Apprentice Lived Experience Peer Worker

Job summary

Do you have lived experience of the criminal justice system, mental health issues, substance misuse, being in care, being arrested, appearing in Court or being in prison? Are you interested in helping other people who are experiencing similar issues? Would you like to gain a Level 3 Peer Worker qualification whilst working in a service which has recently been given a silver award for employing people with lived experience?

If so, the Dorset Integrated Non-Custodial Service is looking for an Apprentice Lived Experience Peer Workers who are able to draw upon and share their experiences in order to inspire and support others in similar situations.

The Dorset Integrated Non-Custodial Service provides support for adults and children who come into contact with the Criminal Justice System, including those who have recently been released from prison.

Main duties of the job

Peer Workers play a pivotal role in the service, working with service users to provide support with any practical concerns or difficulties that may be affecting their mental health and wellbeing. They provide time limited, 1 to 1 support to allow service users to access a wide range of agencies and services, such as housing, benefits and health.

You will use your own lived experience to help your clients to recover and stop offending by:

• Giving emotional and practical support
• Helping them attend appointments
• Listening
• Giving hope
• Building their confidence

This is an 18 month apprenticeship, during which time you will study for a Level 3 Peer Worker qualification and Care Certificate. Your studies will be enhanced by skills you will develop whilst working closely with the team's experienced Support Workers. The position is 37.5 hours per week and we are happy to consider flexible working patterns that fit in with the needs of the service.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.