Peer Support Worker

• Validate experiences by developing reciprocal relationships based on mutuality
• Increase optimism, hope, motivation and opportunity for change and/or recovery
• Provide emotional support during a crisis and as people transition between different parts of the system (e.g. from acute crisis, inpatient stays, to community care)
• Share information to enable identification and effective management of risks
• Advocate for service users when treatment decisions are being made
• Offer time-limited support to service users to enable them to progress towards their goals, which may include spending time with them in the community and attending appointments
• Share and role model personal use of skills and strategies
• Share lived experiences with carers to support their learning and enable them to effectively support service users
• Contribute to the professional and personal development of multi-disciplinary colleagues by bringing a lived experience perspective to clinical and team discussions
• Contribute to clinical records to ensure effective communication between team members and other services.

Essential

• ELFT Accredited Peer Support Worker training

Essential

• Lived experience of recovery from distress understood as 'personality disorder' or complex emotional needs.
• Experience of using local services to embark on a journey of 'recovery'.

Desirable

• Experience of working within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience of working with people with complex emotional needs on an individual or group basis, focusing on recovery.

Essential

• Willingness and ability to travel using own or public transport between sites across Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and occasionally, London.
• Willing to support the Trust's commitment to research, clinical governance, clinical audit and clinical Assurance.

Essential

• Ability to demonstrate knowledge, lived experience and understanding of challenges associated with 'personality disorder' or complex emotional needs
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the concept of personal recovery as it may apply to others
• Knowledge and commitment to service users rights, involvement and service-user led initiatives
• Understanding and practical knowledge of recovery approaches
• Knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice
• Ability and willingness to participate in quality improvement projects and activities
• Understanding of the importance of equality and diversity
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) relevant to the legal requirements of client care and related issues and the documentation of that care.
• Ability to deal with highly stressful situations arising with service users, carers and staff
• Ability to recognise own limits and seek appropriate support and supervision