Peer Support Worker inHereford inHereford PUBLISHED FRI 25 OCT 2024

Band 3: £24,071 to £25,674 a year pro rata FIXEDTERM GOOD SALARY

CASELOAD NHS

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust rwvAQdcN

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust is seeking a part-time Band 3 Peer Support Worker for a fixed-term role within their Herefordshire Early Intervention Services. This position, requiring 22.5 hours per week, is designed for individuals aged 14-65 who have recently experienced their first episode of psychosis or are at risk of developing psychosis. The ideal candidate will have personal experience with psychosis and must be at least one year post-discharge from an Early Intervention In Psychosis Service. The Peer Support Worker will provide formalized peer support, helping service users understand their experiences while promoting a unique recovery process that emphasises choice, self-determination, and community connections.

Key responsibilities include establishing supportive relationships, facilitating peer support within professional boundaries, helping service users set and achieve recovery goals, and promoting health education. The role also involves supporting service users in accessing local resources and activities, assisting in group settings to foster social inclusion, and collaborating with healthcare professionals. The Peer Support Worker will act as a recovery champion and will participate in the ongoing development of peer roles and training within the Trust.

We have an exciting opportunity for a part-time Band 3 Peer Support Worker (Expert by experience)- 0.6 wte (22.5 hours per week) , 18-month fixed term/secondment within the Herefordshire Early Intervention Services.

The services address the needs of people aged 14-65 who have recently experienced a first episode of psychosis, or aged 14-35, who may be at risk of developing psychosis.

The role requires you to have had a personal experience of psychosis and be at least one year post-discharge from an Early Intervention In Psychosis Service. The post holder must be able to provide formalized peer support and practical assistance to patients within the service to understand their experience and promote an individual and unique recovery process. Within a relationship of support and peer information sharing, the post holder will promote choice, self-determination, and opportunities for the fulfillment of personally valued roles and connections to local communities.

For further information or an informal discussion, please contact : Sarah Lewis

If you wish to be considered for a secondment please gain permission from your Substantive Manager before applying

The main duties for a Peer Support Worker includes

Establishing supportive and respectful relationships with service users

To provide peer support whilst maintaining professional boundaries

Sharing ideas about ways of achieving Recovery goals, drawing on personal experiences and a range of coping, self-help and self-management techniques.

Sign-post to various resources, opportunities and activities within the Trust and in local communities (Voluntary sector).

Supporting service users to attend appointments/meetings/activities of their choice and to offer support in practical tasks.

Provide and promote health education; support and encourage the patient to meet their own health and wellbeing needs.

Provide support to the carers of patients/service users on their caseload.

Assist in groups to promote social inclusion, health and wellbeing and independence/recovery.

Complete documentation accurately and contribute to reports of patients activity and progress in a timely manner.

Participate in discussions about patient care including MDTs and supervision.

Maintain and develop skills through training and supervision.

Liaise effectively and work collaboratively with colleagues, other health professionals, teams and voluntary agencies

To complete (if not already completed) the Trusts Peer support worker training programme

About us
The PSW will act as a recovery champion and an ambassador of recovery for the Trust with external agencies and partner organisations. There is also an expectation that PSWs will be involved in the ongoing development of peer roles in the Trust including the Peer Support Training Programme and evaluation.
For full details of the duties and criteria for the role please refer to the job description and person specification attached.

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Useful skills for a Peer Support Worker: Click to view

To work as a Peer Support Worker in the UK, you typically need a combination of personal attributes, skills, and practical knowledge. Here are some essential skills and qualities that are valuable for this role:

1. Lived Experience: Having personal experience of mental health challenges, addiction, or other relevant issues is fundamental. This allows you to relate to and understand the experiences of those you will be supporting.

2. Empathy and Compassion: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others is crucial. You should be able to listen without judgment and offer support in a caring manner.

3. Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for effectively engaging with individuals, families, and the wider community. This includes active listening and expressing thoughts clearly.

4. Interpersonal Skills: Building trust and rapport with those you support is important. You should be approachable, friendly, and able to connect with diverse individuals.

5. Problem-solving Skills: The ability to help individuals find solutions to their challenges is key. This includes being resourceful and supportive in helping people overcome barriers.

6. Teamwork: You may work collaboratively with mental health professionals, social workers, and other support staff, so being able to cooperate and integrate within a team is vital.

7. Boundaries and Professionalism: Understanding professional boundaries and maintaining a professional demeanor while being supportive is crucial. This includes knowing when to refer someone to a professional for additional help.

8. Cultural Competence: Awareness and sensitivity to cultural differences, including understanding how different backgrounds can affect an individual's experience and needs.

9. Advocacy Skills: The ability to advocate for the needs and rights of those you support, navigating services and systems effectively on their behalf.

10. Knowledge of Support Services: Familiarity with local mental health services, support networks, and community resources so you can guide individuals to appropriate help.

11. Training: Some positions may require or recommend specific training programs, such as Mental Health First Aid, or specialized peer support training.

12. Self-care and Resilience: The role can be emotionally demanding, so you should have skills in self-care and resilience strategies to maintain your own well-being while supporting others.

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