We are looking for a Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) user with lived experience of mental health services to join the John Denmark Unit as a Peer Support Worker.
Working alongside the Senior Peer Support Worker and the wider multi-disciplinary team, you will provide practical, emotional and recovery-focused support, help improve access to accessible information and communication, and act as a positive Deaf role model within both inpatient and community settings.
Main duties of the job
This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about recovery, inclusion and empowering others to build confidence, independence and hope.
This is a unique opportunity to use your personal experience, insight and recovery journey to support Deaf people with mental health needs, including those who may also have additional needs such as autism, learning difficulties or substance misuse.
The Peer Support Worker will use their lived experience and Deaf identity to provide practical, emotional and recovery-focused support to Deaf people accessing the John Denmark Unit.
The role includes building supportive peer relationships, helping individuals identify strengths and goals, promoting hope and self-management, and supporting access to community opportunities and Deaf networks.
The post holder will also work closely with the wider multi-disciplinary team to improve accessible communication, contribute to recovery-focused care planning, maintain clear records, and support the ongoing development of peer support within Deaf mental health services.
About us
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.
We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.
Greater Manchester is one of the world’s most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.
Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.
Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.
Job responsibilities
Please read the job description and person specification for full details.
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Blue Light Card Discounts
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
- Has undertaken the Trust Level 2 Award in Peer Support Work or is willing to do so as soon as the position is offered / or completed equivalent programme. Competent in Maths and English with a willingness to work towards Maths and English at Level 1 Functional Skills (equivalent to GCSE grade D-E) and willing to work towards Level 2 (GCSE grade A-C) as appropriate. Competent in basic Microsoft Office applications e.g. e‑mail, Word, Teams. Capable of using the world wide web to search for information. Demonstrate Fluent British Sign Language (BSL) skills.
- Completed group facilitation skills training. Formal British Sign Language (BSL) qualification
Experience
- Personal lived experiences of mental health difficulties and knowledge of Deaf mental health services. Experience of accessing services and actively contributing to own treatment/interventions to support own recovery
- Experience of working as part of a multi‑disciplinary team. Has experience/knowledge of inpatient deaf specific mental health services. Experience of actively supporting peers/individuals to identify and work towards achieving personal goals in a related social care or health setting (paid or unpaid)
Knowledge and Skills
- Be a Deaf BSL user, with excellent BSL skills. Be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people including service users, carers, other professionals, and members of the public. Willingness to share their own experiences appropriately in order to work in a trauma informed way, validating others experiences, listening and empathising, whilst promoting and empowering hope. Able to motivate others and promote choice and empowerment. Be able to handle challenging situations and behave in a professional manner. Demonstrate an understanding of what Peer Support work is. Demonstrate an understanding of professional boundaries. Knowledge of how to links with the deaf community and networks to support service users. Have a basic awareness of equal opportunities legislation and understand the importance of recognising and respecting diversity and promoting inclusion. Have a basic awareness of policies and procedures in relation to confidentiality, information sharing, and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
- Basic psychosocial intervention skills e.g. Motivational Interviewing, Behavioural Activation, Node Link Mapping, Solution Focussed Approaches. Group work skills
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.
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