Lived Experience Lead for Service User Network

We have an exciting opportunity for a part time (30 hours/week) band 7 Lived Experience Lead, to join our team and work as part of our Service User Network (SUN).

SUN (Service User Network) is an initiative aimed at improving services for people with complex emotional needs or difficulties often associated with the diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’. The SUN service provides community-based, peer support groups that offer members a space to provide and receive support. SUN is a self-referral service that is open to anyone, irrespective of whether they are under the care of mental health services. Members accessing the service may or may not have a formal diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’; however, may have common experiences relating to difficulties around emotions and relationships.

As the SUN Lived Experience Lead, you will be jointly responsible for recruiting, developing, supporting and supervising the SUN Lived Experience group facilitators within the team. Your role will also include group co-facilitation, alongside additional line management responsibilities for the SUN Lived Experience workforce. You will work closely and collaboratively with the SUN Team Manager to ensure a joined-up approach to managing the service. You will have regular supervision and support in this role.

Your main base will be at Erlegh House, Reading, whilst also having an option to work from home when appropriate. The post will involve travel across all localities in Berkshire.

**The post holder will**:
Support in the recruitment of SUN Lived Experience group facilitators.

Support and develop SUN Lived experience facilitators, offering regular supervision to support and enable professional development.

Co-facilitate SUN groups - either in person or online.

Participate in regular SUN meetings and weekly group clinical supervision.

Attend promotional events and support opportunities to network and promote SUN within the community.

Work closely with colleagues more widely across the organisation to promote, develop and support the wider strategic development and delivery of the Trust’s Peer Support and Lived Experience workforce.

Have opportunities for supporting wider clinical and non-clinical work within the Intensive Management of Personality Disorder and Clinical Therapies Team (IMPACTT).

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we’re committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire.

We value diversity and are proud to be a Stonewall Top 100 Employer. We work hard to create an inclusive environment where you’ll be supported by friendly and professional colleagues to flourish.

**Our values at Berkshire Healthcare**:
Caring for and about you is our top priority

Committed to providing good quality, safe services

Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions

We welcome people who share these values to come and work for us.

**Benefits of working for us include**:
Flexible working options to support work-life balance.

27 days’ annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell

Generous NHS pension scheme

Excellent learning and career development opportunities

‘Cycle to Work’ and car leasing scheme

Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services

Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants

Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities and armed forces community to support equality

Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave.

Free parking across Trust sites

**The “must haves” for this role**:
Lived experience of difficulties associated with a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’.

Experience and passion for working as a team and working with and supporting lived experience colleagues.

Passion for group work and supporting people with complex emotional needs or difficulties associated with personality disorders.

Experience or strong working knowledge of mental health services, peer support and co-production.

An ability to be self-reflective, open to learning and to reflect sensitively on your personal experience of recovery to support others.

For more further information please attached Job Description and Personal Specification.

We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to call Charlie Thomas, SUN Team Manager, on 0300 365 8000 or Jennie Parker, Lived Experience KUF Development Lead, on 07800 918 330, who’ll be delighted to help.