Peer Support Worker - Lived Experience

Job summary

We are offering a rare and exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to join our Primary Care Mental Health Treatment Requirements (MHTR) Team as a Peer Support Worker covering the High Wycombe area.

The MHTR Team aims to identify, screen, assess and provide psychological interventions and support to those sentenced to an MHTR. As Peer Support Worker you will play a vital role in working alongside psychologists and clinicians to support engagement and build trust and rapport with individuals utilising your own Lived Experience.

Peer support is founded on the belief that no one is better placed to guide recovery than someone who has walked the same path. It is essential you have clear and demonstrable Lived Experience withing the Criminal Justice System (CJS) or prison custody to help others accessing support from the service.

Peer support experience is desirable but not essential as training will be provided. Some lived experience in mental health or substance misuse would be an advantage but what matters most is your ability to use personal, Lived Experience in the criminal justice system to support others and your aspiration to do so within a supportive NHS team.

This role is for 2 days per week and will require independent travel across the patch is essential to fulfil this role.

Main duties of the job

As Peer Support Worker you will work alongside service users and assist them when aspiring and considering the initial steps on their recovery journey through providing practical and emotional support, helping individuals navigate services and maintain motivation.

As part of this role, you will be expected to:

• Promote recovery-focused approaches, ensuring that the person's voice and experience are central to care planning.
• Providing support and practical assistance to service users in order for them to engage with appropriate services, develop an identity outside of the criminal justice system, and regain control over their lives and their own unique recovery process.
• Establish a supportive and respectful relationship with service users
• Help individuals identify strengths, interests, and their own achievable and meaningful recovery goals.
• Support the implementation of groups and networks that enable participation in activities.
• Actively engage with colleagues and other professionals to ensure the needs of the client group are met

About us

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications