Peer Support Worker

We have a new opportunity for a Peer Support Worker to join our expanding Leeds Community Perinatal Team. We are committed to working in a multi-agency recovery focussed way with mothers, families, and wider social networks across all areas of our service. The role will be primarily working alongside the Clinical Engagement, Access and Inclusion Co-ordinator and will have a focus on health inequalities and increasing the accessibility of the service to women from diverse backgrounds. The successful applicant should be passionate about improving maternal mental health outcomes for diverse communities.
The service provides a range of care packages for women suffering from a moderate to severe mental illness in pregnancy and up to 24 months postnatal. This includes a specialist holistic assessment of need for mother and infant, group work, tailored 1:1 therapies and advice to a range of professionals on the care and management of women suffering from a significant mental illness or at risk of developing a significant mental illness in the perinatal period.
This is a part-time position for 18.5 hours per week.
Recovering from a significant mental illness in the perinatal period can be a challenging experience and one that is enhanced by having the support of somebody who has lived that journey. As an integral and highly valued member of the multi-disciplinary team, you will provide formalised peer support and practical assistance to service users in order for them to regain control over their lives and their own unique recovery process. Within a relationship of mutuality and information sharing, you will promote choice, self-determination and opportunities for the fulfilment of socially valued roles and connection to local communities.
The Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) is the main provider of Mental Health and Learning Disability services in Leeds. We also provide specialist inpatient services in York and some highly specialised services across the country. As a teaching trust with strong links to local universities, we are a centre of excellence for teaching, research and development.
There are many benefits of working for LYPFT including fantastic employee wellbeing support, 27 - 33 days annual leave, flexible working and remote working arrangements, the NHS Pension Scheme, coaching, support and opportunities for career development and training and education support alongside a range of exclusive discounts and payment schemes including for cars, extra leave days and more NHS Discount Offers.
We also have an incredible bank department, offering variety of roles in nursing, allied health professions, healthcare support worker and administration clerical. Permanent employees are automatically added to bank.
Applicants should be aware that for any individual who requires a visa to work in the UK, the Trust provides sponsorship for registered healthcare practitioner roles only. This is an essential requirement of the role, and the Trust is unable to offer you a role if you are unable to meet Trust requirements for sponsorship and Home Office requirements for a visa.
To be successful you will have an understanding of how to engage and work with diverse communities and what barriers can prevent people from accessing support. Experience of working in a volunteer capacity in this, or a similar setting would be a distinct advantage. You will need to be able to work within an extended team of professionals, as well as independently and demonstrate good time management. You should have the ability to work sensitively with mothers and their families and an awareness of safeguarding principles. Please also note that the role may include some occasional weekend and evening working to facilitate events and community engagement.