Peer Support Worker

We have an exciting opportunity for a Peer Support Worker to join our inspiring and friendly team at our Access Mental Health Service.

Peer Support Workers will be an early point of contact for people in Wiltshire contacting Access Mental Health for support and advice. You will share elements of your personal journey to inspire others and to work in a relatable way and build on peoples hopes and strengths.

If you, would you like to work for a leading mental health charity in a rewarding role where you will really make a difference, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

Your role will be a field based position where you will work flexibly whilst covering the geographical area of Wiltshire. You will work full time, 35 hours per week on a fixed term contract with a salary of £21,216 per annum. You can read more about the rewards you will receive on the full advert on our website.

Access Mental Health is part of the Third Sector Alliance, working across the sector together with Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and Oxford Health Foundation NHS Trust to provide accessible, responsive, and inclusive mental health support across the local area, as part of the national Community Services Mental Health Framework. This system-wide changes will transform how community mental health services are delivered and placing communities and individuals at the heart of what we do and how we do it.

How will you make a difference?

**You will**:
enable and encourage service users to find out about local services and facilities within their community and enable access to alternative services where specific needs are identified

keep up to date and accurate records

[AD1] use the recovery model to develop self-confidence and move towards the persons identified goals

work flexibly, in the community and remotely to meet the service needs, responding to referrals within in service timeframes

provide appropriate support to carers and relatives

encourage people to recognise, understand and manage factors that affect their mental wellbeing and physical health

challenge the stigma and difficulties around access to services for people with mental illness

proactively contribute to continuously improving the service by making positive suggestions, providing constructive feedback and assisting in the implementation of agreed new ways of working

support people we support to express their satisfaction with the opportunities they have accessed by submitting comments, compliments or complaints

encourage and facilitate the involvement of service users and carers in the development of the services in an advisory or volunteer capacity

monitor and report to senior staff on the effectiveness of support delivery and contract performance

professionally accountable and responsible for the delivery of the Access Mental Health with direct support from the Service Manager.

Who I am?

**I have the essentials covered**:
I can make a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s situation and needs; to develop, implement and review risk management plans and devise support plans and activities to meet these needs.

I have experience of supporting people experiencing mental health crisis and those with complex emotional needs who are at risk of crisis.

I have experience of partnership working, negotiation and liaison work with other agencies

I have experience of staff supervision and coaching

I have excellent written and verbal communication skills, tailored to a variety of audiences

I am skilled at partnership working, negotiation and liaison work with other agencies

[AD2] I am proficient, creative, adaptable and open, trauma-informed

I work flexibly and proactively with partners

The safety and wellbeing of our service users and colleagues is our priority. It is a condition of employment for anyone joining us in a front-line role that they have either had the recommended Covid-19 vaccine or agree to have it when offered by the NHS. We also require all staff to undertake regular testing to ensure the safety of service users and staff. You can find more information on our approach and why we have made this decision in our attached Covid-19 vaccination information document. This includes information for pregnant women and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”