Description
The Norfolk Integrated Housing & Community Support service (NIHCSS), part of Together launched a ground-breaking service to work alongside Norfolk County Council in January 2025. This opportunity enables us to bring the powerful voice of lived experience into the heart of Norfolk’s drug and alcohol treatment system.
We have a vacancy for six months commencing 1 July 2025 covering maternity leave.
Being part of this service, means that you will be influencing decision-making across all levels and ensuring that real-life experiences are at the forefront of shaping effective policies and services.
Do you have lived experience of substance misuse and are in a stable place with your own recovery?
Do you have a passion to influence change in the drug and alcohol system to improve the outcomes for those accessing treatment?
Would you like to ensure the voice of lived experience is heard and shapes the future Drug & Alcohol services in Norfolk?
If you answered YES, please read on...
As a Peer Researcher, you will have lived experience of substance misuse and a passion to influence change in drug and alcohol services to improve the outcomes for those accessing treatment. Involving the voice of lived experience will ensure that services and interventions offered are helpful and support people to succeed in their recovery. Future service development needs to reflect what people tell us, the best people to do this are those accessing services, not yet engaged and their friends and family. You will gather the views and opinions of people currently in treatment and those with lived experience, their families, friends and carers, developing a countywide network of lived experience, influencing decision making across all levels In this role you will have the opportunity to make a real difference to the future of Drug & Alcohol services across Norfolk. This role is covering the Norwich area.
Key Responsibilities
- Drawing on research methods, work with the Peer Research co-ordinator to develop appropriate and effective engagement methods to obtain the views and opinions of individuals with lived experience of drug and alcohol misuse to develop a countywide network of lived experience voices·
- Lead on the development and facilitation of lived experience and community groups in collaboration with other Peer Researchers and with support from the Peer Research Co-ordinator ·
- Attend meetings with relevant partners to ensure the voice of lived experience is represented to influence the design, delivery and evaluation of Norfolk's drug and alcohol services ·
- Work collaboratively with operational teams to ensure the effective integration of peer research into standard practice ·
- Support the development of peer networks across Norfolk alongside the Peer Research Co-ordinator ·
- Engage with local organisations, in addition to Together services, to promote opportunities for people with lived experience to share their experiences·
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Personal lived experience of substance misuse, stable within their own recovery.
- Passionate about and commitment to the empowerment of people who have lived experience of substance misuse
- Experience of developing and facilitating service user led or co-production projects
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to deal tactfully and sensitively with a range of people who use/have used legal and illicit substances
- Experience of group facilitation, including confidence supporting others to build skills to take part in substance misuse research
- Ability to develop, maintain and facilitate positive working relationships with service users, family and carers, those in peer roles, Together staff and health professionals
- Ability to work as part of a team as well as use own initiative, prioritise work and meet deadlines
- Excellent administration and time management skills, with good computer literacy skills, and proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to drive and use car for work is essential, due to the rural reach of the project
If you are passionate about research and education, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity and be part of making a meaningful impact for the future of services
Job Benefits
Download the PDF to find out more about what you can get out of working for us.
Benefits of Working for Together
At Together we value and encourage diversity and inclusion within our workforce. We are committed to creating a workplace where you can be your authentic self, welcoming applications from people from diverse communities and backgrounds who share our values. As an employer, we are committed to making any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
Successful candidates will require an enhanced DBS check. To find out more, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service. Together is committed to equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practices. Charity No. 211091
About Together for Mental Wellbeing
Together for Mental Wellbeing is a national charity that supports people with mental health issues to lead fulfilling and independent lives.
We value people as experts in what works best for them, and each individual we work with influences and shapes the support they and others receive from us.
Founded in 1879, today we work with approximately 4,500 people every month - at around 70 locations across England.
Our services include support in the community, accommodation-based support, advocacy, and criminal justice services.
We value people as experts in what works best for them, and each individual we work with influences and shapes the support they and others receive from us.
Founded in 1879, today we work with approximately 4,500 people every month - at around 70 locations across England.
Our services include support in the community, accommodation-based support, advocacy, and criminal justice services.
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