Perinatal Peer Supporter Vacancy

See attached job description.

About NCT

NCT is a charity with a clear mission: to support people as they become parents, through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.  

With a 65-year history of transformative change, we are a vibrant community of volunteers, practitioners, peer supporters, members and advocates. We are the largest parenting charity in the country and over the decades we’ve supported millions of people on their unique journey into parenthood.    

While many know us for our antenatal classes, we also do much more. We campaign on issues that matter to parents, provide infant feeding support, and run thousands of free community events and activities led by our amazing volunteers. We also support families facing challenges like social isolation, feeding difficulties, and poor mental health. We offer support in communities, in hospitals and online. 

About the role

We're looking for 5 Perinatal Peer Supporters to join us to provide compassionate, non-judgemental peer support to mothers, birthing people and families across Kent. Support will be delivered through a range of settings, including face-to-face and virtual peer support groups.

Working closely with our Perinatal Peer Support Service Lead, volunteers, health professionals and community partners, you will help create safe and welcoming spaces where parents can connect, share experiences and access appropriate support.

Join our passionate team and contribute to the meaningful work that transforms the loves of parents and families. Your role will include:

Facilitating welcoming and supportive perinatal peer support groups across Kent, including providing cover for additional sessions when required.

Building trusting relationships with parents and families, using active listening and peer support skills to help people feel heard, understood and supported.

Identifying when someone may need additional support, signposting to appropriate local services and escalating safeguarding or wellbeing concerns where necessary.

Working with volunteers, health and social care professionals, Family Hubs and community partners to increase awareness of the service and strengthen local referral pathways.

Supporting the ongoing development of the service through accurate record keeping, feedback, data collection, promotional activity and participation in service review meetings.

You will also contribute to promoting the service within local communities, particularly among families who may experience additional barriers to accessing support.

Safeguarding and wellbeing are central to this role. You will receive regular support and supervision and will be expected to raise any concerns appropriately and contribute to creating a safe environment for everyone using the service. 

About you

You will be compassionate, approachable and able to build trusting relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds.

You will have a strong understanding of the challenges associated with the perinatal mental health period and be confident providing sensitive, non-judgemental support to parents and families.

You will also bring:

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including active listening.
• The ability to manage your time effectively and prioritise competing demands.
• A reflective and solution-focused approach to your work.
• Confidence working independently while remaining connected to a supportive wider team.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and internet-based systems.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and to ensuring all families feel welcomed and supported.

Experience of community engagement, supporting vulnerable families or working with diverse cultural communities would be particularly valuable.

Knowledge of safeguarding, including child and vulnerable adult protection, and awareness of emotional and practical support services within the local community would also be beneficial.

You must either be a trained NCT Parents in Mind Peer Supporter or be willing and eligible to undertake this training. The training requires lived experience of perinatal mental ill-health and/or experience supporting someone through perinatal mental health challenges.

An Enhanced DBS check and driving licence are required for this role. You will also need to be willing and able to travel across the commissioned area, sometimes at short notice to support peer support sessions. 

Our Benefits – What we offer you  

We value our team and offer fantastic benefits to support your well-being and professional growth: 

• 30 days annual leave (excluding Bank Holidays)  
• Pension matched up to 5%  
• Flexible working options to suit your lifestyle  
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 GP access, personalised counselling, legal advice and more  
• Life Assurance for peace of mind  
• Free eye test for all staff, with further discounts  
• Blue Light discount card

How to apply

At NCT, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please let us know - we’re here to support you. Ready to make a difference? Apply now and be part of something truly special.  

If you would like to apply for this position please submit a CV and covering letter, outlining why you are interested in the role and why you think your skills, experiences and competencies are a good fit - in particular focus on the essential criteria. 

Please apply here: Perinatal Peer Supporter

If you have any questions about the role or recruitment process, please email jobs@nct.org

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for a role with NCT?

If you would like to apply for this position please submit a CV and covering letter, outlining why you are interested in the role and why you think your skills, experiences and competencies are a good fit - in particular focus on the essential criteria. Please submit to jobs@nct.org.uk.

What format should my CV be in?

Your CV and covering letter needs to be in a PDF or Word format.

Do you offer flexible working?

We welcome discussions about flexible working during the recruitment process.  We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise to genuinely consider any requests.

How do you use the personal information I have provided?

The personal information on your application is used for our recruitment process, and we won't use it for any marketing or pass it on to third parties.

When will I know if my application is successful?

If your application is shortlisted, we will contact you via the email address provided on the application form. Due to the volume of applications, we will only contact you if shortlisted for the role.

Why haven't I been invited for interview?

Unfortunately, we can't interview everybody who applies, and there might be applicants who have more relevant skills and experience suited to the role profile. Please be advised that due to the amount of applications we receive we are unable to offer feedback to our external candidates.