Autism Peer Support Worker

NHS Jobs; Dawlish; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Devon Partnership NHS Trust is seeking a Band 3 Peer Support Worker to use lived experience to support mental health service users within hospital-based teams. You will work both one-to-one and in groups, building supportive relationships and helping people set personal recovery goals.

The role requires compassionate listening, boundary awareness, and the ability to work with diverse individuals in a caring, non-judgmental manner. Training and supervision are provided.

Qualifications

• Have personal experience that helps you understand the people you will support.
• Be happy to use your experience to help other people.
• Understand that people recover in different ways.
• Have a basic understanding of mental and physical health.

Responsibilities

• Listen to people without judging them.
• Build safe and trusting relationships.
• Use your own experience to help others.
• Help people decide what recovery means to them.
• Support people to work towards their own goals.
• Keep clear and accurate records.
• Follow Trust policies and keep information private.

Skills

Empathy

Active listening

Boundary setting

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Care Certificate

Peer Support Worker training

DBS check

Job description

Job responsibilities

This is a shortened, easy-to-understand summary of the generic Peer Support Worker role. Please read the full Autism Peer Support Worker Job Description and Person Specification attached to the advert when completing your application.

Peer Support Worker Band: 3 Organisation: Devon Partnership NHS Trust

About the job A Peer Support Worker uses their own lived experience to help other people. You will use your experience carefully to help people feel understood, hopeful and supported. You will work as part of a team. You may support people on their own or in groups. This role is based in a hospital service.

What you will do

• Listen to people without judging them.
• Build safe and trusting relationships.
• Use your own experience to help others.
• Help people decide what recovery means to them.
• Support people to work towards their own goals.
• Help people recognise their strengths.
• Support people to make their own choices.
• Help people understand their rights.
• Help people prepare for meetings about their care.
• Support people at appointments, meetings or activities.
• Help people find useful services, groups and activities.
• Help people connect with their community and support networks.
• Support activities for individuals and groups.
• Work with families and carers when appropriate.
• Keep clear and accurate records.
• Tell a senior member of staff if you are worried about someone's safety.
• Follow Trust policies and keep information private.

Sharing your lived experience

• Share only what is helpful to the person you are supporting.
• Think carefully about what you share and when you share it.
• Keep clear and safe boundaries.
• Work within the limits of your role.
• Ask for help when you need it.
• Challenge stigma and discrimination in an appropriate way.

Working with others

• Work as part of a wider care team.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully.
• Work with people who may communicate in different ways.
• Treat each person as an individual.
• Respect each person's background, culture and beliefs.
• Work in a way that understands how trauma can affect people.
• Attend team meetings, training and supervision.
• Help the team develop and improve peer support.

Keeping people safe

• Know when to ask a senior colleague for help.
• Report concerns about someone's safety or wellbeing.
• Report accidents, incidents and risks.
• Follow safeguarding procedures.
• Follow health, safety and infection control guidance.
• Work safely when working alone.
• Tell qualified staff if you notice changes in someone's mental health.

Managing your work

• Arrive at work on time.
• Plan your diary and daily work.
• Organise and prioritise your tasks.
• Arrange appointments when needed.
• Complete records and other paperwork.
• Use email and Trust computer systems.
• Keep personal information safe and private.
• Be able to work on your own and ask for help when needed.

Support for you

Using your lived experience to support others can sometimes be emotionally difficult.

• You will receive: regular supervision guidance from your team training for the role opportunities to reflect on your work support for your wellbeing and development additional profession-specific support from the Peer Support Leadership team

What we are looking for

• Have personal experience that helps you understand the people you will support.
• Be happy to use your experience to help other people.
• Understand that people recover in different ways.
• Understand what peer support is.
• Have a basic understanding of mental and physical health.
• Have basic computer skills.
• Understand how to help keep people safe.
• Be a good listener.
• Be kind, patient and understanding.
• Stay calm when someone is upset or distressed.
• Be able to talk and listen to people.
• Be able to write simple and accurate notes.
• Work well with individuals and groups.
• Work well as part of a team.
• Be open to advice and feedback.
• Work on your own when needed.
• Plan and organise your work.
• Understand the limits of your role and ask for help when needed.
• Be able to travel to different places in the area you support.

Training and checks

Before you start

Once appointed, the successful candidate must:

• Have, or be willing to complete, the Care Certificate.
• Have, or be willing to complete, Peer Support Worker training.
• Complete a DBS check.

It would be helpful if you have A qualification in health and social care, or similar experience. Training that helps you support other people. Experience of helping people work towards their goals. Knowledge of local services, groups and support available in the community. Experience of using your own experiences to support other people.

Good to know

Sometimes you may work on your own. You may support people who are upset or having a difficult time. The job can sometimes be challenging. You may need to travel. You will receive training and support.

Eligibility and flexibility

• We welcome everyone.
• We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.
• Flexible working may be available.
• We will support you if you need adjustments.