2 Senior support worker jobs in Hammersmith, Greater London

About the Peer Support Transformation Project

The Peer Support Transformation Project is commissioned by South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust, and delivered in partnership with Sound Minds and Wandsworth Carers Centre.

The Trust review, allocate and coordinate patient referrals through Daily Integrated Allocation Meetings (DIAM). This is an internal operational and clinical triage process used by teams like the Integrated Recovery Hubs (IRH) and Single Point of Access (SPA) to signpost efficiently to care pathways to appropriate community services.

The aim of the Service is to support individuals through Peer Support for early intervention, help avoid crisis or deterioration, but also as a step down from more intensive clinical support to help reintegrate with the Community.

Given its framework of reference to the diversity of cultures and languages, Mushkil Aasaan is well-placed in the heart of the Community in being a Wellbeing Hub. This offers a spectrum of shared activities and opportunities that enhance the overall wellbeing and sense of belonging in navigating ‘Care for the Community by the Community’.

As such it is essential for this role to transcend Mushkil Aasaan’s ethos in enhancing the Peer Support Service in line with the wider aims of the Trust’s transformation programme in reducing health inequalities and reaching out to groups who experience barriers in accessing support. This Co-production aims to capitalise on the Community’s strengths in self-determination and people identifying their own goals, whilst creating an understanding of the dynamics and stigma that contribute to mental ill-health.

The Senior Peer Support Worker at Mushkil Aasaan will play a pivotal role in delivering tailored support to individuals facing emotional distress whilst focusing on their strengths and personal resources, aligning with their recovery goals and overall well-being. Our approach emphasises the use of own lived experiences with mental health challenges, whether personal or professional, to foster understanding and empathy.

The Senior Peer Support Worker will maintain a good oversight of the accountability to the Commissioning Trust with the processes and procedures already in place in collaboration with the Manager. The role would also co-ordinate a smooth-running delivery of the Service ensuring that the team of 2 Junior Peer Support Workers are well supervised and supported in their work with allocated clients. The role is responsible for the chairing of fortnightly client allocation meetings and immediately reporting any issues and safeguarding concerns.

Peer Support Project Co-ordination

· Line management of the Team, ensuring that referrals are responded to in a /timely manner, and that wait list databases are accurately maintained.

· To maintain positive and effective working relationships with colleagues and professionals at all times.

· Responsibility for chairing fortnightly Peer Support Team allocation meetings, ensuring a thoughtful and equitable approach to allocation.

· Work closely with Manager in ensuring that the team of two Peer Support Workers are well supported in their work with clients.  

· To offer reflective practice as part of supervision for the wellbeing and development of the Peer Support Workers whilst undertaking emotionally demanding work.

· Collaborating with the Manager in quarterly service reports by gathering and compiling data from the team.

· Report any service delivery issues to Management, working closely with them to design and implement improvements where necessary.

· Ensuring that any safeguarding concerns raised by any of the Peer Support team are promptly reported to Designated Safeguarding Lead.

· To appreciate the hectic atmosphere of a bustling Centre with multiple Services and Activities whilst maintaining the identity and privacy of a Peer Support Service.

Peer Support Sessions

· To support individuals experiencing emotional challenges drawing appropriately on lived experience to foster hope, mutuality and recovery-focused conversations.

· To provide a person-centred, strength-based approach that is responsive to and focusing on the individual whilst providing non-judgemental support, respecting diversity and lifestyle choices. 

· Supporting in identifying how to manage their daily lives and signposting to key resources to support their wellbeing.

· Provide help to navigate the health and wellbeing system and connect into community resources to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. 

· To enable access to local services to promote community inclusion and connectedness, enabling sustainable recovery and support.

· To provide practical support to help people access the right services and support based on needs, preferences, and the options available.

· To actively signpost to Mushkil Aasaan’s Advocacy Service, Support Groups, and creative activities and events where appropriate.

· To maintain high levels of safeguarding awareness and to respond to risk and safeguarding issues as they arise whilst respecting the autonomy of the individual wherever possible. 

· To monitor the effectiveness of interventions offered through the routine use of outcome monitoring tools reviewed directly in person.

Administration and Data Processing

· Maintain accurate and high-quality client records using databases and electronic filing systems.

· Ensuring compliance by the whole Team in entering all relevant data to ensure timely monthly DataSet reporting and Quarterly Reporting on the required 23 standards.

· Report quarterly client data updates in a timely manner, supporting the Head of Operations in compiling quarterly reports to the Trust.

· Support clients to complete relevant surveys and feedback forms at specific points in their peer support programme.

· Respond to any queries from the Trust relating to clients on the caseload in a timely manner, maintaining the required level of detail, accuracy and professionalism.

· Undertake any other ad-hoc administration related to the project from time-to-time. For example, scanning documents or printing Peer Support Group resources.

General

· To attend appropriate internal and external training courses, supervision and staff development.

· To attend regular clinical and line management supervision and to attend professional meetings with the Trust as appropriate.

· To be sensitive to the complex boundary issues in user-led work, act appropriately and with high standards of confidentiality.

· To adhere to Mushkil Aasaan’s policies related to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Health and Safety, and Safeguarding.

· To understand and respects the rights of individuals including choice, self-determination and cultural and religious needs.

· To adhere to data collection guidelines, complying with Data Protection policy.

· Any other duties that may be required in connection with this role and are deemed necessary and in the interest of the Charity. 

Skills and Attitudes

• Very strong ability to actively engage with a wide range of Mental Health needs and an understanding of the issues people face in their lives.

• Ability to work consistently with high levels of empathy, warmth and unconditional positive regard.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with Service Users, their families, carers, community groups, partner agencies and stakeholders.

• Ability to identify risk and assess/manage risk when working with individuals.

• An understanding of the principles of confidentiality and how these apply when handling personal information.

• A working understanding of the principles of equality, inclusion & diversity and a commitment to providing an inclusive, culturally sensitive service.

 Person Specification

  Lived experience of mental health difficulties and the ability to use lived experience safely, purposefully and within appropriate boundaries in a professional role.

 Good understanding of the mental health system.

 Can demonstrate an awareness of the needs and perspectives of people

experiencing mental health problems and of different cultures.

 Can demonstrate an awareness of issues around confidentiality and boundaries.

 Well organised, with good time management skills and attention to detail.

 Ability to learn and be supported through supervision.

 Excellent verbal communication skills and a high standard of written English.

 Strong Office IT skills including MS Word and Excel or equivalent.

 Able to relate to a wide range of people.

 To be proactive, use own initiative, and have a positive and can-do attitude.

 Collaborative approach to working with others, as part of a small, busy and

passionate team.

 Flexible attitude to working hours.

 An understanding of the values and behaviour expected within this role

 Caring attitude towards people living with long term mental ill health and an understanding or how this role supports the needs of people with mental health issues.

 Clear understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and how they relate to mental health.

 Willingness to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check