Peer Support Worker

Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of patients at the The West of England Specialist Gender Identity Clinic ('The Laurels')?, Through sharing your own experiences, this may inspire hope and belief for others achieving their gender transition goals. Your role will be to establish supportive relationships with people using gender identity services based on the core principles of peer support (mutuality, reciprocity, strengths-focused, safe, progressive, non-directive and inclusive). This job may be emotionally challenging at times, but the successful applicant will receive supervision, guidance and training from colleagues within their team, the Peer Support Leadership team and the wider organisation. We are able to accommodate hybrid and flexible working arrangements. The successful candidate will be expected to work from the clinic in Exeter at least half their working pattern. Interviews for this position will take place in the afternoon of Monday 25th November.Main duties of the job As an integral member of the multi-disciplinary team, you will provide formalised peer support to support service users to achieve goals that they have identified for themselves. This will include signposting to other organisations and connection to local communities. As a core member of the multidisciplinary team, you will work alongside an agreed number of service users on a 1:1 and/or group basis.

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.,

• Able to demonstrate first person experiential knowledge of achieving gender transition goals
• Lived experience of accessing and negotiating gender identity services or equivalent experience from private healthcare / lived experience relevant to patient group, 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), Level 2 qualification
• Care Certificate training (to be completed within first 3-6 months of joining unless already obtained)
• Basic IT skills, 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, 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
  
  Our professional responsibility is to reduce the risk of infection to others as far as possible. Getting vaccinated against diseases that can be passed person-to-person in healthcare settings is part of this responsibility. The Trust will provide advice, guidance and support on vaccinations and access to vaccinations where requested., 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