaborate and support each other, especially when it’s tough.
If these values resonate with you, you’ll feel right at home here.
What We Offer
* A permanent role with a clear progression pathway
* A Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship, over 15 months.
* Support from our Learning & Development team and a dedicated mentor
* 25 days’ annual holiday plus bank holidays
* Two additional paid volunteering days each year
* Flexible benefits scheme, including family friendly benefits and access to a retail discounts portal.
* 4 x salary life assurance
* Up to 10% matched pension contributio
As an employer, Peabody does not provide sponsorship as a licenced UK employer.
Are You Eligible?
Before applying, check if you meet the apprenticeship funding requirements:
* You’ve lived in the UK, EEA, Switzerland, or Gibraltar for the last 3 years (you’ll need to show proof).
* You don’t already have a qualification at the same level or higher in this subject.
* You’ll be 18 or older when the apprenticeship starts.
If that sounds like you, this could be the perfect opportunity to start your career with full support and training, then please apply online and submit an anonymised CV!
Closing Date: 06 April 2026
What Happens Next
If you meet the eligibility and essential shortlist criteria, you’ll be invited to take part in an onsite interview at either our Colchester or Pitsea office, no later than 24th April. Before the interview, you’ll have the opportunity to understand what a “day in the life of a Peer Worker” is like with one of the team.
As an employer, Peabody does not provide sponsorship as a licenced UK employer
Salary description
£23809.00 - £23809.00 per year