Job summary
Do you want to be part of a team improving the way adult mental health care is provided in the community? Ealing Acton Mental Health Integrated Network Team (MINT) is a community based service supporting people's mental and physical health as well as social care needs. We work closely with the local GP practices, primary care networks, social services, voluntary sector and other organisations to provide interventions in a more collaborative way which are simpler and support joined-up, personalised treatment and care.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a senior peer support worker with a keen interest in providing outstanding support within mental health community settings. The Community Mental Health Framework represents a new approach to providing community-based integrated support, care and treatment for adults with mental health problems whatever their level of need.
The candidate applying for this role should not require visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Main duties of the job
The role of senior peer support worker (SPSW) has been developed specifically for experienced peer support workers who have completed their accredited peer support worker training and meet the criteria in the competency framework for peer support workers as defined by ImROC. The SPSW will provide formalised peer support and practical assistance to help people to engage with their local communities and benefit from all the supports available locally. The post holder will be part of a multi-disciplinary team which will cover a Primary Care Network or locality and will work across networks to form a truly innovative and ground-breaking support structure.
About us
West London NHS Trust is one of the most diverse healthcare providers in the UK, delivering a range of mental health and physical healthcare and community services. The Trust runs Broadmoor Hospital, one of three high secure hospitals in the country, with an international reputation.
Our high secure services care for patients from South of England and we provide low and medium secure services across eight London boroughs. The Trust also provides mental and physical healthcare in three London boroughs (Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham). We employ over 5,000 staff, of whom 59% are BME. Our turnover for 2024-25 is over £500m.
The Trust is rated as 'Good' overallby the Care Quality Commission. Forensic services are rated as 'Outstanding'.
The Trust is an established partner and contributor in the development of the evolving North West London Integrated Care System and the Integrated Care Board. The Trust leads the NW London Children and Adolescent Mental Health provider collaborative.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Candidate Pack provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. Please view as attached
The person specification below is not the full person specification, but outlines the criteria against which your application form will be assessed.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Formal peer support accredited training
- Completion of peer support work competencies as defined by ImROC
- Attained at least Level 2 Maths and English (equivalent to GCSE grade 9-4 (A*-C))
Desirable
- Training for lived experience practitioners
- Evidence of further related training
- Health related qualification.
Experience
Essential
- Personal lived experience of mental health distress.
- Personal experience of accessing primary or secondary mental health service.
- Experience of working as a peer support worker
Desirable
- Experience of working with peers and/ or clinicians using a co-production methodology within a work setting
- Experience of contributing to a research project or audit
- Experience of collaborative working alongside professionals in either a statutory or non-statutory mental health service.
- Experience of group work interventions.
- Experience of working as a peer trainer.
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of how lived experience of mental health problems can be used to support others
- Good understanding of recovery focussed principles and how they can influence support for service users.
- Understanding of the issues and concerns that service users may have in relation to their care.
- Ability to support others in a recovery orientated way.
- Good motivational techniques and abilities.
- Able to maintain the profile of the peer support service within a multidisciplinary/ multi-agency setting.
- Demonstrates the ability to role model, empower and enable others
- Ability to receive highly complex and sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
- Computer Literacy
Desirable
- Knowledge of mental health policies and legislation that may contribute to support for service users
- Understanding the impact of stigma and discrimination on service users.
- Good organisational skills and time management.
- Evidence of working within a team environment and the ability to develop and maintain constructive working relationships with colleagues
Other Requirements
Essential
- Commitment to life-long learning.
- High level of self-awareness
- Ability to manage stress and maintain a work-life balance
- Ability and willingness to share personal story of recovery in a professional and appropriate manner.
- Enthusiasm and passion for working within mental health services.
Desirable
- Ability to critically think and reflect.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Formal peer support accredited training
- Completion of peer support work competencies as defined by ImROC
- Attained at least Level 2 Maths and English (equivalent to GCSE grade 9-4 (A*-C))
Desirable
- Training for lived experience practitioners
- Evidence of further related training
- Health related qualification.
Experience
Essential
- Personal lived experience of mental health distress.
- Personal experience of accessing primary or secondary mental health service.
- Experience of working as a peer support worker
Desirable
- Experience of working with peers and/ or clinicians using a co-production methodology within a work setting
- Experience of contributing to a research project or audit
- Experience of collaborative working alongside professionals in either a statutory or non-statutory mental health service.
- Experience of group work interventions.
- Experience of working as a peer trainer.
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of how lived experience of mental health problems can be used to support others
- Good understanding of recovery focussed principles and how they can influence support for service users.
- Understanding of the issues and concerns that service users may have in relation to their care.
- Ability to support others in a recovery orientated way.
- Good motivational techniques and abilities.
- Able to maintain the profile of the peer support service within a multidisciplinary/ multi-agency setting.
- Demonstrates the ability to role model, empower and enable others
- Ability to receive highly complex and sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
- Computer Literacy
Desirable
- Knowledge of mental health policies and legislation that may contribute to support for service users
- Understanding the impact of stigma and discrimination on service users.
- Good organisational skills and time management.
- Evidence of working within a team environment and the ability to develop and maintain constructive working relationships with colleagues
Other Requirements
Essential
- Commitment to life-long learning.
- High level of self-awareness
- Ability to manage stress and maintain a work-life balance
- Ability and willingness to share personal story of recovery in a professional and appropriate manner.
- Enthusiasm and passion for working within mental health services.
Desirable
- Ability to critically think and reflect.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
