Peer Support Worker

A rare opportunity for a motivated individual who has lived experience of the Criminal Justice System or custody in prison.

Do you want to become involved in working with psychologists and other practitioners, to support the recovery journey of people who struggle with their mental health?

Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) is seeking to recruit people with lived experiences to join our Primary Care Mental Health Treatment Requirements teams in Surrey, Buckinghamshire and Hampshire. This application is for Guildford area.

This post would be ideal for someone who wishes to use their own experiences of Prison and/or the Criminal Justice Service to help others who are accessing support for the Primary Care Mental Health Treatment Requirement.

Experience of peer support work is desirable, but not required, as the role depends more upon your ability to use your personal experience to support others and your aspiration to do so whilst being part of a NHS team that is supportive, approachable and dedicated to the role. Training will be provided.

The ability to commute independently across the Guilford area is essential.

The foundation of peer support is based on the recognition that there is no better person to support the path towards recovery than someone who has walked the same path as that individual. We actively seek peers who have lived experience of both the CJS and a health and social care need, e.g. mental health, substance misuse, etc.

Main duties of the job

The Peer Support Worker will provide formalised peer support and practical assistance to service users in order for them to engage with appropriate services, develop an identity outside of the criminal justice system, and regain control over their lives and their own unique recovery process. The Peer Support Worker will come alongside a service user and assist them when aspiring and considering the initial steps on their recovery journey.

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To establish a supportive and respectful relationship with service users
• To help individuals identify strengths, interests, and their own achievable and meaningful recovery goals
• To support the implementation of groups and networks that enable participation in activities
• To actively engage with colleagues and other professionals to ensure the needs of the client group are met