Job summary
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Peer
Support Worker within the Devon Partnership Trust based at Redhills Crisis
House Exeter. This is a part-time position, you will be required to work 30
hours per week.
You'll be joining Devon Partnership Trust, which
encompasses urban, rural and coastal demographics that combine to make this a
fascinating and beautiful area to work.
The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic,
motivated and skilled service and help the team to build upon the successful work they have
and continue to achieve.
The role of Peer Support Worker
has been developed specifically for people who have lived experience of mental
health challenges. We are looking to recruit a person with lived experience of
Through sharing your own
experiences, this may inspire hope and belief that recovery is possible in
others.
Your role will be to establish
supportive relationships with people using mental health services based on the
core principles of peer support (mutuality, reciprocity, strengths-focused,
safe, progressive, non-directive, recovery-focused and inclusive).
As an integral member of the
multi-disciplinary team, you will provide formalised peer support to service
users in order for them to achieve goals that they have identified for
themselves. This will include signposting to other organisations and connection
to local communities.
Main duties of the job
- To communicate effectively with people using services
taking into account any communication difficulties they may have and responding
appropriately.
- To
provide support within the home environment, within a community settings or on
mental health wards.
- To work
in a way that acknowledges the personal, social, cultural and spiritual
strengths and needs of the individual.
- To
support patients service users to prepare for meetings regarding their care
e.g. assessments, ward rounds, clinical meetings etc.
- To
support patients service users to access information on health promotion, mental
and physical wellbeing and integrate into their recovery.
- To maintain
accurate and complete records consistent with legislation, policies and
procedures.
- To support
individuals with understanding their rights and choices within the service.
-
To foster
and maintain good working relations with members of community teams, health and
social care workers, inpatient services, GPs, carers and other agencies.
- To
model personal responsibility, self-awareness, self-belief, self-advocacy and
hopefulness.
-
To support engagement
with local resources, opportunities and activities within the Trust and in
communities to establish connections to maximise opportunities for taking on
socially valued roles and a positive identity.
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Communication
and Working Relationship Skills
- To communicate effectively with people using
services taking into account any communication difficulties they may have and
responding appropriately.
- To
provide support within the home environment, within a community settings or
on mental health wards.
- To work
in a way that acknowledges the personal, social, cultural and spiritual
strengths and needs of the individual.
- To
support patients/service users to prepare for meetings regarding their care
e.g. assessments, ward rounds, clinical meetings etc.
- To support
patients/service users to access information on health promotion, mental and
physical wellbeing and integrate into their recovery.
- To maintain
accurate and complete records consistent with legislation, policies and
procedures.
- To support
individuals with understanding their rights and choices within the service.
-
To foster and
maintain good working relations with members of community teams, health and
social care workers, inpatient services, GPs, carers and other agencies.
- To model personal
responsibility, self-awareness, self-belief, self-advocacy and hopefulness.
- To support engagement
with local resources, opportunities and activities within the Trust and in
communities to establish connections to maximise opportunities for taking on
socially valued roles and a positive identity.
Analytical
and Judgemental Skills
- The post
holder will be aware of and will work within their own limits and
competencies.
- Report any untoward
incidents, safeguarding concerns or unusual occurrences to the manager/senior
clinician immediately.
- Be able to identify a
situation that requires escalation to a manager i.e. safeguarding, patient
risks, and environmental risks.
- To be able to share
their own lived experience responsibly in line with codes of conduct and Peer
Support training programme.
Planning
and Organisational Skills
- Be
punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in
accordance with Trust Policies.
- To plan and manage
own diary in collaboration with the wider team and maintain accurate records
of all activity.
- To liaise
appropriately with other Agencies as part of supporting the delivery of care.
- To attend meetings
and any other formal/informal communication events linked to the work of the
team and the wider Peer Support workforce, as directed by the team leader and
Peer Support Leadership team.
Responsibility
for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy
- To share ideas about
ways of supporting self-defined recovery goals, drawing on personal
experiences and a range of coping, self-help and self-management techniques.
- To provide support to
individuals in gaining choice, developing and managing meaning and purpose of
life and independence, and maintaining dignity and self-respect.
- To
assist others to create their own Recovery plans and make and record advance
decisions.
- To
model peer support values of inclusivity, respect, reciprocity, mutuality and
to work in a way that is non-directive, progressive, strength-based, safe and
recovery focused.
- To
accompany service users to appointments/meetings/activities of their choice
and performing a range of practical tasks, aligned to recovery goals.
