Peer Support Worker

Neurodiversity Peer Support Worker – Apprenticeship Opportunity

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) is recruiting a Neurodiversity Peer Support Worker to join its Neurodevelopmental Services in Doncaster, England.

This opportunity is suitable for people with personal lived experience of neurodivergence or experience of navigating neurodevelopmental services for themselves or a family member. The successful candidate will help individuals and families access support, build confidence, understand their strengths and develop self-advocacy skills.

The trust welcomes applications from candidates who require current Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants will be considered alongside other candidates, subject to the role’s requirements and applicable immigration rules.

The position is offered as a permanent, full-time role, with flexible working arrangements. Candidates who do not already have a relevant Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience may have the opportunity to complete a Level 3 apprenticeship.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Neurodiversity Peer Support Worker – Apprenticeship Opportunity
• Employer: Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH)
• Salary: £26,299.62–£27,476 per year
• Pay Band: NHS Band 3
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full-time, flexible working
• Location: Neurodiversity Centre, Askern Road, Bentley, Doncaster, DN5 0JR, United Kingdom
• Reference Number: 376-DCCGAO-0508
• Closing Date: 18 October 2026
• Visa Sponsorship: Applications from candidates requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome.

About the Role

This position offers an opportunity to use lived experience to support people and families accessing neurodevelopmental services.

As a Peer Support Worker, you will work alongside clinicians, families and partner organisations to provide practical, strengths-based and neuroaffirming support. You will help people develop confidence, improve self-understanding and strengthen their ability to advocate for their needs.

The role also involves helping individuals navigate important transitions and access appropriate services.

Candidates who do not already hold a relevant Level 3 qualification or have equivalent experience may be able to undertake a Level 3 apprenticeship relevant to the role.

The apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or another training provider, with approximately 20% of working hours dedicated to training or study. Successful completion leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

Key Responsibilities

Your main duties will include:

• Building supportive and trusting relationships with individuals and their families.
• Using your lived experience appropriately and professionally to inspire hope and confidence.
• Helping people understand their strengths, needs and preferences.
• Supporting the development of communication passports, self-advocacy tools and practical strategies.
• Encouraging engagement with appointments and relevant services.
• Providing information, signposting and practical support.
• Working collaboratively with schools, healthcare professionals, community organisations and families.
• Contributing to service improvement and co-production activities.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A good standard of general education, including literacy and numeracy, or equivalent demonstrable skills.
• English and Maths at Level 2 or an equivalent qualification, such as GCSE grades 9–4, A*–C, or Functional Skills Level 2.
• A willingness and ability to complete mandatory Trust training and role-specific training in peer support, safeguarding, professional boundaries, recordkeeping and information governance.

A relevant qualification in peer support, health, social care, youth work, education, community development or coaching is desirable. Recognised peer support training is also advantageous.

Essential Experience

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Personal lived experience of neurodivergence and the ability to use that experience safely and professionally to benefit others.
• Experience of receiving, seeking or navigating neurodivergence-related support through health, education, employment or community services.
• Experience of supporting, encouraging, mentoring or enabling others, whether formally, voluntarily or informally.
• The ability to work collaboratively and complete agreed tasks independently.
• Experience of supporting adults in community, employment, health, social care or voluntary settings.

Experience in health, social care, education, employment support, youth services, community organisations or voluntary services would be beneficial.

Experience of co-production, service-user involvement, training, presentations, community engagement, workplace support or carers’ services is also desirable.

Knowledge and Skills

Applicants should have a practical understanding of neurodivergence, including identity, strengths, support needs and the possible impact of diagnosis or self-identification.

You should also understand:

• Neuroaffirming, strengths-based and rights-based approaches.
• The purpose and professional boundaries of peer support, including the distinction between peer support and clinical care.
• How communication, sensory needs, executive functioning, changes, stigma and environmental demands can affect participation and wellbeing.
• Confidentiality, consent, safeguarding, professional boundaries, equality and inclusion.

Knowledge of local neurodevelopmental pathways, community resources, reasonable adjustments and relevant transitions would be an advantage.

About Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust

RDaSH employs approximately 4,000 colleagues and provides a wide range of services covering mental health, physical health, learning disabilities, and drug and alcohol support.

The Trust is committed to developing its workforce, improving service quality and creating an inclusive working environment. It values colleagues who share its commitment to delivering high-quality care and supporting people and communities.

Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship

The employer explicitly welcomes applications from candidates who require current Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

The advert confirms that applicants needing sponsorship will be considered alongside other candidates.

However, this does not guarantee that every applicant will receive sponsorship. Eligibility will depend on the role, the candidate’s circumstances and the applicable UK immigration requirements.

Applicants applying through the apprenticeship route should also review the attached apprenticeship eligibility document before submitting an application.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

The post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Applicants who have lived overseas may also need to provide criminal record certificates from relevant countries, in accordance with the applicable requirements.

Job Location

Neurodiversity Centre
Askern Road, Bentley
Doncaster, DN5 0JR
United Kingdom

Application Process

Interested candidates should review the full job description, person specification and, where applicable, the apprenticeship eligibility document before applying.

The Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy early if it receives a high volume of applications. Candidates are therefore encouraged to apply before the advertised deadline.

Closing Date: 18 October 2026

Employer Website:
https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/

Contact for Job Enquiries:
Jola Obisesan, Service Manager
Email: jola.obisesan@nhs.net

Source: NHS Jobs – Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust.