Lived Experience Worker

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. As such we would actively seek peers who have lived experience of both the criminal justice system and a health and social care need, e.g. mental health, substance misuse, etc. You 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, regain control over their lives and their own unique recovery process.

The Lived Experience Worker will come alongside a service user through their recovery journey, and assist them when aspiring and considering the initial steps on their recovery journey. Lived Experience Workers work as part of the IOH community pathway and work in collaboration colleagues within the team. Lived Experience Workers engage with IOH service users to show empathy, share experience, inspire hope and promote recovery with the aim of assisting service users to gain and maintain independence in the community. The role of the Lived Experience Worker is focused around supporting an individual to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

The Lived Experience Worker will assist service users in raising aspirations and developing personal goals, with the aim to be supported and increase further social capital. Working in the RECONNECT and Outreach service in West Mercia, with the flexibility of working across the locality Liaison & Diversion Services, dependent on skill and service need. To establish a supportive and respectful relationship with service users, sharing own narratives to raise aspirations of life. To work primarily in direct work with service users on a 1:1 and in group settings as agreed with team supervisor and team manager.

To help individuals identify strengths, interests and their own achievable and meaningful recovery goals. To support the implementation of groups To support service users in developing other areas of interest. Draw upon own lived experience to inspire hope, model self-awareness and facilitate service users in developing their own resourcefulness for managing their health and wellbeing. Facilitate access to community groups, services and networks that enable participation in activities, to maximise service user's opportunities for socially valued roles and positive identity.

Adapt practice to meet the individuals circumstances, including regard for cultural and linguistic differences. Work collaboratively with members of the Health and Justice Team, HMPP, Health care Professionals and all relevant agencies involved within the role Ensure that service users peer recovery goals are integrated into the Trusts care plan/CPA process and are reviewed on a regular basis, through liaising closely with employment specialists and care co-ordinators as necessary. To actively engage with colleagues and other professionals to ensure the needs of the client group are met through promoting recovery orientated, strengths based practice. To attend and participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings.

To work under the regular supervision of the team supervisor and guidance of other professional colleagues within the team. To participate within Trust peer training and peer working networks. To make records of work undertaken according to Trust documentation standards. To have an awareness of the IOH model and pathways.

To actively take responsibility for own health and wellbeing discussing/reviewing within supervision as necessary. To be willing to develop self through specialist training opportunities, relevant to your role, as agreed with team supervisor and team manager. To ensure that all duties are carried out to the highest standard and in accordance with currently quality initiatives within the work area. To remain up to date and compliant with mandatory training requirements.

To undertake other duties as may be required suitable to the banding of the post.