Peer Support Worker

We are recruiting a Band 3 Peer Support Worker to join our Eating Disorder Service. This is an entry-level peer support role, designed for someone who brings lived experience of an Eating Disorder and is interested in starting a career in peer support. The role has the potential for progression to a Band 4 peer support role subject to job evaluation and reviews.

The role will be to establish a supportive relationship with the people who use our service, based on the core principles of peer support (mutuality, reciprocity, strengths-focused, safe, progressive, non-directive and inclusive). The role will be working alongside the wider multidisciplinary team. You will receive regular supervision, training, and support to develop your skills and confidence in the peer role.

We are able to accommodate flexible working arrangements and part-time working, the successful candidate will be expected to work from The Haldon Eating Disorder Unit.

This is not a healthcare support worker role. It is a peer support opportunity and designed for people with lived experience.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to enquire about this role before applying.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to share details of their own personal lived experiences of having an Eating Disorder and their journey within the Eating Disorder services at interview to demonstrate the ability to support our service users effectively.

Main duties of the job

The role involves building supportive relationships with people at The Haldon, based on core peer support principles. You will work alongside the wider multidisciplinary team and receive regular supervision, training, and support to develop confidence and skills in the peer role

Peer support is rooted in shared lived experience. As a Peer Support Worker, you will use your own experience of an Eating Disorder in a safe and meaningful way, to offer understanding, hope, practical support, and be willing to share relevant parts of your recovery journey

-Providing one to one and group peer support to service users and their families
-Offering emotional support, encouragement, and reassurance based on shared lived experience.
-Supporting people to identify their own recovery goals and access community and wellbeing resources.
-Working in a trauma in formed and non judgemental way, respecting each persons background, culture, and circumstances.
-Taking part in training, supervision, and reflective spaces to support your development and wellbeing.
-Working closely with the wider multidisciplinary team and escalating any concerns appropriately.
-Be supported to complete required training, including peer support and eating disorder specific learning.
-Work within clear boundaries, with responsibility and decision making held by clinical colleagues.

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

For more details about this position, please see the attached Job and Person Description word document.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential
-Able to demonstrate first person experiential knowledge of achieving Eating Disorder recovery goals.
-Lived experience of accessing and negotiating Eating Disorder services, or equivalent experience from private healthcare / lived experience relevant to patient group

Desirable
-Paid or unpaid working experience in health and social care
-Experience of actively supporting individuals to identify and work toward their self-defined goals in a related social care or health setting (paid or unpaid)

Qualifications

Essential
-NHSE Peer Support Worker Competence Framework Training or commitment to complete within 3-6 months of joining
-Care Certificate training (to be completed within first 3-6 months of joining unless already obtained)
-Basic IT skills

Desirable
-NVQ Level 3 or QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification or experience
-Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings

Knowledge and skills

Essential
-Able to communicate effectively with people using services taking into account any communication difficulties they may have and responding appropriately
-Able to demonstrate empathy, compassion, patience and be non-judgemental in your approach
-Able to demonstrate understanding about how and why we need to maintain personal - professional boundaries

Desirable
-Knowledge of how to build community links and networks