Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Peer Support Worker

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Peer Support Worker

Closing date: 16 July 2026

Band 3, full-time position in Wakefield, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust.

Job responsibilities

• Encourage individuals to engage with the service, drawing on lived experience and personal achievements.
• Enhance employment‑focused workshops by incorporating the therapeutic value of peer support.
• Manage time effectively and work autonomously, with regular supervision from Employment Specialists and oversight from Team Leaders/Service Manager.
• Build trusting relationships with clients, understand their goals, and collaborate with the wider IPS team to help individuals realise employment aspirations.
• Provide rehabilitation and recovery‑based services that enable clients to define, build, and live a meaningful, independent life.
• Deliver specific components of prescribed care packages under the direct supervision of Care Coordinators and Clinical Leads.
• Support individuals with complex social and mental health histories, ensuring boundaries of the role are managed and wellbeing initiatives are followed.
• Work with clients on the market days from Monday to Sunday, 8am‑8pm, with flexibility based on service needs.
• Promote social inclusion, facilitate access to community opportunities, and support holistic wellbeing.
• Assist in risk management, including assessment, planning, intervention, and monitoring of risk factors.
• Encourage client participation in multidisciplinary reviews and other clinical meetings.
• Maintain accurate electronic records and contribute to clinical reports and feedback.
• Ensure communication of high‑risk situations to the appropriate team members.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English A‑D or grade 3‑9, or equivalent.
• Apprenticeship level 3 or equivalent (e.g., RQF level 3 in Peer Support/Working) and willingness to progress to accredited level.
• Level 2 qualification with demonstration of level 3 competencies.
• Care Certificate or obtain within 12 weeks of commencement.
• Willingness to undertake further training in peer support development.
• QCF Diploma in Health & Social Care Level 3 or equivalent.
• Mental Health Awareness Training and Mental Health First Aid Training.
• Completion of Welsh Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) or whole‑life plan.

Personal attributes

• Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day (reasonable adjustments for disability).
• Ability to work with people in a supportive and empowering way.
• Excellent verbal, non‑verbal and written communication skills.
• Organisational and time‑management skills.
• Team player, self‑motivated, enthusiastic and resilient.
• Commitment to the Trust’s mission and values.
• Recovery/strengths focused and emotionally mature.
• Adaptable, patient, respectful, compassionate, quick learner and sense of humour.

Special knowledge/skills

• Support and facilitate group work.
• Write reports and keep records.
• Understanding of stigma, discrimination and health impacts.
• Knowledge of co‑production and service‑user led recovery initiatives.
• Support volunteers in creative projects and community settings.
• Negotiation and liaison skills with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Awareness of Caldicott and information‑confidentiality security issues.
• Initiative to deliver required outcomes.

Experience

• Lived experience of mental health services and reflection on personal recovery.
• Computer and MS office skills.
• Working in a supportive, enabling or team setting.
• Willingness to share personal recovery experience to support others.
• Experience of active user/carer involvement and participation.
• Experience of partnership working, networking, facilitating groups or chairing meetings.
• Experience in the public sector or customer care.
• Information‑management skills: data input, collection, spreadsheet setup.

Additional information

All candidates should have the right to work in the UK. This role does not meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum requirements for sponsorship; sponsorship is not available.

We encourage applications from all protected characteristic groups and value diversity.

Searching for a safe and supportive workplace; we close the vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary. Apply promptly.

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