Two Peer Support Workers (Female and Male)
Category: Social Care
Organisation: Maan Somali Mental Health
Job Description:
The key purpose of this role is to work as part of the Maan team, in partnership with Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, supporting individuals in the Somali community experiencing mental ill health to improve their health and wellbeing and recovery. This role involves being a core member of Maan Somali Mental Health’s staff team.
You will bring lived experience and a compassionate, person-centred approach to support Somali individuals experiencing mental health issues. Your role will include enhancing the approaches offered by Maan and health and social care providers to Somali mental health service users.
This position involves providing one-to-one support to individuals experiencing mental ill health, as well as supporting carers and families accessing mental health services. Additionally, the role includes organizing and delivering community-based workshops and participating in networking and partnership events/meetings.
Clinical supervision will be provided for this post, and you will have access to non-management supervision/coaching alongside other Maan staff members.
Maan’s Peer Support Workers will work closely with community members, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to address health disparities, provide education, and facilitate access to available services.
These roles are new and currently funded for a period of twelve months, with the hope of continuation depending on funding and impact. There are two posts available: one female support worker and one male support worker, both for 16 hours per week. Significant support and training will be provided from both within the Maan team and from the NHS lived experience peer support team.
Responsibilities:
1. Offer emotional and practical support to members of the Somali community experiencing mental health or social challenges.
2. Share personal experience (as appropriate) to encourage and guide others in their recovery journey.
3. Assist with organizing and running peer support sessions.
4. Create a safe and supportive environment for open discussion with service users.
5. Utilize knowledge of Somali culture and language to better understand and communicate with service users.
6. Maintain Maan’s high standards of confidentiality and respect, and person-centred approach.
7. Support service users with moderate mental health issues.
8. Work effectively as a team member to deliver Maan’s services to the community and develop relationships with service providers.
9. Attend team meetings, training sessions, and community events as required.
Working with the Community:
1. Work to reduce stigma, fear, and myths around mental ill health within the Somali community.
2. Demonstrate understanding of Somali culture and values to build trust with service users.
3. Collaborate with mental health professionals, social workers, and community organizations to coordinate care and provide comprehensive support.
4. Undertake any other duties as required to help Maan achieve its aims.
Person Specification: Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
All the following are essential requirements for the peer support role:
1. Have lived experience of mental health difficulties and the ability to use this experience positively in the role.
2. Fluent in spoken Somali and English.
3. Ability to understand that trauma is part of the life story for many Somali individuals with mental health difficulties.
4. Compassion, empathy, and the ability to work with individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
5. Ability to maintain confidentiality and establish trust with service users.
6. Proficient in reading and writing in English for record keeping, note-taking, and email communication.
7. Genuine passion for working with individuals who experience mental health struggles.
8. A wide range of life experiences to bring an enabling and positive view of opportunities for others.
9. Flexible and adaptable to changing situations.
10. Patient, empathetic, and culturally sensitive.
These roles are advertised as a genuine occupational requirement under Section 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
Location: Sheffield
Salary: £15.80 per hour (annual salary of £13,145 for 16 hours per week, for illustrative purposes only 35 hours full-time equivalent would be £28,756)
Type of Contract: Part Time
Hours: 16
Closing Date: 02-02-2025
How to Apply: No CVs will be read or accepted. Please fill in the application form after reading the guidance document and email it to admin@maansomalimentalhealth.org or post to 8 Paradise Street, Sheffield, S1 2DF.
How to Access Application Pack: Web link: https://www.maansomalimentalhealth.org/vacancies-job-advert-2/. Simply click on the link to download the application form, guidance notes for applicants, and the job description. Alternatively, if you prefer to receive the application pack via email, send a request to admin@maansomalimentalhealth.org.
Interview Date: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview on Wednesday 12th February 2025 at Maan office, 8 Paradise Street, Sheffield, S1 2DF.
Contact for Informal Discussion: For an informal discussion about Maan and the job, please email admin@maansomalimentalhealth.org or call 01142758556 and leave a message with your name and phone number.
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