Peer Support Worker

Job summary hours per week.The role of peer support worker has been developed specifically for people who have lived experience of mental health challenges and services.
Through sharing wisdom from their own experiences, peer support workers will inspire hope and belief in recovery, and supporting others to gain a sense of control over their lives.The applicant should have past experience of using services andbe a positive representative for recovery.
Enthusiastic about supporting peoplewith mental health challenges and able to adapt and be flexible to work with change.We welcome people with lived experience who are in a resilient place with theirown recovery, have 6 months since completed therapy (established no life threatening behaviours) and can manage the demands of the role, who are positive aboutdifference and diversity.
An understanding of group and individual therapy and knowledge of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy.
We also offer interventions such as Mentalisation Based Therapy and Structured Clinical Management.Based with the Personality Disorders and Complex Emotional Needs (PD/CEN) Service, the Peer Support Worker will work across the PD/CEN pathway, including Primary Care, CMHS and third sector partner agencies.
The role will include supporting service users transition between services.This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.All Livewell staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service.
Main duties of the job The Peer Support Worker (PSW) will act as a recovery champion across mental health services pathways and act as ambassador of recovery for the trust with external agencies and partner organisations.PSW will work alongside a number of service users on a 1:1 or group basis, reporting to the team manager and under the professional supervision of a Therapist or, Peer Support Worker lead.The PSW is an example and role model for recovery to inspire hope and,encourage use of the opportunity of therapy.The role is varied and can change according to needs of theservice and those that use the service.
It might include supporting triage of newreferrals, limited sessions over the telephone to support newly acceptedclients.
Checking in with people waiting for the service, specific virtual andin person one to one in support of therapy, skills practice (such asmindfulness, emotional regulation techniques, social anxiety support).Preparation for being in group.
There is also a developing PSW led group andPSW with third sector group.
We are ambitious about developing afamily support group.
The role is to be alongside the clients towards a lifeworth living and into community-based resources and support utilising thetherapy and interventions to make changes to their lives.Interviews are planned provisionally for 17th January 2025 to be confirmed.Please note that the closing date for this vacancy may end sooner than advertised if we receive a high volume of applications.
About us Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall.
Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values, kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration.
We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place.
Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships.
Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities.
If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.
Job description Job responsibilities 5.
MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES5.1Responsibility for People ManagementTo be involved in the continued development of the PSW training programme and in the ongoing evaluation of the PWP role.To participate in and support students learning along with other members of the team.5.2Responsibility for financial and/or physical resourcesThe post holder will have no direct responsibility for finance; however they will adhere to relevant LWSW policies on financial issues.The post holder will use Livewell resources in a sustainable way.To have a knowledge and understanding of counter fraud.5.3Responsibility for administrationTo plan own diary and maintain accurate records of all activityMaintain up to date electronic records in a timely and accurate mannerMaintain confidentiality of information being aware of LWSW policies and local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.To regularly access email and other information through Livewell SouthWest Intranet.5.4Responsibility for people who use our servicesThe PSW will work with a number of service users on a 1:1 or group basisThe post holder will form and maintain supportive relationships with service usersThe post holder will promote better mental health by acting as a suitable role model.The post holder will accompany service users to appointments with agencies across the pathway, CMHT, Third sector agencies and PCMHT to undertake a number of practical tasks, aligned to recovery goals.To attend meetings and other formal/informal communication events linked to the work of the team, as directed by team manager.To liaise appropriately with other agencies as part of supporting the delivery of care.The post holder will share ideas about ways of achieving recovery goals, drawing on personal experience and a range of coping, self-help and self-management techniques.To assist others to create their own recovery plans, make and record advanced decisions.To support patients to identify and overcome fears within a relationship of empathy and trust.To model personal responsibility, self-awareness, self-belief, self-advocacy and hopefulness.To monitor mental health of service users and report changes to qualified staff so that the care plan can be kept fully up to date.
Be aware of fluctuations in mental health.To work with service users and carers to work towards recovery.Encourage social/physical activities as identified within the care plan.Promote independence and recoveryBe able to respond effectively to any concerns of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns.To participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned activity programmes to improve the persons quality of life.
To record contacts, interventions and observations on the electronic record systems.5.5Responsibility for implementation of policy and/or service developmentsTo abide by the PSW code of conduct ,so that the central focus of work, inspiring recover, is not compromised in any way.To comply with Livewell southwest policies and procedures relevant to the role.To report any observed incident of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences or faulty equipment.To participate professionally in service development and propsed service changesTo take part in any audit processes as required.Comply with universal infection control precautions and procedures.To complete all Mandatory training and other training pertinent to the role, as agreed by line manager.
ResponsibilitiesThe post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, and competenciesBe punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with Livewell policies6.
COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPSThe post holder will sign-post to various resources, opportunities and activities within LWSW and third sector agenciesTo act as an ambassador for Livewell with external agencies and partner organisations.To support the team in promoting a recovery orientated environment by identifying recovery focused activities and imparting information and education as required.7.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOBThe post holder must be able move across Plymouth as part of their community work,The post holder will be competent in computer skills Person Specification Experience Essential Lived experience of using mental health services Previous care experience with people who have mental health difficulties.
Desirable Previous experience working in a multidisciplinary team.
Experience of actively supporting individuals to identify and work towards achieving personal goals in a related social care or health setting (paid or unpaid).
Knowledge Essential Knowledge of mental health Awareness of safeguarding principles Basic IT skills Good communication and listening skills Organisational skills Problem solving skills An awareness to maintain professional Boundaries Awareness of own limits and boundaries in relation to own job role Good written communication Willingness to positively share your own life experiences, personal experiences of your own ill health with service users and carers.
Ability to problem solve and create innovative solutions to help empower service users.
Sensitive understanding of diversity issues and ability to promote anti-discriminatory practice/ equal opportunities Resilience Desirable A basic understanding of physical health presentation Specific Skills Essential Ability to manage time and plan work.
To complete clinical records To take leadership and direction from qualified staff To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties.
Ability to work in a team effectively Additional Requirements Essential To be able to mobilise across Plymouth throughout the working day.
Qualifications Essential Vocational Qualification Level III or equivalent qualification/skills/knowledge and ability to work to this level.
To complete the NCFE level 2 in understanding and supporting people with mental health needs and complete care certificate within the first 6 months of joining unless already obtained.
Desirable QCF level 3 in health and social care or equivalent qualification/skills/knowledge and ability to work to this level.
Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.