- To monitor mental
health and report changes to qualified staff so that the care plan can be
kept fully up to date. Be aware of fluctuations in mental health.
- Working
with carers involved in a persons self-defined recovery.
- Be able to respond
effectively to any concerns of abuse and know procedures they need to follow
to escalate their concerns.
- To support access and
facilitation of activity sessions both on a one-to-one and group basis for
service users.
- To have the ability
to use their lived experience to connect with, explore and safely develop a
mutual relationship with patients. This relationship is the basis for jointly
understanding the patients own resources and applying these.
Responsibility
for Policy and Service Development Implementation
- Report using the risk
management system any observed incidence of unprofessional behaviour,
accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences or faulty equipment.
- Comply with universal
Infection Control precautions and procedures.
- To
complete all core training requirements and other appropriate training
courses relevant to the PSW role, as agreed with their local line manager.
- To comply with all
relevant Trust policies, protocols and procedures, including those relating
to Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety and Confidentiality of
Information and any others relevant to the role.
- To attend clinical,
business & service development meetings as required.
Responsibility
for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources
- Assist in maintaining
safety and security of the environment.
- Maintain cleanliness
and tidiness of the environment (including equipment).
- To have knowledge and
understanding of counter fraud.
- The
post holder will have no direct responsibility for finance, but they will
need to adhere to relevant Trust policies on travel, expenses etc.
- To use Trust NHS
resources in a sustainable way.
Responsibility
for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management
- To participate
in the Trusts mandatory training and the PSW training programme.
- To
participate and attend appropriate training courses and continued
professional development opportunities as agreed by the team manager.
- To
participate in and support students learning along with other members of the
team.
- To
participate development and engagement opportunities considered appropriate
to the PSW role and as identified in their appraisal.
- To contribute to
their annual appraisal.
- To receive regular
line management supervision as arranged by the ward/service manager.
- To make full use of
clinical supervision, peer support with other peer workers and other support
as necessary in order to remain well and safe in their PSW role. This
protected time will enable them to work in a supportive way with the
challenges of using lived experience to support people with potentially
difficult and distressing issues.
Responsibility
for Information Resources and Administrative Duties
- Maintain up to date
electronic records in a timely and accurate manner.
- To regularly access
emails and other information through the Trusts intranet.
- Maintain
confidentiality of information being aware of Trust policies and local
protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.
- Work in accordance
with lone working policy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Communication
and Working Relationship Skills
- To communicate effectively with people using
services taking into account any communication difficulties they may have and
responding appropriately.
- To
provide support within the home environment, within a community settings or
on mental health wards.
- To work
in a way that acknowledges the personal, social, cultural and spiritual
strengths and needs of the individual.
- To
support patients/service users to prepare for meetings regarding their care
e.g. assessments, ward rounds, clinical meetings etc.
- To support
patients/service users to access information on health promotion, mental and
physical wellbeing and integrate into their recovery.
- To maintain
accurate and complete records consistent with legislation, policies and
procedures.
- To support
individuals with understanding their rights and choices within the service.
-
To foster and
maintain good working relations with members of community teams, health and
social care workers, inpatient services, GPs, carers and other agencies.
- To model personal
responsibility, self-awareness, self-belief, self-advocacy and hopefulness.
- To support engagement
with local resources, opportunities and activities within the Trust and in
communities to establish connections to maximise opportunities for taking on
socially valued roles and a positive identity.
Analytical
and Judgemental Skills
- The post
holder will be aware of and will work within their own limits and
competencies.
- Report any untoward
incidents, safeguarding concerns or unusual occurrences to the manager/senior
clinician immediately.
- Be able to identify a
situation that requires escalation to a manager i.e. safeguarding, patient
risks, and environmental risks.
- To be able to share
their own lived experience responsibly in line with codes of conduct and Peer
Support training programme.
Planning
and Organisational Skills
- Be
punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in
accordance with Trust Policies.
- To plan and manage
own diary in collaboration with the wider team and maintain accurate records
of all activity.
- To liaise
appropriately with other Agencies as part of supporting the delivery of care.
- To attend meetings
and any other formal/informal communication events linked to the work of the
team and the wider Peer Support workforce, as directed by the team leader and
Peer Support Leadership team.
Responsibility
for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy
- To share ideas about
ways of supporting self-defined recovery goals, drawing on personal
experiences and a range of coping, self-help and self-management techniques.
- To provide support to
individuals in gaining choice, developing and managing meaning and purpose of
life and independence, and maintaining dignity and self-respect.
- To
assist others to create their own Recovery plans and make and record advance
decisions.
