Peer Support Worker - Apprenticeship in Wakefield

This is an exciting opportunity for two part‑time (18hrs) Peer Support Workers to join the All‑Age Forensic Community Service based in Wakefield, covering the wider Yorkshire region. The posts will be 9‑5 Monday to Friday.

Main Duties:

• Provide support and guidance to service users.
• Share lived experience and promote the service‑user voice.
• Support identified interventions at individual and group level.
• Act as a positive role model, inspiring and motivating service users in their recovery.
• Offer practical and emotional support to service users.
• Help reduce challenges and fears for service users.
• Promote recovery and positive futures.
• Use personal experience and knowledge to contribute to the team.
• Support service development, involvement and collaboration.
• Access supervision and support from the peer support network, adopting a reflective approach.
• Complete identified studies relating to the peer support worker role.
• Report to the clinical team and line manager.
• Attend allocated meetings.

Qualifications (Essential):

• GCSE A‑D or grade 3‑9 in Maths and English or equivalent.
• Apprenticeship Level 3 or equivalent (e.g., RQF Level 3 in Peer Support/Working) or willingness to work towards this.
• Level 2 qualification with demonstrable competencies at Level 3.
• Care Certificate, or ability to achieve within 12 weeks of commencement.
• Willingness to undertake further training in line with development of peer support.

Qualifications (Desirable):

• QCF Diploma in Health & Social Care Level 3 or equivalent.
• Mental Health Awareness Training.
• Mental Health First Aid Training.
• Completion of own Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) or whole life plan.

Essential Attributes:

• Valid driving licence and access to a car during the working day (reasonable adjustments considered).
• Ability to work with people in a supportive and empowering way.
• Effective communication skills (verbal, non‑verbal and written).
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Self‑motivated and enthusiastic.
• Ability to prioritise and manage own work, and to work under pressure.
• Ability to work independently with guidance from a manager.
• Commitment to the Trust's mission and values.
• Confident, conscientious, reliable.
• Recovery/strengths‑focused.

Desirable Attributes:

• Emotional maturity and wide range of life experience.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Sense of humour.
• Energy, drive, enthusiasm and tenacity.
• Patient, non‑judgmental, respectful and compassionate.
• Quick learner.
• Team player.

Experience (Essential):

• Lived experience of mental health services (secondary preferred) and ability to reflect on personal recovery.
• Wide range of life experiences to provide an enabling and positive view of opportunities for others.
• Computer/keyboard skills using Microsoft software.
• Experience in a supportive and enabling role.
• Experience working in a team or group environment.
• Willingness to share personal recovery to help others through lived experience.
• Evidence of promoting/supporting active user/carer involvement and participation.
• Positive approach to recovery.
• Ability and willingness to disclose personal experience of recovery to influence others positively.

Experience (Desirable):

• Experience supporting the development of services.
• Experience of partnership working and networking.
• Experience facilitating groups or chairing meetings.
• Experience in the public sector.
• Customer care.
• Office/administrative experience.
• Information management experience (data input, collection & collation, spreadsheets or files).

Advanced Knowledge & Skills:

• Good organisational and time‑management skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Ability to support and facilitate groups.
• Ability to write reports and keep records.
• Understanding of the impact of stigma and discrimination.
• Knowledge of health issues and how poor health can affect individuals.

Additional Information:

• At the time of advertising, this role does not meet the minimum requirements for UK Visas and Immigration sponsor status. Therefore, we are unable to sponsor a candidate on a visa for this role at this moment.
• Disclosures and Barring Service check required under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Employer Details:

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust
Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital
Ouchthorpe Lane
Wakefield, WF1 3SP
Website: https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk