Peer Support Worker, TransPlus

Job summary

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the leading providers of services for the LGBTQI+ communities including our gender dysphoria clinic 'TransPlus', trans sexual health service '56T' and Chelsea Centre for Gender Surgery. Our services are recognised for their inclusivity & diversity, and recently won a Nursing Times Award for 'Enhancing Patient Dignity'. Our ambition is to be the leading healthcare provider for Trans and non-binary service users in the UK, building on the specialist expertise and knowledge of our clinical teams.

TransPlus, at 56 Dean Street, is the first integrated gender, HIV and sexual health service by NHS England. Our vision is for an innovative and patient-centred service, based on the principle that patients must have equal access to services whatever their gender identity with reasonable adjustments to the delivery of care to match the individual's needs and circumstances.

Main duties of the job

The role of the Peer Support Worker at TransPlus is to use lived experience to empower service users and meet them at their current stage of the journey. Through integration of one-to-one, group and online support, the post holder will be able to provide advice to service users on a range of subjects such as navigating transition and the physical changes that may be experienced, surgery wait lists and outcomes, coping with change, and self-care. There is an established evidence base for effectiveness of peer support in enhancing traditional healthcare in NHS settings, and research in NHS settings has shown peer support most effective when it creates difference from (allowing for wide ranging conversations) and greater access to (opening up pathways) traditional services.

The post holder will be an integral member of the wider MDT, being able to communicate the voice of our service users, and allowing this to inform decision making. They will play an important role in community outreach and be innovative in their approach to the role.

We welcome applications from everyone, however, we are especially keen to hear from applicants with lived experience who are able to connect with and advocate for those who wish to access gender affirming care.

About us

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.

Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.

We are committed to equal opportunities and believe that diversity drives innovation and excellence. As part of our dedication to equity, we actively welcome applications from individuals from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that diverse teams bring and are committed to creating an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered to succeed."

If you haven't heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.

Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.