Cheswold Park Hospital
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Peer Support Worker
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Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Peer Support Worker
Job Opportunity: IPS Peer Support Worker – Band 3 (Full-time) – Wakefield
Job Summary
We are excited to recruit two full-time IPS (Individual Placement and Support) Peer Support Workers to join our established service in Wakefield.
As a Peer Support Worker, you will help individuals experiencing mental health difficulties find meaningful paid work—a life-changing step on their recovery journey. You’ll champion the belief that people with mental health needs can and want to work, offering hope, encouragement, and practical support as part of their journey back to employment.
All Trust employees are strongly encouraged to have an up-to-date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients.
Work will be integrated with community mental health teams, allowing collaboration with IPS and clinical colleagues to bring community engagement, recovery-focused support, and employment opportunities to those facing mental health challenges.
We are particularly keen to hear from people with diverse backgrounds—especially those with lived experience of mental health services, IPS employment support, or recovery pathways.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities (aligned with IPS model principles)
As a Peer Support Worker, you will:
- Encourage individuals to engage with the service by sharing your own lived experience and achievements.
- Lead employment-focused workshops, utilising peer support to build confidence and motivation.
- Work autonomously but with regular supervision from Employment Specialists and oversight from Team Leaders/Service Manager.
- Build trusting, collaborative relationships with clients, helping them align their goals with tangible employment opportunities.
- Provide therapeutic peer support to help individuals realise their potential through meaningful work.
This role demands resilience, empathy, and passion. You will need a proactive “can-do” approach toMake a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Hours & Working Pattern
- Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (flexible depending on service-user needs).
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⚠️ Important Visa Note: This position does not meet the UK Visa sponsorship requirements. Applications will only be considered from candidates existing in the UK legally via another route.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSEs A-D (3-9) in Maths and English or equivalent.
- Apprenticeship Level 3 in Peer Support (RQF) or willingness to work towards it (preferably accredited).
- Level 2 qualification with ability to demonstrate Level 3 competencies in peer support/a related field.
- Care Certificate required within 12 weeks of starting (if not already obtained).
- Willingness to undertake further relevant training.
Desirable
- QCF Diploma in Health & Social Care (Level 3) or equivalent experience.
- Mental Health Awareness or Mental Health First Aid Training.
- Completion of a personal Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Current driving licence + access to a car (reasonable adjustments for disabilities considered).
- Ability to empower and support people in recovery journeys.
- Strong verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and ethical work culture.
- Organisational skills, teamwork, self-motivation and independence.
- Ability to prioritise tasks, work under pressure, and manage conflict.
- Recovery-focused mindset and belief in potential.
Desirable
- Emotional maturity and flexibility with a sense of humour.
- Patient, non-judgmental, and compassionate approach.
- Enthusiastic, energetic, and quick to adapt.
Experience
Essential
- Lived experience of mental health services (secondary care preferred) and ability to share stigma-free recovery stories.
- Strong life experiences that inspire hope in others.
- Experience in supportive roles (e.g., volunteering, peer work).
- Teamworking/facilitation experience and ability to lead workshops.
- Willingness to disclose personal recovery journey to help others.
- Commitment to living and promoting active user/carer involvement.
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Desirable
- Experience facilitation/training groups, chairing meetings.
- Experience in mental health advocacy or aiming to improve basic services.
- Customer service/office skills (data management, filing, spreadsheets).
Physical Attributes & Safety
- Willingness to work within supervised flexibility schemes to maintain a satisfactory sickness record.
- DBS check required in line with NHS Safeguarding guidelines.
Additional Notes
- Trust welcomes and values diversity while encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.
- Safeguarding commitments apply to all roles.
About South West Yorkshire NHS Partnership Foundation Trust
Founded in 2013, we are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust serving Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees, and Wakefield.
Our mission is to help people reach their full potential through high-quality, community-focused care delivered at the right time.
We are a members-led Foundation Trust, with ~14,000 local staff/citizen-members shaping our direction.
For Workers:
✔ Over 4,500 staff committed to improving mental, physical, and social well-being. ✔ Flexible working patterns and supportive culture. ✔ Focus on safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
Contract & Location
- Band 3, Agenda for Change salary scale
- £25,760 – £27,476 per year.
- Permanent full-time role (flexible working available).
- Drury Lane Health and Wellbeing Centre, Wakefield.
How to Apply
Succesful candidates will be asked to disclose any use of AI tools in job applications.
For recruitment updates: Visit South West Yorkshire NHS Jobs
Application Closes ASAP—apply directly for fastest consideration.
⚠️ Final Note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if adequate candidates are found. Apply today!
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