Would you like to use your own experiences of mental health challenges and the Criminal Justice System and/or Forensic Services to help others? If so, it might be time to consider becoming a Peer Support Worker in the Thames Valley Forensic Mental Health Services.
Peer support workers are people who have lived experience of mental health challenges themselves. They use these experiences and empathy to support other people and their families receiving mental health services, working alongside our multidisciplinary care teams.
We currently have roles available within:
Littlemore Mental Health Centre, Oxford
- Glyme Ward – within a medium secure unit for men progressing towards lower levels of security and the community
- Wenric House– a low secure unit for men
- Thames House (Kingfisher Ward) – an enhanced low secure unit for women
- Lambourn House – a pre-discharge unit for men and women
Marlborough House, Milton Keynes
- Chaffron Ward – within a medium secure unit for men progressing towards lower levels of security and the community
Woodlands House, Aylesbury
- Woodlands House – a low secure unit for men
Forensic Community Mental Health Team
- across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire
Selection process
Initially you’ll be a volunteer. To apply as a volunteer, you will be required to:
- complete a volunteer application form
- complete an occupational health questionnaire
- provide 2 references
- complete an enhanced DBS check
All applications will be looked at for shortlisting. Shortlisted people will take part in a group and one-to-one interview and a literacy and numeracy test.
Training and placement
If successful, over a 12-to-13-week period you will complete:
1. A 12-day training programme, covering things such as active listening, working with other professionals, reflection models, communication skills and more.
Part of the training includes mandatory Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust induction training in:
- Conflict resolution
- Information governance
- Infection control
- Safeguarding
2. A 30-hour placement within one of the teams listed above
During placement you will be allocated a mentor (a member of staff within the team you do the placement) who will support you during your placement and assess your competencies in the role.
Upon passing the training and placement, you’ll be able to apply for a paid role as a Peer Support Worker (Band 3) with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.
To discuss this role and apply, please contact Vladi Susanina, Forensic Peer Support Worker Coordinator, on vladislava.susanina@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk or 07876 567764 / 07918 221778.
On the application form, please state if you are applying for a position in our Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire services.
Closing Date: 5pm, 4th March 2022
Interviews will be held in mid-March. Training is likely to commence in Autumn 2022.
We warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are particularly keen to receive applications from people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to Oxford health’s Peer Support Programme, since we recognise that diversity makes us stronger.
Please be aware that due to government guidelines, you will have to be COVID-19 vaccinated in order to work in the NHS in a patient facing role. If you have any concerns or want to discuss further, please contact Vladislava Susanina.