Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Peer Support Worker

This job is now closed

Job summary

Are you passionate about supporting individuals with health vulnerabilities transitioning from the criminal justice system?

Do you have lived experience and a desire to make a real difference in people's lives?

If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Enhanced Reconnect service at Devon Partnership Trust as a Peer Support Worker working 22.5 Hours per week.

As a Peer Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate their recovery journey after involvement in the criminal justice system. You will work alongside clinical and support staff, providing practical and emotional support, guiding individuals in overcoming challenges, and empowering them to make positive changes in their lives.

Key Responsibilities:

Use your lived experience to build trust, offer guidance, and share recovery-focused insights.
Collaborate with professionals to create individualised support plans tailored to the unique needs of each person.
Support individuals in building life skills, such as managing mental health, maintaining housing, securing employment, and developing positive social networks.
Help individuals access services and resources within the community, promoting independence and wellbeing.
Encourage and motivate individuals through their recovery journey, ensuring they feel supported and empowered.

Main duties of the job

What Were Looking For:

Lived experience of the criminal justice system and/or mental health challenges is essential.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
Passionate about supporting others to achieve their personal goals and improve their lives.
An understanding of the challenges individuals face when transitioning from the criminal justice system.
Experience in peer support or similar roles is desirable but not essential.

What We Offer:

The chance to make a real difference in peoples lives through a peer-led approach.
Comprehensive training and ongoing support to develop your skills.
A friendly, supportive team committed to the values of recovery, empowerment, and respect.
Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to work-life balance.

If you are motivated by the opportunity to support individuals in their recovery and have the passion to help others navigate challenges, we want to hear from you!

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.

Date posted

04 March 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,071 to £25,674 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-25-0089

Job locations

Probation Service

New North Road

Exeter

EX4 4EP

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details on this role.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details on this role.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Lived experience of the criminal justice process and mental health challenges

Desirable

Previous care experience with people who have Mental Health difficulties.
Awareness of safeguarding principles

Qualifications

Essential

If equivalent qualification is not already obtained, to complete QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care within 12 months of commencing employment.
To complete Care Certificate training within the first 3 months of joining unless already obtained.

Desirable

NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.
Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Demonstrate an ability to make and sustain therapeutic relationships
Good communication and listening skills
Able to work in a team effectively
To reflect on practice and seek feedback from colleagues
Ability to travel across the region to meet the requirements of the service

Desirable

Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

Lived experience of the criminal justice process and mental health challenges

Desirable

Previous care experience with people who have Mental Health difficulties.
Awareness of safeguarding principles

Qualifications

Essential

If equivalent qualification is not already obtained, to complete QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care within 12 months of commencing employment.
To complete Care Certificate training within the first 3 months of joining unless already obtained.

Desirable

NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.
Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Demonstrate an ability to make and sustain therapeutic relationships
Good communication and listening skills
Able to work in a team effectively
To reflect on practice and seek feedback from colleagues
Ability to travel across the region to meet the requirements of the service

Desirable

Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations.

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.