- To
model peer support values of inclusivity, respect, reciprocity, mutuality and
to work in a way that is non-directive, progressive, strength-based, safe and
recovery focused.
- To
accompany service users to appointments/meetings/activities of their choice
and performing a range of practical tasks, aligned to recovery goals.
- To monitor mental
health and report changes to qualified staff so that the care plan can be
kept fully up to date. Be aware of fluctuations in mental health.
- Working
with carers involved in a persons self-defined recovery.
- Be able to respond
effectively to any concerns of abuse and know procedures they need to follow
to escalate their concerns.
- To support access and
facilitation of activity sessions both on a one-to-one and group basis for
service users.
- To have the ability
to use their lived experience to connect with, explore and safely develop a
mutual relationship with patients. This relationship is the basis for jointly
understanding the patients own resources and applying these.
Responsibility
for Policy and Service Development Implementation
- Report using the risk
management system any observed incidence of unprofessional behaviour,
accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences or faulty equipment.
- Comply with universal
Infection Control precautions and procedures.
- To
complete all core training requirements and other appropriate training
courses relevant to the PSW role, as agreed with their local line manager.
- To comply with all
relevant Trust policies, protocols and procedures, including those relating
to Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety and Confidentiality of
Information and any others relevant to the role.
- To attend clinical,
business & service development meetings as required.
Responsibility
for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources
- Assist in maintaining
safety and security of the environment.
- Maintain cleanliness
and tidiness of the environment (including equipment).
- To have knowledge and
understanding of counter fraud.
- The
post holder will have no direct responsibility for finance, but they will
need to adhere to relevant Trust policies on travel, expenses etc.
- To use Trust NHS
resources in a sustainable way.
Responsibility
for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management
- To participate
in the Trusts mandatory training and the PSW training programme.
- To
participate and attend appropriate training courses and continued
professional development opportunities as agreed by the team manager.
- To
participate in and support students learning along with other members of the
team.
- To
participate development and engagement opportunities considered appropriate
to the PSW role and as identified in their appraisal.
- To contribute to
their annual appraisal.
- To receive regular
line management supervision as arranged by the ward/service manager.
- To make full use of
clinical supervision, peer support with other peer workers and other support
as necessary in order to remain well and safe in their PSW role. This
protected time will enable them to work in a supportive way with the
challenges of using lived experience to support people with potentially
difficult and distressing issues.
Responsibility
for Information Resources and Administrative Duties
- Maintain up to date
electronic records in a timely and accurate manner.
- To regularly access
emails and other information through the Trusts intranet.
- Maintain
confidentiality of information being aware of Trust policies and local
protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.
- Work in accordance
with lone working policy.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate first person experiential knowledge of recovery from mental health challenges.
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the concept of personal recovery as it may apply to others.
- Lived experience of accessing and negotiating secondary mental health services or equivalent experience from private healthcare/lived experience relevant to patient group
- Basic knowledge of peer support
- Evidenced modelling of peer support values
- Demonstrate a willingness to share own experience of mental health with the sole intention of supporting service users.
- Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations
Desirable
- Personal experience of being significantly impacted by mental illness and recovery)
- Paid or unpaid working experience in health and social care.
- Experience of actively supporting individuals to identify and work towards their self-defined goals in a related social care or health setting (paid or unpaid).
- Awareness of safeguarding principles.
Qualifications
Essential
- Basic Education (Level 2 Qualification).
- To complete Care Certificate training within the first 3-6 months of joining unless already obtained
- Basic IT skills
Desirable
- NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification or experience/ equivalent working experience using lived experience.
- Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings (statutory or voluntary).
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate first person experiential knowledge of recovery from mental health challenges.
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the concept of personal recovery as it may apply to others.
- Lived experience of accessing and negotiating secondary mental health services or equivalent experience from private healthcare/lived experience relevant to patient group
- Basic knowledge of peer support
- Evidenced modelling of peer support values
- Demonstrate a willingness to share own experience of mental health with the sole intention of supporting service users.
- Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations
Desirable
- Personal experience of being significantly impacted by mental illness and recovery)
- Paid or unpaid working experience in health and social care.
- Experience of actively supporting individuals to identify and work towards their self-defined goals in a related social care or health setting (paid or unpaid).
- Awareness of safeguarding principles.
Qualifications
Essential
- Basic Education (Level 2 Qualification).
- To complete Care Certificate training within the first 3-6 months of joining unless already obtained
- Basic IT skills
Desirable
- NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification or experience/ equivalent working experience using lived experience.
- Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings (statutory or voluntary).
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.
