Peer Support Worker – Apprenticeship Full Time NEW

This is an exciting opportunity for two part time (18hrs) Peer Support Workers to join the All-Age Forensic Community Service. The service is based in Wakefield, covering the wider Yorkshire region. The posts will be 9-5 Monday to Friday.

The PSW will bring their own lived experience of mental health or learning disability/Autism services which have provided support and aided them in their own recovery. They will work alongside the Multidisciplinary Team, supporting service users who are accessing the service to help them in their recovery journey. Experience of Substance Use services would be beneficial for SCFT.

The team offer support to service users who experience complex mental health difficulties, Learning Disability, Autism and/or neurodiverse needs in the community and present with some aspect of Forensic Risk. They work in partnership with other agencies, including supporting Hospital and Prison transfers into the community.

The Two Services Available:

Forensic Outreach and Liaison Service for Learning Disability and/or Autism (FOLS LDA).

Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT).

The candidate will be supported to complete the Level 3 Peer Worker Apprenticeship Programme (18 month) and be supported in the role by the trust lived experience lead and trust peer support network.

To discuss contact Donna Somers/Nicola Hanlon, Team Managers on 01924 316482

Main duties of the job

The Peer Support Worker Will Work Alongside The Wider Multidisciplinary Team In Delivering High Quality Care And Support To Service Users In The Community. This Will Include:

Providing support and guidance to service users

Share lived experience and promote the service user voice

Support identified interventions individual and group

Be a positive role model, help inspire and motivate service users in their recovery

Practical and emotional support to service users

Help to reduce challenges and fears for service users

Promote recovery and positive futures

Bring your personal experience and knowledge into the Team

Support service development, involvement and collaboration

Access supervision and support from the peer support network, adopt a reflective approach

Complete identified studies relating to the peer support worker role

Report to the clinical team and line manager

Attend allocated meetings

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to have their up-to-date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients.

At the time of advertising, this role does not meet the minimum requirements (salary threshold or occupational requirements) set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. For this reason, unfortunately we are unable to sponsor anyone on a visa for this role at this moment in time.

About Us

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Details

Date posted

13 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-F0696A

Job locations

Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital

Ouchthorpe Lane

Wakefield

WF1 3SP

Job Description

Job responsibilities

SERVICE PROVISION

To provide rehabilitation and recovery-based services that enable people to define, build and live a meaningful, independent and satisfying life

The role of the Peer Support Worker is to deliver specific components of prescribed care packages under the direct supervision of Care Coordinators and Clinical Leads. The post holder will provide formalised support and assistance to service users in order for them to take control over their own lives and engage actively in their unique recovery process.

We welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health difficulties, and the service encourages the use of the wisdom and skills gained through personal lived experience, to inspire hope in others and the belief that recovery is possible for all. Within a relationship of mutuality, the peer support model can facilitate and support information sharing to promote choice, self-determination and opportunities for the fulfilment of socially valued roles with connection to local communities.

The post holder will be part of a clinical team and will work into the inpatient units and also within the community with service users that are within a mental health and require support. The post requires effective liaison with service users, carers, and other professionals and agencies as required. It will involve the provision of direct psychological based care, offering therapeutic time to a defined client group or on a case-by-case basis working at all times within the principles of recovery.

You will be supporting individuals with complex social and mental health histories; we will therefore provide a framework of supervision and trust wellbeing initiatives to enable you to support your own wellbeing and manage the boundaries of the role.

The service provision is from Monday to Sunday between the hours of 8am and 8pm with flexibility depending on and responding to the needs of the service users.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

WORKING PRACTICE

To promote social inclusion for clients by facilitating and supporting access to a variety of community-based opportunities including work, social groups, education, spiritual pursuits, leisure activities to ensure holistic well-being.

Help individuals identify their own achievable and meaningful recovery goals and collaboratively set recovery objectives in line with service care pathway and supervision of senior team members.

Involvement in the process of effective risk management including assessment, planning, intervention and on-going monitoring of risk factors.

Where personal experience allows drawing on mutual resources as peers and utilising a range of recovery tools, techniques and experience.

To actively support service users in line with their care plans and support their recovery, using approaches that promote hope and optimism.

To promote the physical health and wellbeing for clients by facilitating and supporting access to relevant screening and information around medication, diet, nutrition, exercise, sensible drinking and smoking cessation

To participate as requested, in multidisciplinary reviews and other clinical meetings to ensure effective communication and a comprehensive approach to service users care.

Work in a way that acknowledges the personal, social, cultural and spiritual strengths and needs of the individual.

For Full Job Description, Please See Attached Supporting Documents.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

For Full Job Description, Please See Attached Supporting Documents.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE A-D or grade 3-9 in Maths and English or equivalent.
• Apprenticeship level 3 or equivalent eg, RQF(regulated Qualification Framework) level 3 in Peer Support/Working or be willing to work towards this. (preferably accredited).
• Or, level 2 qualification with the ability to demonstrate competencies at level 3.
• Care Certificate or required to achieve within 12 weeks of commencement.
• Willingness to undertake further training in line with the development of peer support.

Desirable

• QCF Diploma in Health & Social Care Level 3 or equivalent or equivalent level of experience.
• Mental Health Awareness Training, Mental Health First Aid Training.
• Completion of own Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) or whole life plan.

Physical Attributes

Essential

• The successful candidate will be supported to maintain a satisfactory sickness record by the Team Manager or Senior Peer support worker through the use of flexible working and substantial supervision.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential, dependant on the service you will be working in. (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability).
• Ability to work with people in a supportive and empowering way.
• Able to demonstrate effective communication skills verbal, non-verbal and written.
• Work within the culture of improving working lives and working time directive.
• Ability to demonstrate ethical values and attitudes within a culture of equality and diversity.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Self motivated and enthusiastic.
• Ability to prioritise and manage own work. Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work independently while making sure to refer to a manager for guidance.
• Will be committed to the Trusts mission and values.
• Confident, Conscientious, Reliable.
• Recovery/strengths focused.

Desirable

• Emotional Maturity/ range of life experience.
• Flexibility and adaptable.
• Sense of humour.
• Energy/drive, enthusiasm and tenacity.
• Patient, Non-judgmental, Respectful and Compassionate.
• Quick learner.
• Team player.

Experience

Essential

• Lived experience of mental health services (secondary preferred) and able to reflect on their personal experience of recovery that has followed this.
• Wide range of life experiences to bring an enabling and positive view of opportunities for others.
• Computer/keyboard skills using MS software.
• Experience of being in a supportive and enabling role.
• Experience of working in a team or a group environment.
• To be willing and able to share ones own personal recovery in order to help others through lived experience.
• Evidence of promoting/supporting active user/carer involvement/participation.
• A positive approach to recovery.
• Ability and willingness to disclose personal experience of recovery in order to influence others positively.

Desirable

• Experience of supporting the development of services.
• Experience of partnership working and networking.
• Experience of facilitating groups and /or chairing meetings.
• Experience of working in the public sector.
• Customer Care.
• Office/administrative experience.
• Information management experience including: Data input, collection & collation, Setting up spreadsheets or files.

Special Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Computer skills.
• Communication skills (both oral and written).
• Ability to support and facilitate groups.
• Ability to write reports and keep records.
• Understanding of the impact of stigma and discrimination.
• Knowledge and understanding of health issues and the impact of poor health can have on the individual.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the philosophy and principles of co-production and service user and carer led recovery initiatives.
• Skills in supporting volunteers in Creative projects, in a community and/or other settings.
• Data handling skills.
• Ability to liaise and negotiate with a wide range of people internal and external to the organisation.
• Awareness/understanding of Caldicott & Information Confidentiality /security issues.
• Ability to use initiative to deliver what is required

Person Specification

Essential

• GCSE A-D or grade 3-9 in Maths and English or equivalent.
• Apprenticeship level 3 or equivalent eg, RQF(regulated Qualification Framework) level 3 in Peer Support/Working or be willing to work towards this. (preferably accredited).
• Or, level 2 qualification with the ability to demonstrate competencies at level 3.
• Care Certificate or required to achieve within 12 weeks of commencement.
• Willingness to undertake further training in line with the development of peer support.

Desirable

• QCF Diploma in Health & Social Care Level 3 or equivalent or equivalent level of experience.
• Mental Health Awareness Training, Mental Health First Aid Training.
• Completion of own Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) or whole life plan.

Physical Attributes

Essential

• The successful candidate will be supported to maintain a satisfactory sickness record by the Team Manager or Senior Peer support worker through the use of flexible working and substantial supervision.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential, dependant on the service you will be working in. (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability).
• Ability to work with people in a supportive and empowering way.
• Able to demonstrate effective communication skills verbal, non-verbal and written.
• Work within the culture of improving working lives and working time directive.
• Ability to demonstrate ethical values and attitudes within a culture of equality and diversity.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Self motivated and enthusiastic.
• Ability to prioritise and manage own work. Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work independently while making sure to refer to a manager for guidance.
• Will be committed to the Trusts mission and values.
• Confident, Conscientious, Reliable.
• Recovery/strengths focused.

Desirable

• Emotional Maturity/ range of life experience.
• Flexibility and adaptable.
• Sense of humour.
• Energy/drive, enthusiasm and tenacity.
• Patient, Non-judgmental, Respectful and Compassionate.
• Quick learner.
• Team player.

Essential

• Lived experience of mental health services (secondary preferred) and able to reflect on their personal experience of recovery that has followed this.
• Wide range of life experiences to bring an enabling and positive view of opportunities for others.
• Computer/keyboard skills using MS software.
• Experience of being in a supportive and enabling role.
• Experience of working in a team or a group environment.
• To be willing and able to share ones own personal recovery in order to help others through lived experience.
• Evidence of promoting/supporting active user/carer involvement/participation.
• A positive approach to recovery.
• Ability and willingness to disclose personal experience of recovery in order to influence others positively.

Desirable

• Experience of supporting the development of services.
• Experience of partnership working and networking.
• Experience of facilitating groups and /or chairing meetings.
• Experience of working in the public sector.
• Customer Care.
• Office/administrative experience.
• Information management experience including: Data input, collection & collation, Setting up spreadsheets or files.

Special Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Computer skills.
• Communication skills (both oral and written).
• Ability to support and facilitate groups.
• Ability to write reports and keep records.
• Understanding of the impact of stigma and discrimination.
• Knowledge and understanding of health issues and the impact of poor health can have on the individual.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the philosophy and principles of co-production and service user and carer led recovery initiatives.
• Skills in supporting volunteers in Creative projects, in a community and/or other settings.
• Data handling skills.
• Ability to liaise and negotiate with a wide range of people internal and external to the organisation.
• Awareness/understanding of Caldicott & Information Confidentiality /security issues.
• Ability to use initiative to deliver what is required

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital

Ouchthorpe Lane

Wakefield

WF1 3SP

Employer’s website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Newton Lodge, Fieldhead Hospital

Ouchthorpe Lane

Wakefield

WF1 3SP

Employer’s website

https://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)