Peer Support Worker

Peer Support Worker

Wickford Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support service users in their recovery journey using your own lived experience.
  • Company: Join EPUT, a compassionate NHS Trust dedicated to mental health and wellbeing.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, NHS discounts, training opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a rewarding environment.
  • Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a passion for helping others and personal recovery experience.
  • Other info: Applications from those with mental health service experience are especially welcomed.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

Please note you must have right to work in the UK to apply for this position. Due to current Home Office Guidelines, we are unable to sponsor this job role.

As an integral and highly valued member of the Inpatient or Specialist Care Team, the PSW will provide formal and professional peer support and practical assistance to service users in order for them to regain control over their lives and their unique recovery journey in a progressive way during their time on the ward.

Working in line with the national peer support competency framework, and the key principles of peer support as outlined by ImROC, the PSW will effectively use their own lived experience of recovery to support a person in their own recovery journey, helping the people they are supporting to navigate the inpatient pathway. By building positive relationships with service users and patients based on mutuality, reciprocity, and inclusivity, they will support people to identify their recovery goals and strengths working towards discharge. The PSW will advocate for a person's needs and support that person to self-advocate during their inpatient stay.

Main duties of the job:

  • To improve the lives of people with mental ill health by minimising the impact of their condition through the delivery of excellent services to promote recovery and wellbeing.
  • To be compassionate in meeting the needs of patients and their carers.
  • To work closely with the multidisciplinary team within the service regarding the mental health needs of the people they are supporting.

Working for our organisation:

EPUT are looking for motivated staff who share our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including:

  • Season Ticket Loans
  • NHS discounts for staff
  • Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
  • Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
  • The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
  • Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
  • Day One Flexible Employer

The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment.

Join our Staff bank:

Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able to offer safe and effective care at all times. All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank; however, this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish. If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank.

Please note - staff who are formally at risk within the organisation will be given priority in securing alternative employment. Should it come to light that a post being advertised by the Trust is considered suitable alternative employment to an individual who is at risk, the recruiting manager will be advised and the post will be withdrawn from NHS Jobs.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

Important Professional References:

Make sure that as a part of your application you have professional references with business contract information covering your last three year employment history. We are unable to accept personal or character references.

As a newly appointed employee you are responsible for incurring the cost of your initial DBS check relevant to your post; the amount will be deducted from your first salary with the Trust.

Applications for Job Share are positively welcomed.

Equal Opportunities Employer:

Our Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We particularly welcome applications from people with experience of using mental health services. We also hold the Disability two tick symbol and have made the pledge to commit to employing more people with learning disabilities; we encourage people with a disability to apply. If you require this application form in another format i.e. Braille or audio tape etc, please contact the Recruitment Department on 01375 364513 or email epunft.recruitment.adverts@nhs.net and we can arrange for this to be dispatched to you.

The Trust has the right to expire vacancies prior to the closing date if they so wish. The Trust makes every attempt to contact all applicants and we strongly advise that you check the email account which is registered with NHS Jobs regularly. We would advise however due to the high number of applications we receive that if you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to robust safer recruitment processes.

Covid Vaccination:

Although Covid vaccinations are no longer a mandatory requirement within the NHS, we continue to encourage and support the vaccination uptake as this remains the best line of defence against Covid-19. The safety of our staff and patients is a top priority for us at EPUT. If you would like to book a Covid vaccination or would like more information please contact us by emailing epunft.cv19hr@nhs.net.

Peer Support Worker employer: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

EPUT is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive work culture rooted in compassion and empowerment. With benefits such as flexible working options from day one, extensive training opportunities, and a commitment to inclusivity, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of those they support.
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Contact Detail:

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Peer Support Worker

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the national peer support competency framework and the key principles of peer support as outlined by ImROC. Understanding these frameworks will help you articulate how your lived experience aligns with the role during any discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former Peer Support Workers to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information about the role and help you prepare for potential questions during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Demonstrate your understanding of recovery-oriented practices in mental health. Be ready to discuss how you can support service users in identifying their recovery goals and strengths, showcasing your commitment to their wellbeing.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your advocacy skills. Think of examples where you've successfully supported someone in self-advocacy, as this is a crucial part of the Peer Support Worker role and will highlight your ability to empower others.

We think you need these skills to ace Peer Support Worker

Empathy
Active Listening
Communication Skills
Peer Support Experience
Understanding of Mental Health Issues
Advocacy Skills
Relationship Building
Problem-Solving Skills
Teamwork
Resilience
Self-Management
Cultural Competence
Knowledge of Recovery Principles
Flexibility

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your lived experience of recovery and how it relates to the role of a Peer Support Worker. Share specific examples of how you've supported others in their recovery journey.

Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the values of EPUT, particularly focusing on Care, Learn, and Empower. Show how your personal values align with those of the organisation.

Professional References: Prepare professional references that cover your last three years of employment. Ensure they are relevant to the role and can speak to your skills and experiences in a supportive context.

Be Authentic: Since the use of AI in applications is discouraged, ensure your application reflects your genuine voice and experiences. Authenticity is key in demonstrating your suitability for the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

✨Showcase Your Lived Experience

As a Peer Support Worker, your personal journey is invaluable. Be prepared to share how your experiences have shaped your understanding of recovery and how they can help others on their path.

✨Demonstrate Empathy and Compassion

This role requires a deep sense of empathy. During the interview, provide examples of how you've supported others in challenging situations, highlighting your ability to connect with service users on a personal level.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Peer Support Principles

Understand the key principles of peer support as outlined by ImROC. Being able to discuss these principles and how you would apply them in practice will show your commitment to the role.

✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers

Engage with your interviewers by preparing thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how they measure success in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.

Peer Support Worker
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Wickford
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