Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Peer Support Worker

Job description

Job summary

Weare delighted to be recruiting two full-time IPS Peer Support Workers, Band 3,to join our established IPS services in Wakefield.

Formany people experiencing mental health difficulties, the opportunity to findmeaningful paid work can be life-changing. In this role, you will help bringhope, encouragement and belief to individuals who may be taking important stepstowards employment and recovery.

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

Youwill be part of a supportive, values-driven IPS service that is fullyintegrated within community mental health teams. Working alongside IPS andclinical colleagues, you will help champion the message that people with mentalhealth needs can work, want to work, and should be supported to achieve theiremployment aspirations.

Weare particularly keen to hear from people with diverse backgrounds andexperiences, including those with lived experience of mental health services orIPS employment support.

Main duties of the job

We areexcited to introduce this new role, aligned with the principles of the IPSmodel. You will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference topeoples lives, offering hope, direction and practical support as part of theirrecovery journey.

This is arewarding but challenging role, requiring resilience, empathy and dedication.With a positive, can do approach, you will build trusting relationships withclients, understand their goals, and work alongside the wider IPS team to helpindividuals realise their employment aspirations.

The role involves: Encouraging individuals to engage with the service, potentially throughsharing lived experience and personal achievements Enhancing employment-focused workshops by harnessing the therapeutic value ofpeer support Managing your time effectively and working autonomously, with regularsupervision from Employment Specialists and oversight from the Team Leaders/ServiceManager

At the time of advertising,this role does not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas andImmigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. For this reason, we areunable to sponsor anyone for a skilled worker visa for this role.

We are happy to acceptapplications from candidates who can prove their right to work in the UK or viaalternative visa routes. Such applications will be considered alongside allother applications.

About us

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

Our mission isto help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do thisby providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employstaff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make adifference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

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

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

Joinus and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improvingthe mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet andhelp each year.

Weare committedto safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people andvulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share thiscommitment.

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

Job description

Job responsibilities

SERVICE PROVISION

To provide rehabilitation andrecovery-based services that enable people to define, build and live ameaningful, independent and satisfying life

The role of the Peer SupportWorker is to deliver specific components of prescribed care packages under thedirect supervision of Care Coordinators and Clinical Leads. The post holderwill provide formalised support and assistance to service users in order forthem to take control over their own lives and engage actively in their uniquerecovery process.

We welcome applications frompeople with lived experience of mental health difficulties, and the serviceencourages the use of the wisdom and skills gained through personal livedexperience, to inspire hope in others and the belief that recovery is possiblefor all. Within a relationship of mutuality, the peer support model canfacilitate and support information sharing to promote choice,self-determination and opportunities for the fulfilment of socially valuedroles 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 communitywith service users that are within a mental health and require support. The post requires effective liaisonwith service users, carers, and other professionals and agencies asrequired. It will involve the provisionof direct psychological based care,offering therapeutic time to a defined client group or on a case-by-case basisworking at all times within the principles of recovery.

You will be supporting individualswith complex social and mental health histories; we will therefore provide aframework of supervision and trust wellbeing initiatives to enable you tosupport your own wellbeing and manage the boundaries of the role.

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

KEY RESULT AREAS:

WORKING PRACTICE

To promote social inclusion for clients by facilitatingand supporting access to a variety of community-based opportunities includingwork, social groups, education, spiritual pursuits, leisure activities toensure holistic well-being.

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

Involvement in the process of effective risk managementincluding assessment, planning, intervention and on-going monitoring of riskfactors.

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

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

To promote the physical health and wellbeing for clientsby facilitating and supporting access to relevant screening and informationaround medication, diet, nutrition, exercise, sensible drinking and smokingcessation

To participate as requested, in multidisciplinaryreviews and other clinical meetings to ensure effective communication and acomprehensive approach to service users care.

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

To act at all times with courtesy towards service users,relatives and other visitors to the service and support them as appropriate ordirect them to a suitably experienced team member.

To maintain accurate and up to date service userelectronic records as required by trust policy and procedures and any localworking instructions.

To contribute to clinical reports and feedback asrequested.

To always consider possible high-risk situations and theneed to communicate these to other workers.

To participate in decision makingprocesses and carry out agreed plans of care.

For full job description, please see attached supportingdocuments.

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

Job description
Job responsibilities

SERVICE PROVISION

To provide rehabilitation andrecovery-based services that enable people to define, build and live ameaningful, independent and satisfying life

The role of the Peer SupportWorker is to deliver specific components of prescribed care packages under thedirect supervision of Care Coordinators and Clinical Leads. The post holderwill provide formalised support and assistance to service users in order forthem to take control over their own lives and engage actively in their uniquerecovery process.

We welcome applications frompeople with lived experience of mental health difficulties, and the serviceencourages the use of the wisdom and skills gained through personal livedexperience, to inspire hope in others and the belief that recovery is possiblefor all. Within a relationship of mutuality, the peer support model canfacilitate and support information sharing to promote choice,self-determination and opportunities for the fulfilment of socially valuedroles 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 communitywith service users that are within a mental health and require support. The post requires effective liaisonwith service users, carers, and other professionals and agencies asrequired. It will involve the provisionof direct psychological based care,offering therapeutic time to a defined client group or on a case-by-case basisworking at all times within the principles of recovery.

You will be supporting individualswith complex social and mental health histories; we will therefore provide aframework of supervision and trust wellbeing initiatives to enable you tosupport your own wellbeing and manage the boundaries of the role.

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

KEY RESULT AREAS:

WORKING PRACTICE

To promote social inclusion for clients by facilitatingand supporting access to a variety of community-based opportunities includingwork, social groups, education, spiritual pursuits, leisure activities toensure holistic well-being.

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

Involvement in the process of effective risk managementincluding assessment, planning, intervention and on-going monitoring of riskfactors.

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

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

To promote the physical health and wellbeing for clientsby facilitating and supporting access to relevant screening and informationaround medication, diet, nutrition, exercise, sensible drinking and smokingcessation

To participate as requested, in multidisciplinaryreviews and other clinical meetings to ensure effective communication and acomprehensive approach to service users care.

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

To act at all times with courtesy towards service users,relatives and other visitors to the service and support them as appropriate ordirect them to a suitably experienced team member.

To maintain accurate and up to date service userelectronic records as required by trust policy and procedures and any localworking instructions.

To contribute to clinical reports and feedback asrequested.

To always consider possible high-risk situations and theneed to communicate these to other workers.

To participate in decision makingprocesses and carry out agreed plans of care.

For full job description, please see attached supportingdocuments.

We are aware that an increasing number ofapplicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job applicationforms. Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is stronglydiscouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selectingcandidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance yourapplication, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drury Lane Health And Wellbeing Centre

Drury Lane

Wakefield

WF12TE

United Kingdom

Employer's website

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Wakefield

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

09-07-2026

Profession type

Health / Medical

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No