Peer Support Worker

Service User/Carer Experience Establish supportive and respectful relationships with people using mental health services and their carers, friends and families Support the promotion of recovery orientated environments, modelling positive strengths based, non-discriminatory, non-jargon language in all areas of work To demonstrate and promote the values and positive image of the Trust in terms of a compassionate, empathic and responsive experience of the service Interact with service users and carers to enable them to communicate their needs, personal resources, choices and decisions regarding their care and support Identifying appropriate crisis, wellbeing and recovery tools and resources (both mental health or social care specific but also individual) that will support someone both in real time and when facing any future crisis in order to minimise negative impacts To help service users access information on health promotion as well as mental and physical wellbeing To contribute to lone-working and safeguarding procedures/processes to support service user/carer/public safety Service Improvements To reduce the frequency and potential negative impact of unnecessary or prolonged contact with mental health services Contribute to the positive reputation and development of policy and practice around the expansion of workforce of people with lived experience within the Trust Support people to access the information and advice they require to make informed decision and choices around the support they receive Support the development of quality eating disorders services To proactively raise the profile of peer support both within SWLStG, and externally, through co-delivery of presentations, workshops, and participation in Trust wide peer related projects and audits: and information sharing as required and as agreed with the line manager Personal and People Development Recognise own limitations and make judgements within level of own competency when undertaking peer support work. Recognise situations which require intervention from another member of the team and escalate to more senior staff. Responsibility for maintaining appropriate boundaries with the people with whom you are in contact with in the course of your work Participate in the induction of new staff and assist in the delivery of training to other lived experience roles as appropriate Access and promote tools for maintaining personal wellbeing and seek support/help if situations are difficult to manage To be aware of, teach others and challenge issues in relation to stigma, low expectations and anti-discriminatory practice as appropriate. To develop peer-focused leadership skills to support the reputation of the lived experience workforce, supporting new projects as needed Communication Identify from building a connection with service users when it is appropriate and safe to share personal experiences, and where sharing is purposeful Communicate in a way which recognises difference and ensures that people feel included and their individual communication needs are met.

Using the values of peer support, overcome barriers or difficulties that service users might have in understanding peer support so that they can effectively engage. To support the service user to prepare for meetings regarding their care, assisting them to understand and be able to communicate their rights and choices within services Use communication skills effectively when supporting people in distress, in line with trust policies To ensure appropriate level of record keeping and adhere to local and Trust policy Report any untoward incidents or unusual occurrences to the manager in a timely manner