Trauma Informed Peer Support Worker (HOPE)

The Cellar Trust; Saltaire; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cellar Trust is seeking a trauma‑informed support worker to provide one‑to‑one and group‑based support to adults accessing the HOPE service across the Bradford district.

You will manage your own caseload, help people improve wellbeing, access mental health and social care services, and work with partners in a community setting, following safeguarding and professional boundaries.

The role includes advocacy, peer support, and facilitating groups, with training in DBT-informed approaches.

Qualifications

• GCSE Grade 4+ or equivalent experience
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice
• Experience with ACEs, trauma, abuse and severe mental illness
• Experience in mental health or adult social care settings
• Experience supporting people with complex needs including suicidal ideation and self-harm
• Experience managing a caseload and maintaining case notes
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook and databases
• Willingness to undertake training in DBT-informed approaches and Peer Support

Responsibilities

• Manage allocated caseload and see clients in person, at home or by phone
• Deliver one-to-one support using trauma-informed, recovery-focused approaches
• Assist clients to access mental health, social care and housing services and advocate for their needs
• Support people experiencing suicidal ideation, self-harm and dual diagnosis
• Facilitate or co-facilitate peer support, wellbeing and recovery groups
• Maintain accurate notes and outcome measures promptly
• Liaise with professionals and partner organisations across the district
• Follow safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries policies

Skills

Communication

Advocacy

Relationship building

Teamwork

Empathy

Caseload management

MS Office

Education

GCSE 4+ or equivalent

Job description

LOCATION

Shipley / community based across Bradford district

GRADE / SALARY

D1 £27,294.18 FTE per annum (actual salary of £21,835.34 per annum for 30 hours per week)

HOURS

30 hours per week

ACCOUNTABLE TO

Team Leader (HOPE)

Purpose of the Job

To provide trauma-informed, person-centred support to adults accessing the HOPE service who have experienced long-term complex trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), childhood trauma, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, severe mental illness and other significant life adversities.

The postholder will manage their own caseload and support individuals to improve wellbeing, strengthen coping strategies, build resilience, and work towards meaningful recovery. The role includes advocacy, peer support, group facilitation, service navigation, and multi-agency working. The successful candidate will understand how trauma impacts behaviour, emotional regulation, relationships, coping mechanisms and engagement with services and will adapt their approach to meet individual needs.

The postholder will be expected to undertake DBT-informed, Peer Support and other role-relevant training, and to facilitate and support the delivery of groups following appropriate training and supervision.

Main Duties

• Manage an allocated caseload of people ensuring all are given time and seen regularly in person in the community, home-based visits or over the telephone, where appropriate.
• Deliver one-to-one support using trauma-informed and recovery-focused approaches.
• Work alongside people to help them access mental health, adult social care, housing, and community support, and advocate for their needs.
• Support people experiencing suicidal ideation, self-harm, emotional distress and dual diagnosis presentations.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate peer support, wellbeing and recovery groups.
• Maintain accurate notes, records and outcome measures in a timely manner.
• Liaise and work collaboratively with professionals and partner organisations across the district.
• Work in line with and adhering to all relevant safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries policies and procedures, ensuring concerns are escalated appropriately.

Values and Behaviours

• Promote hope, recovery and independence, supporting people to achieve positive outcomes.
• Treat people with dignity, respect, and compassion, promoting inclusion and challenging stigma and discrimination.
• Build effective partnerships and work collaboratively with colleagues, services and communities to provide joined-up support.
• Demonstrate passion for our work and inspire others to feel the same.
• Strive for high standards and continuously seek opportunities for improvement.
• Model excellent partnership and team working.

Person Specification

Listed below are the knowledge, experience skills and values you'll need to do this job, we will assess these through your application or through tests or interviews after shortlisting.

Knowledge

Method

Qualifications to GCSE Grade 4 or above, or significant equivalent experience

Application

Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice.

Assessment

Understanding of how trauma affects behaviour, emotional regulation, coping strategies and relationships.

Assessment

Knowledge of ACEs, complex trauma, childhood trauma, sexual abuse, domestic abuse and severe mental illness.

Assessment

Strong knowledge of mental health services, adult social care and support pathways.

Assessment

Understanding of safeguarding and risk management.

Assessment

Understanding of the impact of stigma and discrimination in relation to mental health.

Assessment

Willingness and ability to undertake training in DBT-informed approaches, Peer Support, and other relevant learning and development opportunities.

Assessment

Experience of working with people affected by ACEs, childhood trauma, sexual abuse, and/or domestic abuse.

Experience

Experience of working within mental health services, adult social care, community support or similar settings, or demonstrate equivalent knowledge.

Application

Assessment

Experience of supporting people with complex mental health needs, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and/or dual diagnosis.

Application

Assessment

Experience of managing a caseload and using IT systems to maintain accurate records and case notes.

Experience

Experience of person-centred, strength-based support.

Skills

Excellent communication and engagement skills

Application

Assessment

Advocacy skills

Application

Assessment

Ability to build trusting relationships

Application

Assessment

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Application

Assessment

Non-judgmental and supportive interpersonal skills

Assessment

Ability to manage a caseload and workload effectively

Application

Assessment

Competent in Word, Excel, Outlook and use of online client database(s)

Application

Values

A firm belief that all people matter and deserve respect

Assessment

An evidenced belief that everyone can change

Assessment

A track record of delivering on your commitments

Assessment

A personal commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion