Peer Practitioner - Peer supported Open Dialogue

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for Peer  Support Practitioner  (PSP)  to facilitate the on-going development of the Peer supported Open Dialogue service (POD) within KMPT, the only stand-alone NHS Open Dialogue service in the UK.

This post offers an excellent opportunity to work in mental health services in a time of exciting change to where a more collaborative, power balanced approach to care is sought, prioritising  the voice of those  at the centre of concern.

Peer Supported Open Dialogue (POD) is a community-based and integrated way of engaging with families, or a person’s social network, from the very start of seeking help ,within 24 hours of crisis.. It is based on the  principles of Open Dialogue. (Olson. M, Seikkula. J, & Ziedonis. (2014) The Key elements of Dialogical practice in Open Dialogue)

Main duties of the job

As an integral and highly valued member of the multi-disciplinary team the Peer support practitioner (PSP) will provide formalised peer support and practical assistance to service users to promote choice, and work with them to regain control over their lives.

This role will involve working with service users on a one-to-one as well as with other clinicians depending on the need .  Helping to identify aspects of life that give meaning, hope, value and purpose recognising that each individuals recovery is a distinctive and deeply personal process.   Within a relationship of reciprocity, they will journey with service users to promote choice, self-determination and opportunities for the fulfilment of individually identified goals, working with people towards gaining greater independence and to them managing their own health and wellbeing.

Within this position, you will be part of a dynamic team promoting POD and co-facilitate training sessions for others. Your responsibilities will involve working alongside  POD-trained staff and trainees, integrating this new care model throughout KMPT and beyond.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To provide opportunities for individual service users to direct their own recovery process, enabling them to complete their advanced care plan.
• To model/mentor a recovery process and demonstrate coping skills, using your own experience of recovery to inspire hope.
• To assist and advise individuals in managing their own mental health on a day-to-day basis, for example, activities of daily living such as self-care, budgeting, personal care, caring for their home, possible work roles and leisure pursuits etc.
• To positively promote recovery by making links with community resources and supporting service users to access them, e.g. In relation to training, education, employment, community living and leisure, etc.
• To facilitate and co-facilitate training of others in Peer work within the context of  POD .
• To support the team in promoting the role of Peers and POD and to raise awareness of what recovery means, contributing to any local research/evaluation of this new role.
• To participate in regular supervision with allocated senior and take part in weekly team  intravision  and mentoring, meeting other Peer Support Workers bi-monthly and quarterly.
• To participate and contribute to team meetings, individual appraisal, and setting personal development goals within the job.
• Provide accurate and up-to-date oral/written reports on the clients’ care and outcomes of care objectives.
• To maintain confidentiality at all times in line with the Trust policy.
• To assist in providing a safe and caring environment.
• To adhere to Trust and Statutory Health & Safety requirements.
• To maintain and update training as required.
• To undertake any other duties as may be assigned or delegated from time to time by the  Manager, or other Senior Trust staff.