Peer Support Worker

Job responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibility for People Management

To be involved in the continued development of the PSW training programme and in the ongoing evaluation of the PWP role.

To participate in and support students learning along with other members of the team.

Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources

The post holder will have no direct responsibility for finance; however, they will adhere to relevant trust policies on financial issues.

The post holder will use Livewell resources in a sustainable way.

To have a knowledge and understanding of counter fraud.

Responsibility for administration

To plan own diary and maintain accurate records of all activity

Maintain up to date electronic records in a timely and accurate manner

Maintain confidentiality of information being aware of trust policies and local protocols and keeping up to date with changes.

To regularly access email and other information through Livewell Southwest Intranet.

Responsibility for people carers

The PSW will work with a number of service users and people with carers responsibilities, and, on a 1:1 or group basis

The post holder will form and maintain supportive relationships with service users and carers.

The Post holder will support carers with navigating the available resources and services.

The post holder will promote better mental health by acting as a suitable role model.

To attend meetings and other formal/informal communication events linked to the work of the team, as directed by line manager.

To liaise appropriately with other agencies as part of supporting the delivery of care.

To assist service users and carers with supporting individuals to create their own recovery plans, make, and record advanced decisions .

To signpost and support engagement for service users to participate in physical activities, accordingly.

To support service users and carers to identify and overcome fears within a relationship of empathy and trust.

To model personal responsibility, self-awareness, self-belief, self-advocacy and hopefulness.

Promote independence and recovery

Be able to respond effectively to any concerns of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns.

Responsibility for implementation of policy and/or service developments

To abide by the PSW code of conduct, so that the central focus of work, inspiring recovery, is not compromised in any way.

To work in line with the Carers policy for LSW and the Triangle of care principles

To have an awareness of the Care Act

To comply with Livewell southwest policies and procedures relevant to the role.

To report any observed incident of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences, or faulty equipment.

To participate professionally in service development and proposed service changes

To take part in any audit processes as required.

Comply with universal infection control precautions and procedures.

To complete all Mandatory training and other training pertinent to the role, including Well-Being Champion and relevant Brief Interventions as agreed by line manager.

Other Responsibilities

The post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, and competencies

Be punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with Livewell policies

COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder will sign-post to various resources, opportunities, and activities within the trust and third sector agencies.

To act as an ambassador for Livewell with external agencies and partner organisations.

To support the team in promoting a recovery orientated environment by identifying recovery focused activities and imparting information and education as required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

The post holder must be able move across Plymouth as part of their community work,

The post holder will be competent in computer skills

This role requires the post holder to engage in physical activity which may include accessing local gyms and other community resources.

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of mental health service provision
• Knowledge of the inter-relationship between physical health and mental wellbeing and the impact of health inequalities on the individual.
• Knowledge of safeguarding principles.
• Knowledge of chronic health conditions and their impact on physical activity.
• Knowledge of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles
• Understanding of Mindfulness principles and developing positive coping strategies.

Desirable

• A basic understanding of physical health presentation.
• A basic understanding of Lifestyle Behaviours.

Specific Skills

Essential

• Ability to manage time and plan work. Organisational, prioritisation and problem-solving skills.
• Basic IT skills.
• Ability to problem solve and create innovative solutions to help empower service users.
• Sensitive understanding of diversity issues and ability to promote anti-discriminatory practice/ equal opportunities.
• Good communication and listening skills.
• To complete clinical records.
• To take leadership and direction from qualified staff
• To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties.
• Ability to work in a team effectively.
• An awareness to maintain professional boundaries.
• Awareness of own limits and boundaries in relation to own job role.
• Willingness to positively share your own life experiences, personal experiences of your own ill health with service users and carers.

Additional requirements

Essential

• To be able to mobilise across Plymouth throughout the working day.
• Resilience (Ability to adapt to a range of environments effectively, and support others experiencing mental health difficulties).

Qualifications

Essential

• Basic Education
• To complete the NCFE level 2 in understanding and supporting people with mental health needs and complete care certificate within the first 6 months of joining unless already obtained.
• Relevant Fitness Instruction Qualification

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 with a focus on promoting positive physical health and wellbeing.

Experience

Essential

• Lived experience of using mental health services
• Ability to deliver physical activity sessions on a small group or individual basis.
• Experience of improving access to services.
• Engagement with Hard to Reach populations.

Desirable

• Previous experience working in a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience of actively supporting individuals to identify and work towards achieving personal goals in a related community, social care or health setting (paid or unpaid).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).