Job summary
The role of peer support worker has been developed specifically for people who have lived experience of mental health challenges. Through sharing wisdom from their own experiences, peer support workers will inspire hope and belief that recovery is possible in others.
As an integral and highly valued member of the multi-disciplinary team, the PSW will provide formalised peer support and practical assistance to service users in order for them to regain control over their lives and their own unique recovery process. Within a relationship of mutuality and information sharing, they will promote choice, self- determination and opportunities for the fulfilment of socially valued roles and connection to local communities.
The PSW will act as a recovery champion within the team and an ambassador of recovery for the Trust with external agencies and partner organisations. There is also an expectation that PSWs will be involved in the on-going development of the role. As a core member of the multidisciplinary team, the PSW will work alongside an agreed number of service users on a 1:1 and/or group basis. The PSW will take a lead role in embedding recovery values within the service setting in which they work with other Trust recovery champions. Reporting directly to the Team Leader and under the professional supervision of the Peer Support Worker Lead, the PSW will be responsible for the delivery of peer support interventions as agreed within the peer relationship.
Main duties of the job
- To form and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients, staff and other members of the mental health team.
- To promote better mental health by acting as a suitable role model.
- To sign-post to various resources, opportunities and activities within the Trust and in communities to promote choices and informed decision making
- To support service users to identify and overcome fears within a relationship of empathy and trust.
- To support the team in promoting a recovery orientated environment by identifying recovery focused activities and imparting information and education as required.
- To act as an ambassador for the Trust with external agencies and partner organisations.
- To share ideas about ways of achieving Recovery goals, drawing on personal experiences and a range of coping, self-help and self-management techniques.
- To assist others to create their own Recovery plans make and record advance decisions.
- To accompany service users to appointments/meetings/activities of their choice and performing a range of practical tasks, aligned to recovery goals.
- Monitor mental health 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.
- Work with people using services and their carers to work towards recovery.
- Encourage social/physical activities as identified within the care plan.
- Promote independence and recovery
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose
The role of peer support worker, in the rehabilitation and recovery team, has been developed specifically for people who have lived experience of psychosis or bipolar. Through sharing wisdom from their own experiences, peer support workers will inspire hope and belief that recovery is possible in others.
As an integral and highly valued member of the multi-disciplinary team, the PSW will provide formalised peer support and practical assistance to service users in order for them to regain control over their lives and their own unique recovery process. Within a relationship of mutuality and information sharing, they will promote choice, self- determination and opportunities for the fulfilment of socially valued roles and connection to local communities.
The PSW will act as a recovery champion within the team and an ambassador of recovery for the Trust with external agencies and partner organisations. There is also an expectation that PSWs will be involved in the on-going development of the role. As a core member of the multidisciplinary team, the PSW will work alongside an agreed number of service users on a 1:1 and/or group basis. The PSW will take a lead role in embedding recovery values within the service setting in which they work with other Trust recovery champions. Reporting directly to the Team Leader/Ward manager and under the professional supervision of the Peer Support Worker Lead, the PSW will be responsible for the delivery of peer support interventions as agreed within the peer relationship.
Duties and Responsibilities
Communication and Working Relationship Skills
- To meet, welcome, introduce and orientate the patient/service user, their carer and families to the service.
- To communicate with patients/service users and carers with empathy, reassurance and tact.
- To support patients/service users to prepare for meetings regarding their care e.g. assessments, clinical meetings etc.
- To support patients/service users to access information on health promotion, mental and physical wellbeing and integrate into their recovery.
- To make notes of date, length and type of all contacts with patients/services users in the Digital Care Record.
- Contribute to monitoring the patients/service users progress, level of functioning & mental state, reporting progress and escalating areas of concern to the relevant senior staff member.
- To assist the patient/service user to understand their rights and choices within the service.
- To develop and contribute to positive relationships with other members of the local team/service or ward.
- To promote better mental wellbeing by role-modelling positive life skills and behaviours.
