Apprentice Lived Experience Peer Worker

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Do you have lived experience of the criminal justice system, mental health issues, substance misuse, being in care, being arrested, appearing in Court or being in prison? Are you interested in helping other people who are experiencing similar issues? Would you like to gain a Level 3 Peer Worker qualification whilst working in a service which has recently been given a silver award for employing people with lived experience?

If so, the Dorset Integrated Non-Custodial Service is looking for an Apprentice Lived Experience Peer Worker who is able to draw upon and share their experiences in order to inspire and support others in similar situations.

The Dorset Integrated Non-Custodial Service provides support for adults and children who come into contact with the Criminal Justice System, including those who have recently been released from prison.

Main duties of the job

Peer Workers play a pivotal role in the service, working with service users to provide support with any practical concerns or difficulties that may be affecting their mental health and wellbeing. They provide time-limited, 1 to 1 support to allow service users to access a wide range of agencies and services, such as housing, benefits and health.

You will use your own lived experience to help your clients to recover and stop offending by:

• Giving emotional and practical support
• Helping them attend appointments
• Giving hope
• Building their confidence

This is an 18-month apprenticeship, during which time you will study for a Level 3 Peer Worker qualification and Care Certificate. Your studies will be enhanced by skills you will develop whilst working closely with the team's experienced Support Workers. The position is 37.5 hours per week and we are happy to consider flexible working patterns that fit in with the needs of the service.

Person Specification

Knowledge, skills and training

• Level 2 Maths and English (Grade C or 4 GCSE, Level 2 Key Skills or Functional Skills)
• Experience of working with people
• 2 years' experience of working with a vulnerable client group

Job specific experience

• Experience of supporting and working as part of a team
• Experience of supporting people with mental health problems
• Have lived experience of the criminal justice system, being in care, substance misuse or mental health issues

Information Technology

• IT skills, normally obtained through practice or practical training

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 name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust