Perinatal Peer Support Worker

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

The closing date is 28 April 2025

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Job summary

30 Hours Per Week.

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with lived experience of Perinatal Mental Health illness to be involved in delivering peer support to help women referred to us by providing peer-based interventions. The role will involve working with service users in their own home, working with carers, and alongside Trust staff, community groups and organisations.

We have 0.8 wte (4 days) post available in Calderdale. Please be aware that although the successful candidate will primarily work in Calderdale they will be required to work across all the towns to provide cover. We welcome applications from people from diverse communities.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect patients.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. We strongly discourage this and will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will have good interpersonal skills as the role involves building strong trusting relationships with women and their families during a critical time in their lives. Ideally you should have experience of supporting the development of peer-led or co-produced groups and projects.

All applicants must have excellent communication skills and confidence and enthusiasm for working with perinatal partner agencies in networks that extend beyond traditional specialist mental health boundaries. The successful candidate will have proficient IT skills to enable them use electronic patient records, Microsoft packages and work remotely.

The service operates Monday-Friday; 9.00am-5.00pm however successful applicants would be expected to have the flexibility to work occasional extended hours to facilitate service effectiveness. For further details contact Carly Finneran Peer Support Supervisor by emailing carly.finneran@swyt.nhs.uk

At the time of advertising, this role does not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. For this reason, we are unable to sponsor anyone for a skilled worker visa for this role

We are happy to accept applications from candidates who can prove their right to work in the UK or via alternative visa routes. Such applications will be considered alongside all other applications.

About us

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Date posted

15 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,071 to £25,674 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-CK2189

Job locations

8 Fox View

Staincliffe

Dewsbury

West Yorkshire

WF13 4AD


Job description

Job responsibilities

Through sharing the wisdom from their own lived experience, the post holder will aim to inspire hope and belief that recovery is possible in others. To be willing and able to share ones own personal recovery within project work, and to support others with experience/service user led projects and development, bringing the voice of experience in to the planning, design and delivery of projects and developments. This will include a key role in supporting and developing mechanisms for working in partnership with, community organisations or groups

The PPSW will take a lead role in embedding recovery values within the Trust, alongside other Trust champions and colleagues, and act as an ambassador of recovery for the Trust with external agencies and partner organisations. Within a relationship of mutuality, facilitate and support information sharing to promote choice, self-determination and opportunities for the fulfilment of socially valued roles and connection to local communities.

There is an expectation that the PPSW will be involved in the ongoing development of peer roles within the Trust.

Work within and support the structures associated with the service

To support people to develop service user led projects and initiatives including practical support organisation of meetings, forming a constitution and setting up a bank account etc.

Be responsible for supporting several identified work stream.

To develop and deliver project information including training materials, communication materials and promotional information as require.

Ensure that projects developed provide a high level of service to Trust members and the public and is responsive to the needs of users, carers and staff.

Help individuals and groups identify their own achievable and meaningful goals and objectives, drawing on your mutual resources as peers and utilising a range of tools, techniques and experience.

Support service users to identify and overcome fears and within a relationship of empathy, trust and honesty, move forward positively.

Facilitate access to community resources and networks that enable service users to develop community activities, in order to maximise opportunities for taking on socially valued roles and positive identity.

Work in a way that acknowledges the personal, social, cultural and spiritual strengths and needs of any individual or group.

Act as a positive role model showing professional and caring attitudes and behaviour towards other team members, staff, service users and carers and public.

Attend team meeting including team brief and provide a support service to the team members including administrative support as required.

To support the production, completion, recording and filing of project documentation as required by the team.

Work with the statutory and community sector including, local authority, other NHS organisatons, voluntary organisations, community groups and third sector organisations to develop capacity to deliver peer led projects.

Support the development of exhibitions and live events to show case the talents of people who participate in projects.

To provide qualitative and quantitative information management support as required including:

- Data collection & collation

- Data management (e.g. setting up spreadsheets or files, data entry)

- Supporting data analyses and summary reports

Associated personal administration work to enable duties to be carried out.

Travel between sites/locations to carry out duties, attend meetings at other SWYMHT sites and other premises.

To undertake Continuous Personal Development and to participate in training.

Model personal responsibility, self-awareness, self-belief, self-advocacy and hopefulness via the sharing of own recovery story to inspire and instil confidence and challenge in others.

Have a focus on the learning from personal lived experience at all times, and to bring this perspective in to all aspects of the project support role.

Establish supportive and respectful relationships.

Use own initiative, personal experience and job related training in deciding on the approach and interventions required when working within a project or area of development.

To raise awareness of recovery language with Trust staff by modelling positive strengths based, non-discriminatory, non-jargon, non-medicalised language in all areas of work.

To carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade that may be delegated by manager.

Occasional flexible working outside normal office hours.

To report through management structures appropriate to the relevant department.

For further job information, please see attached documents.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Through sharing the wisdom from their own lived experience, the post holder will aim to inspire hope and belief that recovery is possible in others. To be willing and able to share ones own personal recovery within project work, and to support others with experience/service user led projects and development, bringing the voice of experience in to the planning, design and delivery of projects and developments. This will include a key role in supporting and developing mechanisms for working in partnership with, community organisations or groups

The PPSW will take a lead role in embedding recovery values within the Trust, alongside other Trust champions and colleagues, and act as an ambassador of recovery for the Trust with external agencies and partner organisations. Within a relationship of mutuality, facilitate and support information sharing to promote choice, self-determination and opportunities for the fulfilment of socially valued roles and connection to local communities.

There is an expectation that the PPSW will be involved in the ongoing development of peer roles within the Trust.

Work within and support the structures associated with the service

To support people to develop service user led projects and initiatives including practical support organisation of meetings, forming a constitution and setting up a bank account etc.

Be responsible for supporting several identified work stream.

To develop and deliver project information including training materials, communication materials and promotional information as require.

Ensure that projects developed provide a high level of service to Trust members and the public and is responsive to the needs of users, carers and staff.

Help individuals and groups identify their own achievable and meaningful goals and objectives, drawing on your mutual resources as peers and utilising a range of tools, techniques and experience.

Support service users to identify and overcome fears and within a relationship of empathy, trust and honesty, move forward positively.

Facilitate access to community resources and networks that enable service users to develop community activities, in order to maximise opportunities for taking on socially valued roles and positive identity.

Work in a way that acknowledges the personal, social, cultural and spiritual strengths and needs of any individual or group.

Act as a positive role model showing professional and caring attitudes and behaviour towards other team members, staff, service users and carers and public.

Attend team meeting including team brief and provide a support service to the team members including administrative support as required.

To support the production, completion, recording and filing of project documentation as required by the team.

Work with the statutory and community sector including, local authority, other NHS organisatons, voluntary organisations, community groups and third sector organisations to develop capacity to deliver peer led projects.

Support the development of exhibitions and live events to show case the talents of people who participate in projects.

To provide qualitative and quantitative information management support as required including:

- Data collection & collation

- Data management (e.g. setting up spreadsheets or files, data entry)

- Supporting data analyses and summary reports

Associated personal administration work to enable duties to be carried out.

Travel between sites/locations to carry out duties, attend meetings at other SWYMHT sites and other premises.

To undertake Continuous Personal Development and to participate in training.

Model personal responsibility, self-awareness, self-belief, self-advocacy and hopefulness via the sharing of own recovery story to inspire and instil confidence and challenge in others.

Have a focus on the learning from personal lived experience at all times, and to bring this perspective in to all aspects of the project support role.

Establish supportive and respectful relationships.

Use own initiative, personal experience and job related training in deciding on the approach and interventions required when working within a project or area of development.

To raise awareness of recovery language with Trust staff by modelling positive strengths based, non-discriminatory, non-jargon, non-medicalised language in all areas of work.

To carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade that may be delegated by manager.

Occasional flexible working outside normal office hours.

To report through management structures appropriate to the relevant department.

For further job information, please see attached documents.

Person Specification

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability)
  • Ability to work with people in a supportive and empowering way.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Self motivated and enthusiastic.
  • Ability to prioritise and manage own work. Ability to work under pressure
  • Ability to work independently while making sure to refer to a manager for guidance.
  • Will be committed to the Trusts mission and values.
  • Confident, Conscientious, Reliable
  • Recovery/strengths focused

Desirable

  • Emotional Maturity/ range of life experience
  • Flexibility and adaptable
  • Sense of humour
  • Energy/drive, enthusiasm and tenacity
  • Patient, Non-judgmental, Respectful and Compassionate
  • Quick learner
  • Team player

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to NVQ level 3 or equivalent level of experience

Desirable

  • QCF Diploma in Health & Social Care Level 4 or equivalent or equivalent level of experience

Training.

Essential

  • Mental Health Awareness Training, Mental Health First Aid Training.
  • Completion of own Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) or whole life plan

Experience

Essential

  • Lived experience of using mental health and/or physical health services or being a carer.
  • Wide range of life experiences to bring an enabling and positive view of opportunities for others.
  • Computer/keyboard skills using MS software
  • Experience of being in a supportive and enabling role.
  • Experience of working in a team or a group environment.
  • To be willing and able to share ones own personal recovery in order to help others.

Desirable

  • Experience of supporting the development of projects.
  • Experience of partnership working and networking.
  • Experience of facilitating groups and /or chairing meetings.
  • Experience of working in the public sector.
  • Customer Care.
  • Office/administrative experience.
  • Experience of using ViewPoint real time patient experience system.
  • Information management experience including: Data input, collection & collation, Setting up spreadsheets or files.
  • Experience in the use of database software i.e. SPSS, Excel, Access.
  • Report writing.

Special Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Excellent organisational and time management skills.
  • Computer skills.
  • Communication skills (both oral and written).
  • Ability to support and facilitate groups.
  • Ability to write reports and keep records.
  • Understanding of the impact of stigma and discrimination.
  • Knowledge and understanding of health issues and the impact of poor health can have on the individual.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of the philosophy and principles of co-production and service user and carer led recovery initiatives.
  • Skills in supporting volunteers in Creative projects, in a community and/or other settings.
  • Data handling skills.
  • Ability to liaise and negotiate with a wide range of people internal and external to the organisation.
  • Awareness/understanding of Caldicott & Information Confidentiality/security issues.
  • Ability to use initiative to deliver what is required.
  • Understanding of project management principles.
Person Specification

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability)
  • Ability to work with people in a supportive and empowering way.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Self motivated and enthusiastic.
  • Ability to prioritise and manage own work. Ability to work under pressure
  • Ability to work independently while making sure to refer to a manager for guidance.
  • Will be committed to the Trusts mission and values.
  • Confident, Conscientious, Reliable
  • Recovery/strengths focused

Desirable

  • Emotional Maturity/ range of life experience
  • Flexibility and adaptable
  • Sense of humour
  • Energy/drive, enthusiasm and tenacity
  • Patient, Non-judgmental, Respectful and Compassionate
  • Quick learner
  • Team player

Physical Attributes

Essential

  • A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to NVQ level 3 or equivalent level of experience

Desirable

  • QCF Diploma in Health & Social Care Level 4 or equivalent or equivalent level of experience

Training.

Essential

  • Mental Health Awareness Training, Mental Health First Aid Training.
  • Completion of own Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) or whole life plan

Experience

Essential

  • Lived experience of using mental health and/or physical health services or being a carer.
  • Wide range of life experiences to bring an enabling and positive view of opportunities for others.
  • Computer/keyboard skills using MS software
  • Experience of being in a supportive and enabling role.
  • Experience of working in a team or a group environment.
  • To be willing and able to share ones own personal recovery in order to help others.

Desirable

  • Experience of supporting the development of projects.
  • Experience of partnership working and networking.
  • Experience of facilitating groups and /or chairing meetings.
  • Experience of working in the public sector.
  • Customer Care.
  • Office/administrative experience.
  • Experience of using ViewPoint real time patient experience system.
  • Information management experience including: Data input, collection & collation, Setting up spreadsheets or files.
  • Experience in the use of database software i.e. SPSS, Excel, Access.
  • Report writing.

Special Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Excellent organisational and time management skills.
  • Computer skills.
  • Communication skills (both oral and written).
  • Ability to support and facilitate groups.
  • Ability to write reports and keep records.
  • Understanding of the impact of stigma and discrimination.
  • Knowledge and understanding of health issues and the impact of poor health can have on the individual.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of the philosophy and principles of co-production and service user and carer led recovery initiatives.
  • Skills in supporting volunteers in Creative projects, in a community and/or other settings.
  • Data handling skills.
  • Ability to liaise and negotiate with a wide range of people internal and external to the organisation.
  • Awareness/understanding of Caldicott & Information Confidentiality/security issues.
  • Ability to use initiative to deliver what is required.
  • Understanding of project management principles.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

8 Fox View

Staincliffe

Dewsbury

West Yorkshire

WF13 4AD


Employer's website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

8 Fox View

Staincliffe

Dewsbury

West Yorkshire

WF13 4AD


Employer's website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Claire Lowe

claire.lowe@swyt.nhs.uk

01924316009

Date posted

15 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,071 to £25,674 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-CK2189

Job locations

8 Fox View

Staincliffe

Dewsbury

West Yorkshire

WF13 4AD


Supporting documents

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