- To support engagement with local resources, opportunities and activities within the Trust and in communities to establish connections to support their recovery.
- To support patients/service users to identify and overcome fears within a peer support worker relationship of empathy and trust
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
- Be punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with Trust Policies.
- Report any untoward incidents, safeguarding concerns or unusual occurrences to the manager/senior clinician immediately.
- Be able to identify a situation that requires escalation to a manager i.e. safeguarding, patient risks, and environmental risks
Planning and Organisational Skills
- To plan own diary in collaboration with the wider team and maintain accurate records of all activity.
- To liaise appropriately with other Agencies as part of supporting the delivery of care.
- To attend meetings and any other formal/informal communication events linked to the work of the team, as directed by the team leader.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy
- To share ideas about ways of achieving Recovery goals, drawing on personal experiences and a range of coping, self-help and self-management techniques.
- To assist others to create their own Recovery plans and make and record advance decisions.
- To model personal responsibility, self-awareness, self-belief, self-advocacy and hopefulness.
- To accompany service users to appointments/meetings/activities of their choice and performing a range of practical tasks, aligned to recovery goals.
- Monitor mental health 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.
- Working with people using services and their carers to work towards their personal 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 care record and seek appropriate professional validation.
- To lead and co-lead (as appropriate) therapeutic groups as part of the programme.
- Ability to use their own experience of mental ill health to connect with, explore and safely develop a mutual relationship with patients. This relationship is the basis for jointly understanding and mobilising the patients own resources and applying these to make gains in their recovery.
- To lead and co-lead (as appropriate) therapeutic groups and activities.
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation
- Report using the risk management system any observed incidence of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences or faulty equipment.
- Comply with universal Infection Control precautions and procedures.
- To complete all core training requirements and other appropriate training courses relevant to the PSW role, as agreed with their local line manager.
- To maintain up to date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and issues in relation to both the specific service user/patient group, peer support and mental health.
- To comply with all relevant Trust policies, procedures and guidelines, including those relating to Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety and Confidentiality of Information and to be aware of any changes in these.
- To be aware of & discuss with a professional communication approach, issues in relation to stigma, low expectations and anti-discriminatory practice where appropriate.
- To read and understand the basic statutory requirements of the Mental Health Act (1983).
- To attend clinical, business & service development meetings as required.
- To raise the profile of peer support both within the trust, also where indicated and agreed with their line manager, externally through co-delivery of presentations, workshops, and participation in trust wide peer related projects.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources
- Assist in maintaining safety and security of the environment.
- Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the environment (including equipment).
- To have knowledge and understanding of counter fraud.
- The post holder will have no direct responsibility for finance, but they will need to adhere to relevant Trust policies on travel, expenses etc.
- To use Trust NHS resources in a sustainable way
Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management
- To engage in the trust PSW training programme and contribute to the ongoing evaluation of the PSW role.
- To participate in and support students learning along with other members of the team.
- To participate in Trust mandatory training & development opportunities considered appropriate to the PSWs role and as identified in their appraisal.
- To contribute to their annual appraisal.
- To receive regular line management supervision as arranged by the ward/service manager.
- To make full use of clinical supervision, peer support with other peer workers and other support as necessary in order to remain well and safe in their PSW role. This protected time will enable them to work in a supportive way with the challenges of using lived experience to support people with potentially difficult and distressing issues.
Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties
- Maintain up to date electronic records in a timely and accurate manner.
- To regularly access emails and other information through the Trusts intranet.
- Maintain confidentiality of information being aware of Trust policies and local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.
- Work in accordance with lone working policy.
Responsibility for Research and Development
- To identify personal developmental needs in conjunction with Line Manager.
- To take part in any audit processes as required.
Freedom to Act
- Works within the standard operational procedures of the team/service/ward.
- Uses own initiative in delivering patient care whilst receiving supervision from the team.
