Peer Support Worker

Job summary A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a PeerSupport Worker within the Devon Partnership Trust based at Redhills CrisisHouse Exeter.
This is a part-time position, you will be required to work 30hours per week.You'll be joining Devon Partnership Trust, whichencompasses urban, rural and coastal demographics that combine to make this afascinating and beautiful area to work.The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic,motivated and skilled service and help the team to build upon the successful work they haveand continue to achieve.
The role of Peer Support Workerhas been developed specifically for people who have lived experience of mentalhealth challenges.
We are looking to recruit a person with lived experience ofThrough sharing your ownexperiences, this may inspire hope and belief that recovery is possible inothers.Your role will be to establishsupportive relationships with people using mental health services based on thecore principles of peer support (mutuality, reciprocity, strengths-focused,safe, progressive, non-directive, recovery-focused and inclusive).
As an integral member of themulti-disciplinary team, you will provide formalised peer support to serviceusers in order for them to achieve goals that they have identified forthemselves.
This will include signposting to other organisations and connectionto local communities.
Main duties of the job To communicate effectively with people using servicestaking into account any communication difficulties they may have and respondingappropriately.
Toprovide support within the home environment, within a community settings or onmental health wards.
To workin a way that acknowledges the personal, social, cultural and spiritualstrengths and needs of the individual.
Tosupport patients service users to prepare for meetings regarding their care assessments, ward rounds, clinical meetings etc.
Tosupport patients service users to access information on health promotion, mentaland physical wellbeing and integrate into their recovery.
To maintainaccurate and complete records consistent with legislation, policies andprocedures.
To supportindividuals with understanding their rights and choices within the service.
To fosterand maintain good working relations with members of community teams, health andsocial care workers, inpatient services, GPs, carers and other agencies.
Tomodel personal responsibility, self-awareness, self-belief, self-advocacy andhopefulness.
To support engagementwith local resources, opportunities and activities within the Trust and incommunities to establish connections to maximise opportunities for taking onsocially valued roles and a positive identity.
About us About Devon Partnership TrustWe provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally.
We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing.
We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we doOur valuesWe not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values.
These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion.
We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010.
Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible.
We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities.
We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job description Job responsibilities Communication and Working Relationship Skills To communicate effectively with people using services taking into account any communication difficulties they may have and responding appropriately.
To provide support within the home environment, within a community settings or on mental health wards.
To work in a way that acknowledges the personal, social, cultural and spiritual strengths and needs of the individual.
To support patients/service users to prepare for meetings regarding their care assessments, ward rounds, clinical meetings etc.
To support patients/service users to access information on health promotion, mental and physical wellbeing and integrate into their recovery.
To maintain accurate and complete records consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.
To support individuals with understanding their rights and choices within the service.
To foster and maintain good working relations with members of community teams, health and social care workers, inpatient services, GPs, carers and other agencies.
To model personal responsibility, self-awareness, self-belief, self-advocacy and hopefulness.
To support engagement with local resources, opportunities and activities within the Trust and in communities to establish connections to maximise opportunities for taking on socially valued roles and a positive identity.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills The post holder will be aware of and will work within their own limits and competencies.
Report any untoward incidents, safeguarding concerns or unusual occurrences to the manager/senior clinician immediately.
Be able to identify a situation that requires escalation to a manager safeguarding, patient risks, and environmental risks.
To be able to share their own lived experience responsibly in line with codes of conduct and Peer Support training programme.
Planning and Organisational Skills Be punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with Trust Policies.
To plan and manage own diary in collaboration with the wider team and maintain accurate records of all activity.
To liaise appropriately with other Agencies as part of supporting the delivery of care.
To attend meetings and any other formal/informal communication events linked to the work of the team and the wider Peer Support workforce, as directed by the team leader and Peer Support Leadership team.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy To share ideas about ways of supporting self-defined recovery goals, drawing on personal experiences and a range of coping, self-help and self-management techniques.
To provide support to individuals in gaining choice, developing and managing meaning and purpose of life and independence, and maintaining dignity and self-respect.
To assist others to create their own Recovery plans and make and record advance decisions.
To model peer support values of inclusivity, respect, reciprocity, mutuality and to work in a way that is non-directive, progressive, strength-based, safe and recovery focused.
To accompany service users to appointments/meetings/activities of their choice and performing a range of practical tasks, aligned to recovery goals.
To monitor mental health 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.
Working with carers involved in a persons self-defined recovery.
Be able to respond effectively to any concerns of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns.
To support access and facilitation of activity sessions both on a one-to-one and group basis for service users.
To have the ability to use their lived experience to connect with, explore and safely develop a mutual relationship with patients.
This relationship is the basis for jointly understanding the patients own resources and applying these.
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation Report using the risk management system any observed incidence of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences or faulty equipment.
Comply with universal Infection Control precautions and procedures.
To complete all core training requirements and other appropriate training courses relevant to the PSW role, as agreed with their local line manager.
To comply with all relevant Trust policies, protocols and procedures, including those relating to Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety and Confidentiality of Information and any others relevant to the role.
To attend clinical, business & service development meetings as required.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources Assist in maintaining safety and security of the environment.
Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the environment (including equipment).
To have knowledge and understanding of counter fraud.
The post holder will have no direct responsibility for finance, but they will need to adhere to relevant Trust policies on travel, expenses etc.
To use Trust NHS resources in a sustainable way.
Responsibility for Human Resources, Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management To participate in the Trusts mandatory training and the PSW training programme.
To participate and attend appropriate training courses and continued professional development opportunities as agreed by the team manager.
To participate in and support students learning along with other members of the team.
To participate development and engagement opportunities considered appropriate to the PSW role and as identified in their appraisal.
To contribute to their annual appraisal.
To receive regular line management supervision as arranged by the ward/service manager.
To make full use of clinical supervision, peer support with other peer workers and other support as necessary in order to remain well and safe in their PSW role.
This protected time will enable them to work in a supportive way with the challenges of using lived experience to support people with potentially difficult and distressing issues.
Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties Maintain up to date electronic records in a timely and accurate manner.
To regularly access emails and other information through the Trusts intranet.
Maintain confidentiality of information being aware of Trust policies and local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.
Work in accordance with lone working policy.
Person Specification Experience Essential Ability to demonstrate first person experiential knowledge of recovery from mental health challenges.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the concept of personal recovery as it may apply to others.
Lived experience of accessing and negotiating secondary mental health services or equivalent experience from private healthcare/lived experience relevant to patient group Basic knowledge of peer support Evidenced modelling of peer support values Demonstrate a willingness to share own experience of mental health with the sole intention of supporting service users.
Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations Desirable Personal experience of being significantly impacted by mental illness and recovery) Paid or unpaid working experience in health and social care.
Experience of actively supporting individuals to identify and work towards their self-defined goals in a related social care or health setting (paid or unpaid).
Awareness of safeguarding principles.
Qualifications Essential Basic Education (Level 2 Qualification).
To complete Care Certificate training within the first 3-6 months of joining unless already obtained Basic IT skills Desirable NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification or experience/ equivalent working experience using lived experience.
Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings (statutory or voluntary).