Livewell Southwest

Peer Support Worker

The closing date is 29 March 2026

Job summary

We are delighted to invite a motivated and compassionate Peer Support Worker to join the team a highly successful and motivated team at Syrena House. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality person-centred care to individuals with severe and enduring and complex mental health needs and often with co morbidities.

We are shortly moving to the Mount Gould site to incorporate an additional 6 step down beds, this an exciting period of change and growth for us.

Syrena House is currently a 9 bedded male inpatient unit where our core focus is to empower patients on their journey toward greater independence and help them prepare for a fulfilling life within the community.

We are looking for someone with lived experience to support our patients on their journey, show passion and commitment and respect. You will work collaboratively with our team, utilise therapeutic resources and engage proactively with community services to help and support our patients throughout their recovery.

please note that 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 advert earlier than the specified deadline. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity

All Livewell Southwest staff are expected to able and willing to work across a 7 day service.

Job Share(s) Considered

Main duties of the job

The PSW will work with service users on a 1:1 or group basis.

The PSW will form and maintain supportive relationships with serviceusers.

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

The PSW will accompany service users to appointments.

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 PSW 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 work with service users and carers to work towards recovery.

Encourage social/physical activities as identified within the care plan.

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.

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.

Details

Date posted

24 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

B9832-2026-NM-10182

Job locations

Livewell South West

Mount Gould Road

Plymouth

PL4 7QD


284 Dean Cross Road

Plymouth

PL9 7AZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

In addition to the main responsibilities, please see below for other elements of the job description.

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 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

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ALL POSTS

The post holder is required to comply with all relevant policies and procedures pertinent to their post. Current versions can be found on the intranet or via your manager. The areas listed below are those Livewell Southwest currently places particular emphasis on. Failure to follow correct policies and procedures may result in disciplinary action.

Risk Management

In accordance with the Risk Management Strategy, employees will participate, whenever required, with the risk management process. They will support line managers by attending mandatory and statutory training, completing incident/accident forms for every adverse event or near miss that occurs, report all defects and complaints, and communicate any dangerous situation to individuals potentially at risk.

Health and Safety at Work

You must co-operate with those in authority and others in meeting the statutory requirements and in following policies and procedures. A copy of the Health and Safety Policy is available from the intranet or from the Risk Management Department.

You are reminded that in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 you have a duty to take reasonable care to avoid injury to yourself and to others affected by your work activities.

You will be notified where your post carries a requirement for immunisation.

You may be required to be able to undertake physical intervention training and participate in physical intervention as part of a physical intervention team and Basic Life Support (BLS).

Infection Control

Livewell Southwest is determined to eradicate healthcare-acquired infection and puts a great deal of emphasis on the responsibility of all staff to ensure their own personal and others compliance with Infection Control (including Hand Washing) Policies. All staff must comply with infection control policies and guidance, attend relevant updates and report issues of concern to their immediate line manager (if no action or explanation received, then it is the individuals responsibility to escalate their concerns to the Director of Operations or Chief Executives Office).

Safeguarding Children and Adults

All employees have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults and are required to act in such a way that at all times safeguards their health and wellbeing. Familiarisation with and adherence to national and local safeguarding adults and children policies is an essential requirement upon all employees. Livewell Southwest has specific safeguarding policies and in addition, employees also have a responsibility to practice and work within the multi-agency policy developed by the Safeguarding Adults Board and the Safeguarding Children Board. Staff are also required to participate in related mandatory/statutory training.

Research

For clinical posts at bands 5 and 6, there is an expectation that engagement in research will be part of this role. Therefore, an awareness of the value and relevance of research is expected, and the post holder should either support existing research within their specialty area as appropriate or identify opportunities to raise awareness of research possibilities. For clinical posts at band 7 and above, the post holder will be required to actively participate in complex audits using research methodology or participate as required in clinical trials or equipment testing, and will demonstrate high level involvement in local ongoing research projects.

Sustainability and climate change

All staff are expected to take responsibility for the reduction of carbon emissions within their area of the organisation. In particular this may relate to reducing energy consumption, making low carbon travel choices, consideration of goods and services being purchased, and waste reduction.

Other

This Job Description is not exhaustive and may change as the post develops, but such change will not take place without consultation between the post holder and their manager. Job descriptions should be reviewed at least annually at the appraisal meeting

Job description

Job responsibilities

In addition to the main responsibilities, please see below for other elements of the job description.