- The post holder will work within their own limits, and competencies with regular supervision, i.e. managerial, clinical, peer supervisions.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose
The role of peer support worker, in the rehabilitation and recovery team, has been developed specifically for people who have lived experience of psychosis or bipolar. Through sharing wisdom from their own experiences, peer support workers will inspire hope and belief that recovery is possible in others.
As an integral and highly valued member of the multi-disciplinary team, the PSW will provide formalised peer support and practical assistance to service users in order for them to regain control over their lives and their own unique recovery process. Within a relationship of mutuality and information sharing, they will promote choice, self- determination and opportunities for the fulfilment of socially valued roles and connection to local communities.
The PSW will act as a recovery champion within the team and an ambassador of recovery for the Trust with external agencies and partner organisations. There is also an expectation that PSWs will be involved in the on-going development of the role. As a core member of the multidisciplinary team, the PSW will work alongside an agreed number of service users on a 1:1 and/or group basis. The PSW will take a lead role in embedding recovery values within the service setting in which they work with other Trust recovery champions. Reporting directly to the Team Leader/Ward manager and under the professional supervision of the Peer Support Worker Lead, the PSW will be responsible for the delivery of peer support interventions as agreed within the peer relationship.
Duties and Responsibilities
Communication and Working Relationship Skills
- To meet, welcome, introduce and orientate the patient/service user, their carer and families to the service.
- To communicate with patients/service users and carers with empathy, reassurance and tact.
- To support patients/service users to prepare for meetings regarding their care e.g. assessments, clinical meetings etc.
- To support patients/service users to access information on health promotion, mental and physical wellbeing and integrate into their recovery.
- To make notes of date, length and type of all contacts with patients/services users in the Digital Care Record.
- Contribute to monitoring the patients/service users progress, level of functioning & mental state, reporting progress and escalating areas of concern to the relevant senior staff member.
- To assist the patient/service user to understand their rights and choices within the service.
- To develop and contribute to positive relationships with other members of the local team/service or ward.
- To promote better mental wellbeing by role-modelling positive life skills and behaviours.
- To support engagement with local resources, opportunities and activities within the Trust and in communities to establish connections to support their recovery.
- To support patients/service users to identify and overcome fears within a peer support worker relationship of empathy and trust
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
- Be punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with Trust Policies.
- Report any untoward incidents, safeguarding concerns or unusual occurrences to the manager/senior clinician immediately.
- Be able to identify a situation that requires escalation to a manager i.e. safeguarding, patient risks, and environmental risks
Planning and Organisational Skills
- To plan own diary in collaboration with the wider team and maintain accurate records of all activity.
- To liaise appropriately with other Agencies as part of supporting the delivery of care.
- To attend meetings and any other formal/informal communication events linked to the work of the team, as directed by the team leader.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy
- To share ideas about ways of achieving Recovery goals, drawing on personal experiences and a range of coping, self-help and self-management techniques.
- To assist others to create their own Recovery plans and make and record advance decisions.
- To model personal responsibility, self-awareness, self-belief, self-advocacy and hopefulness.
- To accompany service users to appointments/meetings/activities of their choice and performing a range of practical tasks, aligned to recovery goals.
- Monitor mental health 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.
- Working with people using services and their carers to work towards their personal 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 care record and seek appropriate professional validation.
- To lead and co-lead (as appropriate) therapeutic groups as part of the programme.
- Ability to use their own experience of mental ill health to connect with, explore and safely develop a mutual relationship with patients. This relationship is the basis for jointly understanding and mobilising the patients own resources and applying these to make gains in their recovery.
- To lead and co-lead (as appropriate) therapeutic groups and activities.
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation
- Report using the risk management system any observed incidence of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences or faulty equipment.
- Comply with universal Infection Control precautions and procedures.
- To complete all core training requirements and other appropriate training courses relevant to the PSW role, as agreed with their local line manager.
- To maintain up to date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and issues in relation to both the specific service user/patient group, peer support and mental health.
