Peer Support Practitioner (REC1519)

Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity. We have represented the voice of people most affected by mental health problems in Scotland for almost 100 years. Today, in over 60 communities we work with adults and young people providing mental health social care support, services in primary care, schools and further education, among others.

These services together with our national programme work in See Me, respectme, suicide prevention and active living; inform our policy and campaign work to influence positive social change. SAMH is dedicated to mental health and wellbeing for all: with a vision of a society where people are able to live their lives fully, regardless of present or past circumstances.

For Scotland’s Mental Health

Post: Peer Practitioner

Ref: REC1519

Location: SAMS Fife

Hours: 16 hrs per week (2 shifts per week)

Salary: £23,400 per annum (pro rata) (£12.00 per hour)

Contract: Permanent

About the Role

As part of the Scottish Government Mental Health Strategy Action 15 and in partnership with Fife Health and Social Care Partnership SAMH have the opportunity deliver a peer support project. The work within the community project is peer led and has an assets based approach to supporting people who are presenting as identifying as being in crisis. First responders can also refer individuals to the project.

Sam’s peer community project was established in April 2019 based in Kirkcaldy. It now offers peer support in Kirkcaldy /Dunfermline /Leven areas as well in the Emergency Department of Victoria Hospital Kirkcaldy.

SAMH are recruiting to the posts of peer support practitioners. This is an exciting role for people with a lived experience of mental health issues and own recovery journey.

Peer support practitioners will offer a proactive approach, working with people in communities of diversity and will have a strong people focussed values base. Peer practitioners are role models of recovery and will have responsibility for working in a professional manner that values this asset. SAMS is open 7 days so staff must also be willing to work weekends on a rotational basis

What we are looking for

Peer Support Practitioners will use their own lived experience of mental health issues to support service users in a recovery focussed way. Using formalised peer support models the Peer Support Practitioner will enhance the support provided to the individual.

There is an expectation that peer support practitioners will facilitate initial crisis intervention, on -going resiliency, 1:1 sessions as well as group work. Offering support that is tailored to individuals expressed needs. There is an expectation the peer support team will have a flexible , dynamic approach that ensures all attendees receive a consistent high quality of support.

Peer support practitioners will be role modelling recovery within SAMH values and guidelines. The role will include working professionally with statutory & voluntary partners including 1st responders & out of hours mental health team as well as fostering /maintaining good working relationship with the community.

Applications are welcome from people who have experienced mental health difficulties. A PVG check is required for this post, along with a Right to Work in the UK check. Candidates will also be required to provide proof of qualifications declared on the application form.

What we will provide for you

You will work in a supportive environment and will be provided with a full induction and training opportunities. You will be given the chance to develop your knowledge and skills, as well as develop professionally. Some of our benefits include;

· Fully funded PDA peer support qualification

· Reimbursement of PVG

· Funded continuous learning and development opportunities, access to over 100 courses online in addition to classroom and virtual training sessions

· 30 days annual leave rising to 33 after 5 years’ service (pro rata)

· 4 public holidays (pro rata)

· 2 paid wellbeing days off per year to use on what matters to you (pro rata)

· Team wellbeing budgets

· Workplace pension scheme

· Life Assurance policy

· Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date for applications will be 12 noon, Wednesday 17th July 2024

To apply please visit https://www.samh.org.uk/information/work-with-us

PVG Scheme Membership, a Right to Work in the UK check and proof of any qualifications declared your application will be required.

Applications are welcome from people who have experienced mental health difficulties.

Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high level of applicants and would encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.

SAMH Privacy Notice: https://www.samh.org.uk/documents/Staff_Privacy_Notice_V2.0_.pdf