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 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

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ALL POSTS

The post holder is required to comply with all relevant policies and procedures pertinent to their post. Current versions can be found on the intranet or via your manager. The areas listed below are those Livewell Southwest currently places particular emphasis on. Failure to follow correct policies and procedures may result in disciplinary action.

Risk Management

In accordance with the Risk Management Strategy, employees will participate, whenever required, with the risk management process. They will support line managers by attending mandatory and statutory training, completing incident/accident forms for every adverse event or near miss that occurs, report all defects and complaints, and communicate any dangerous situation to individuals potentially at risk.

Health and Safety at Work

You must co-operate with those in authority and others in meeting the statutory requirements and in following policies and procedures. A copy of the Health and Safety Policy is available from the intranet or from the Risk Management Department.

You are reminded that in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 you have a duty to take reasonable care to avoid injury to yourself and to others affected by your work activities.

You will be notified where your post carries a requirement for immunisation.

You may be required to be able to undertake physical intervention training and participate in physical intervention as part of a physical intervention team and Basic Life Support (BLS).

Infection Control

Livewell Southwest is determined to eradicate healthcare-acquired infection and puts a great deal of emphasis on the responsibility of all staff to ensure their own personal and others compliance with Infection Control (including Hand Washing) Policies. All staff must comply with infection control policies and guidance, attend relevant updates and report issues of concern to their immediate line manager (if no action or explanation received, then it is the individuals responsibility to escalate their concerns to the Director of Operations or Chief Executives Office).

Safeguarding Children and Adults

All employees have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults and are required to act in such a way that at all times safeguards their health and wellbeing. Familiarisation with and adherence to national and local safeguarding adults and children policies is an essential requirement upon all employees. Livewell Southwest has specific safeguarding policies and in addition, employees also have a responsibility to practice and work within the multi-agency policy developed by the Safeguarding Adults Board and the Safeguarding Children Board. Staff are also required to participate in related mandatory/statutory training.

Research

For clinical posts at bands 5 and 6, there is an expectation that engagement in research will be part of this role. Therefore, an awareness of the value and relevance of research is expected, and the post holder should either support existing research within their specialty area as appropriate or identify opportunities to raise awareness of research possibilities. For clinical posts at band 7 and above, the post holder will be required to actively participate in complex audits using research methodology or participate as required in clinical trials or equipment testing, and will demonstrate high level involvement in local ongoing research projects.

Sustainability and climate change

All staff are expected to take responsibility for the reduction of carbon emissions within their area of the organisation. In particular this may relate to reducing energy consumption, making low carbon travel choices, consideration of goods and services being purchased, and waste reduction.

Other

This Job Description is not exhaustive and may change as the post develops, but such change will not take place without consultation between the post holder and their manager. Job descriptions should be reviewed at least annually at the appraisal meeting

Person Specification

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.

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.

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).

Knowledge

Essential

  • - Knowledge of mental health
  • - Awareness of safeguarding principles
  • - 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
  • - Willingness to positively share your own life experiences, personal experiences of your own ill health with service users and carers.
  • - Sensitive understanding of diversity issues and ability to promote anti-discriminatory practice/ equal opportunities
  • - Resilience

Desirable

  • - A basic understanding of physical health presentation
Person Specification

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.

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.

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).

Knowledge

Essential

  • - Knowledge of mental health
  • - Awareness of safeguarding principles
  • - 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
  • - Willingness to positively share your own life experiences, personal experiences of your own ill health with service users and carers.
  • - Sensitive understanding of diversity issues and ability to promote anti-discriminatory practice/ equal opportunities
  • - Resilience

Desirable

  • - A basic understanding of physical health presentation

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).

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.

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Livewell Southwest

Address

Livewell South West

Mount Gould Road

Plymouth

PL4 7QD


Employer's website

https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Livewell Southwest

Address

Livewell South West

Mount Gould Road

Plymouth

PL4 7QD


Employer's website

https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Manager

Nikki Huck

nikki.huck@nhs.net

01752434714

Details

Date posted

24 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

B9832-2026-NM-10182

Job locations

Livewell South West

Mount Gould Road

Plymouth

PL4 7QD


284 Dean Cross Road

Plymouth

PL9 7AZ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Livewell Southwest's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)