Individual Placement and Support; IPS Peer Support Worker

Job Summary

We are delighted to recruit two full‑time IPS Peer Support Workers, Band 3, to join our established IPS services in Wakefield. The role supports individuals in their journey towards employment and recovery, championing the belief that people with mental health needs can work and should be supported to achieve their employment aspirations.

• Encourage individuals to engage with the service, sharing lived experience and personal achievements.
• Enhance employment‑focused workshops by leveraging peer support to provide therapeutic value.
• Support staff and clients by conducting peer‑support interventions and facilitating group work.
• Promote social inclusion by coordinating access to community opportunities, including work, education, social groups and leisure activities.
• Assist clients in setting realistic recovery goals and collaboratively plan their employment pathway.
• Maintain accurate electronic service‑user records and contribute to clinical reports and feedback.
• Participate in multidisciplinary reviews, risk‑management processes and other clinical meetings.
• Provide supervision in risk management, boundaries and well‑being support for peers and staff.
• Work autonomously with regular supervision from Employment Specialists and oversight from Team Leaders or Service Manager.

• GCSE A‑D or grade 3‑9 in Maths and English, or equivalent.
• Apprenticeship level 3 in Peer Support/Working or willingness to pursue this (preferably accredited).
• Level 2 qualification with ability to demonstrate competencies at level 3.
• Care Certificate or willingness to achieve it within 12 weeks of commencement.
• Willingness to undertake further training in line with peer‑support development.
• Good organisational and time‑management skills.
• Computer skills and ability to use MS Office for reports and data entry.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, non‑verbal and written).
• Ability to support and facilitate groups and write accurate reports.
• Understanding of the impact of stigma and discrimination on mental‑health outcomes.

• QCF Diploma in Health & Social Care Level 3 or equivalent.
• Mental Health Awareness Training or Mental Health First Aid Training.
• Completion of a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) or equivalent whole‑life plan.
• Knowledge of co‑production principles and service‑user led recovery initiatives.
• Industry knowledge of data handling and information confidentiality practices.

• Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day (reasonable adjustments for disability).
• Empathy, resilience and a positive approach to recovery.
• Strong interpersonal and team‑working skills.
• Self‑motivated, enthusiastic and committed to the Trust’s mission and values.
• High ethical standards and commitment to equality and diversity.
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage under pressure while maintaining independence.

• Emotional maturity and a range of life experience.
• Flexibility, adaptability and sense of humour.
• Energy, drive, tenacity and quick learning.
• Patient, non‑judgmental, respectful and compassionate character.

• Lived experience of mental health services, preferably secondary, with ability to reflect on personal recovery.
• Experience of supportive and enabling roles, group facilitation, and partnership working.
• Previous experience in the public sector, customer care, office or administrative duties, and information management.
• Willingness to share personal recovery stories to inspire others.
• Evidence of promoting user or carer participation in services.

At the time of advertising this role does not meet the minimum requirements to sponsor a skilled worker visa. We will accept applications only from those who can prove the right to work in the UK or who have an alternative visa route available.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, value diversity and aim for our workforce to reflect the communities we serve.

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust
Drury Lane Health And Wellbeing Centre
Wakefield, WF12TE

For further information or questions on the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources team at the Trust.