Peer Support/Lived Experience Worker - Apprenticeship Opportunity

Job summary

The Peer Support/ Lived Experience Worker will draw upon their own lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery to support others currently accessing mental health services. By offering hope, encouragement, and a unique perspective, the role will help people to feel understood, valued, and empowered in their recovery journey.

This role is central to reducing stigma, fostering inclusion, and ensuring that the voice of lived experience is represented in the design and delivery of mental health support.

If you don't already have a Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant subject, RDaSH are offering this post alongside the opportunity for you to complete a Level 3apprenticeship qualification [relevant to your role].

As an apprentice within RDaSH you will be given the opportunity to gain experience, learn work-related skills and obtain all the tools needed to thrive.

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. Around 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying. This leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

Whether you already work for us or are joining the Trust and NHS for the first time, apprenticeships can help you to develop the skills, knowledge and know-how in order to embark on a successful and fulfilling career within the health service.

Main duties of the job

The range of duties includes:

Planning and providing one-to-one and group peer support, drawing on personal recovery experiences in a safe and appropriate way.

Delivering low level interventions which have been planned with both the lead professional and patient.

Supporting service users to identify strengths, set personal goals, and develop strategies to manage their mental health.

Encouraging engagement with care plans, community resources, and self-help activities to improve social inclusion.

Building links with partner agencies and supporting patients to engage as part of their ongoing recovery journey.

Attending multi-disciplinary team meetings and feeding back about patient progress.

The post holder will work with a degree of independence while remaining supported through supervision and the wider team. They will be expected to prioritise their own workload, plan peer support activities, and seek guidance where complex issues arise

The post holder will work in partnership with service users who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis, carers, and colleagues within the multidisciplinary team to promote recovery-focused practice. Through sharing experiences in a safe and appropriate way, the Peer Support Worker will encourage individuals to develop their own coping strategies, build resilience, and take an active role in managing their wellbeing.

About us

Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) employ around 4000 talented colleagues who are very much appreciated, valued, and respected.

We have a wide portfolio which includes mental health, physical health, learning disability and drug and alcohol services.

We are dedicated to the development of our our people and hold a learning half day every month for our colleagues.

We are passionate about enhancing the quality of our service and we work hard to attract and select the right colleagues for our organisation. Our goal is to employ those who share our passion for providing first class care while remaining committed to our vision and values. Please view our Strategy using the link below:

https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/documents/clinical-and-organisational-strategy-2023-to-2028/

To find out more about working for RDaSH and the fantastic benefits we offer visit our website:

https://workwithrdash.co.uk/

We are committed to inclusive cultures and really value people in our organisation, view our Allyship video on YouTube to find out more:

https://youtu.be/WMJSkLoTk4Q

The main terms and conditions of service can be found here:

https://www.nhsemployers.org/publications/tchandbook