- To comply with all relevant Trust policies, procedures and guidelines, including those relating to Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety and Confidentiality of Information and to be aware of any changes in these.
- To be aware of & discuss with a professional communication approach, issues in relation to stigma, low expectations and anti-discriminatory practice where appropriate.
- To read and understand the basic statutory requirements of the Mental Health Act (1983).
- To attend clinical, business & service development meetings as required.
- To raise the profile of peer support both within the trust, also where indicated and agreed with their line manager, externally through co-delivery of presentations, workshops, and participation in trust wide peer related projects.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources
- Assist in maintaining safety and security of the environment.
- Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the environment (including equipment).
- To have knowledge and understanding of counter fraud.
- The post holder will have no direct responsibility for finance, but they will need to adhere to relevant Trust policies on travel, expenses etc.
- To use Trust NHS resources in a sustainable way
Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management
- To engage in the trust PSW training programme and contribute to the ongoing evaluation of the PSW role.
- To participate in and support students learning along with other members of the team.
- To participate in Trust mandatory training & development opportunities considered appropriate to the PSWs role and as identified in their appraisal.
- To contribute to their annual appraisal.
- To receive regular line management supervision as arranged by the ward/service manager.
- To make full use of clinical supervision, peer support with other peer workers and other support as necessary in order to remain well and safe in their PSW role. This protected time will enable them to work in a supportive way with the challenges of using lived experience to support people with potentially difficult and distressing issues.
Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties
- Maintain up to date electronic records in a timely and accurate manner.
- To regularly access emails and other information through the Trusts intranet.
- Maintain confidentiality of information being aware of Trust policies and local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.
- Work in accordance with lone working policy.
Responsibility for Research and Development
- To identify personal developmental needs in conjunction with Line Manager.
- To take part in any audit processes as required.
Freedom to Act
- Works within the standard operational procedures of the team/service/ward.
- Uses own initiative in delivering patient care whilst receiving supervision from the team.
- The post holder will work within their own limits, and competencies with regular supervision, i.e. managerial, clinical, peer supervisions.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Basic Education
- Commitment to undertake the Health Education England Peer Support Worker Competency Framework training and the Care Certificate self-certification within the first 6 months of joining unless already obtained.
Desirable
- NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent
- Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings (statutory or voluntary).
Experience
Essential
- Have lived experience of a psychotic illness
- Willing to positively share your own life experiences, personal experience of mental ill health with service users and carers.
Desirable
- Awareness of safeguarding principles
- Awareness of alcohol and substance misuse
- Have received care for your mental health from the secondary services
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate first person experiential knowledge of recovery from a psychotic illness.
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the concept of personal recovery as it may apply to others.
- A basic understanding of physical health presentations.
- An ability to act calmly and to respond in a professional manner to distress, disturbance and unpredictability.
- Demonstrate an ability and understanding about how and why we need to maintain personal professional boundaries.
- Sensitive understanding of diversity issues and an ability to promote anti-discriminatory practice/ equal opportunities.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Basic Education
- Commitment to undertake the Health Education England Peer Support Worker Competency Framework training and the Care Certificate self-certification within the first 6 months of joining unless already obtained.
Desirable
- NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent
- Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings (statutory or voluntary).
Experience
Essential
- Have lived experience of a psychotic illness
- Willing to positively share your own life experiences, personal experience of mental ill health with service users and carers.
Desirable
- Awareness of safeguarding principles
- Awareness of alcohol and substance misuse
- Have received care for your mental health from the secondary services
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate first person experiential knowledge of recovery from a psychotic illness.
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the concept of personal recovery as it may apply to others.
- A basic understanding of physical health presentations.
- An ability to act calmly and to respond in a professional manner to distress, disturbance and unpredictability.
- Demonstrate an ability and understanding about how and why we need to maintain personal professional boundaries.
- Sensitive understanding of diversity issues and an ability to promote anti-discriminatory practice/ equal opportunities.
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.
