Peer Support Worker

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Peer Support Worker to join the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Early Intervention in Psychosis service (STEP).

As integral and valued members of the multi-disciplinary team, the PSW provides peer support, engagement and practical assistance to service users in order to help them access treatment, regain control over their lives and start their own personal recovery process.

Through sharing wisdom acquired from their own lived experience, the PSW will inspire hope and belief that recovery is possible. Support information sharing to promote choice, self-determination and opportunities for the fulfilment of socially valued roles and connection to local communities.

PSWs will be actively involved in the ongoing development of peer roles within the Trust, including the Peer Support Training Programme, Peer service evaluations and Peer Support Networks. As a core member of the multi-disciplinary team, the PSW will work alongside an agreed number of service users on a 1-1 and/or group basis for at least 60% of their time. They will also have the opportunity to co-work with other colleagues. The PSW will be responsible for the delivery of peer support interventions as agreed and feeding into the care planning process as required by the service.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

To establish a supportive and respectful relationship with service users.

Help individuals identify their own achievable and meaningful recovery goals and set recovery objectives, drawing on your mutual resources as peers and utilising a range of recovery tools, techniques and experience.

Model personal responsibility, self-awareness, self-belief, self-advocacy and hope by appropriate sharing of own recovery story to inspire and instill confidence in service users.

About us

As an organisation, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust offers employees a wide range of benefits including flexible working, NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave allowance and a commitment to career development.

You will be eligible for our Blue Light Card and a wide range of NHS exclusive shopping & leisure discounts.

We are proud of our skilled, diverse workforce and as an inclusive employer we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Working in Somerset enables you to enjoy the idyllic countryside, areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable.

Somerset offers the countryside and the cosmopolitan -- there is truly something for everyone! 

Job description

Service Specific

To establish a supportive and respectful relationship with service users.

Help individuals identify their own achievable and meaningful recovery goals and set recovery objectives, drawing on your mutual resources as peers and utilising a range of recovery tools, techniques and experience.

Model personal responsibility, self awareness, self belief, self advocacy and hope by appropriate sharing of own recovery story to inspire and instil confidence in service users.

Assist service users in creating a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) if used, and advanced directives to feed into the care planning process.

Share or teach coping, self help and self management techniques within the peer relationship.

Support service users to identify and overcome fears and within a relationship of empathy, trust and honesty, challenge negative self talk.

Facilitate access to community groups and networks that enable service users to participate in community activities, in order to maximise opportunities for taking on socially valued roles and positive identity.

Accompany service users, if appropriate, to appointments/meetings of their choice and perform a range of practical tasks, aligned to recovery goals.

Act as a positive role model showing professional and caring attitudes and behaviour towards other multi disciplinary team members, service users and carers.

Ensure that service user recovery goals are integrated into the Trust care planning processes and are reviewed on a regular basis, liaising closely with care coordinators as necessary

Work in a way that acknowledges the personal, social, cultural and spiritual strengths and needs of the individual.

Use own initiative, personal experience and job related training in deciding on the approach and interventions required when working with a service user in delivering p