Job summary
37.5 hours per week.
We have a vacancy for a peer support worker within the Home Treatment Team. As a team we see and value the importance of having a workforce which includes staff with their own lived experience of mental health challenges. The role of Peer Support Worker has been developed specifically for people who have lived
experience. Through sharing wisdom from their own
journey, the Peer Support Worker will inspire hope and belief in recovery, and
support others to gain a sense of control over their lives.
As a highly valued member of the multi-disciplinary team, the Peer Support Worker will provide practical assistance to service
users in order for them to make steps towards recovery and build
connections with their local communities. Based within the Home Treatment Team, the Peer Support Worker will work across the mental health wards and within the community,
supporting service users in the vital transition between services.
This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route; please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility.
Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline.
All staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service.
Main duties of the job
In the role of Peer Support Worker, you will work with a number of service users on a 1:1 or group basis.
You will form and maintain supportive relationships with service users to support recovery and independence.
Act as as a suitable role
model.
You will accompany service users to appointments with various teams including Community Mental Health, Third Sector Agencies and Inpatient Wards. This will involve exposure work and attendance to group sessions.
To
attend meetings and other formal/informal communication events as directed by the management team.
To
liaise appropriately with other agencies as required as part of our service users care.
You will share ideas about ways of achieving recovery goals, drawing on personal experience and a
range of coping, self-help and self-management techniques.
To assist service users to
create their own recovery plans, make and record decisions around their treatment.
To build a trusted relationship with service users to support them to identify and overcome anxieties.
To model personal
responsibility, self-awareness, self-belief, self-advocacy and hopefulness.
To monitor mental
health of service users and report changes to clinical staff.
To work towards recovery with service
users and carers .
Encourage
social and physical activities as identified within the care plan.
About us
Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.
As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values, kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.
We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.
We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.
Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.
Job description
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 LWSW 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 LWSW 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 who use our services
The PSW will work with a number of service users on a 1:1 or group basis
The post holder will form and maintain supportive relationships with service users
The post holder will promote better mental health by acting as a suitable role model.
The post holder will accompany service users to appointments with agencies across the pathway including third sector agencies to undertake a number of practical tasks, aligned to recovery goals.
To attend meetings and other formal/informal communication events linked to the work of the team, as directed by team manager.
To liaise appropriately with other agencies as part of supporting the delivery of care.
The post holder will share ideas about ways of achieving recovery goals, drawing on personal experience and a range of coping, self-help and self-management techniques.
To assist others to create their own recovery plans, make and record advanced decisions.
To support patients to identify and overcome fears within a relationship of empathy and trust.
To model personal responsibility, self-awareness, self-belief, self-advocacy and hopefulness.
To monitor mental health of service users 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.
To work with service users and carers to work towards recovery.
Encourage social/physical activities as identified within the care plan.
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.
To participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned activity programmes to improve the persons quality of life. To record contacts, interventions and observations on the electronic record systems.
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 recover, is not compromised in any way.
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, 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
Job description
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 LWSW 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 LWSW 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 who use our services
The PSW will work with a number of service users on a 1:1 or group basis
The post holder will form and maintain supportive relationships with service users
The post holder will promote better mental health by acting as a suitable role model.
The post holder will accompany service users to appointments with agencies across the pathway including third sector agencies to undertake a number of practical tasks, aligned to recovery goals.
To attend meetings and other formal/informal communication events linked to the work of the team, as directed by team manager.
To liaise appropriately with other agencies as part of supporting the delivery of care.
The post holder will share ideas about ways of achieving recovery goals, drawing on personal experience and a range of coping, self-help and self-management techniques.
To assist others to create their own recovery plans, make and record advanced decisions.
To support patients to identify and overcome fears within a relationship of empathy and trust.
To model personal responsibility, self-awareness, self-belief, self-advocacy and hopefulness.
To monitor mental health of service users 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.
To work with service users and carers to work towards recovery.
Encourage social/physical activities as identified within the care plan.
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.
To participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned activity programmes to improve the persons quality of life. To record contacts, interventions and observations on the electronic record systems.
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 recover, is not compromised in any way.
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, 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
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Lived experience of using mental health services
- Previous care experience with people who have mental health difficulties
Desirable
- Previous experience working in a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience of actively supporting individuals to identify and work towards achieving personal goals in a related social care or health setting (paid or unpaid).
skills
Essential
- Ability to manage time and plan work.
- 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
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of mental health
- Awareness of safeguarding principles
- Basic IT skills
- Good communication and listening skills
- Organisational skills
- Problem solving skills
- An awareness to maintain professional Boundaries
- Awareness of own limits and boundaries in relation to own job role
- Good written communication
- Willingness to positively share your own life experiences, personal experiences of your own ill health with service users and carers.
- 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
- Resilience
Desirable
- A basic understanding of physical health presentation
Qualifications
Essential
- Vocational Qualification Level III or equivalent qualification/skills/knowledge and ability to work to this level.
- 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.
Desirable
- QCF level 3 in health and social care or equivalent qualification/skills/knowledge and ability to work to this level.
- Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Lived experience of using mental health services
- Previous care experience with people who have mental health difficulties
Desirable
- Previous experience working in a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience of actively supporting individuals to identify and work towards achieving personal goals in a related social care or health setting (paid or unpaid).
skills
Essential
- Ability to manage time and plan work.
- 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
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of mental health
- Awareness of safeguarding principles
- Basic IT skills
- Good communication and listening skills
- Organisational skills
- Problem solving skills
- An awareness to maintain professional Boundaries
- Awareness of own limits and boundaries in relation to own job role
- Good written communication
- Willingness to positively share your own life experiences, personal experiences of your own ill health with service users and carers.
- 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
- Resilience
Desirable
- A basic understanding of physical health presentation
Qualifications
Essential
- Vocational Qualification Level III or equivalent qualification/skills/knowledge and ability to work to this level.
- 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.
Desirable
- QCF level 3 in health and social care or equivalent qualification/skills/knowledge and ability to work to this level.
- Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
