Peer Support Worker inMaidstone inMaidstone PUBLISHED FRI 25 OCT 2024

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

EMPATHY ENHANCED DBS MENTAL HEALTH NHS ROLE MODEL WEEKEND

Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust rTInwfHb

The Peer Support Worker role at Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust involves using personal recovery experiences to inspire and support individuals with mental health conditions. Working primarily within Adult Mental Health services in Maidstone, the position includes building strong relationships with service users, helping them set realistic goals, and facilitating their recovery journey. The role requires effective communication, teamwork, empathy, and administrative skills, with a commitment to promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma.

Applicants must have a history of mental health recovery and at least twelve months without using mental health services. The position offers flexible working hours, training, and support from a network of peer workers. Responsibilities also include contributing to the development of the peer support role and collaborating with other community services to enhance service delivery.

The Adult Mental Health services specialise in the assessment and treatment of service users with mental health conditions, serving the community of Kent and Medway. There are three wards that are covered by our team; two for female and one for male patients (18 beds each).

Have you experienced mental health problems and used mental health services?

Could you use your recovery to inspire hope and support others?

At KMPT we believe that people who have experienced, and who are living well with mental health problems, can be the most knowledgeable, skilled and inspirational supporters of others on the recovery journey.

As a Peer Support Practitioner, you will use your own experience of recovering from mental health issues to encourage, inspire and inform others, supporting them in their own journey of recovery, and acting as a role model. In this way, you can enable our service users to live as independently as possible and make the most of their potential.

You will receive induction, training and on-going supervision, including a network of other peer support workers employed within KMPT.

Working days will be flexible depending on the needs of the service users and may include weekday and weekend working.

We require a period of twelve months without using mental health services prior to applying.

All posts are subject to enhanced DBS check (formerly, a CRB check).

The role of Peer Support Practitioner will involve:

Building strong, supportive relationships with our Service Users
Helping Service Users to set realistic and positive goals and empowering them to live fuller, more fulfilling lives
Supporting the group programme on offer by sharing your own experiences
Developing the service, and helping its users to get involved in this process
Completing a range of administrative tasks
Liaising widely with other staff and services within the community
Promoting awareness of mental health and reducing stigma

To join us as a Peer Support Practitioner, you will need:

A background of personally recovering from mental health issues
Experience of using mental health services
An understanding of factors which can affect recovery in mental health
IT literacy including Microsoft Office and Internet or a willingness to learn
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
The ability to work well in a team
Empathy, good listening skills, and common sense
You will need to be able to know when to ask for help

The post will also involve contributing to the development of the Peer Support Practitioner role, particularly within mental health services.

About us
Please refer to the attached job description for full details and the main responsibilities of the role.

More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:

Possible interview questions for this job Click to view Start practice interview NEW!

Please wait...this will take a moment...

More about the NHS

The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of healthcare in the United Kingdom, established in 1948 with the simple yet profound principle of providing healthcare to all citizens, free at the point of use. This revolutionary system aimed to ensure that access to medical services would not depend on an individual’s financial situation, a concept that has since become fundamental to British societal values. Learn more...

More about MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health has emerged as a critical issue in the United Kingdom, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis highlighted the fragility of mental well-being across different demographics, from children and adolescents to adults and the elderly. It has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of mental health care, accessibility, and the stigmas often associated with mental illnesses. Learn more...

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.

More from Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust

Admin CoordinatorinGillingham

Clinical Associate PsychologistinRamsgate

Occupational TherapistinGillingham

inMaidstone

51.27223205566406 0.4886294901371002 Maidstone

in Maidstone click to show distance

Click to enable the interactive map at this job's location

Locations are approximate. Learn more

Peer Support Worker inMaidstone inMaidstone PUBLISHED FRI 25 OCT 2024

Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust rTInwfHb

About us Please refer to the attached job description for full details and the main responsibilities of the role.

About us
Please refer to the attached job description for full details and the main responsibilities of the role.