We are looking for Discovery Project Peer Specialists that will have experience of working with young people and will intentionally draw their own lived experience to support the planning, development, and facilitation of Recovery Education courses, provide 1-2-1 Peer Support and support Clinical Teams to understand and incorporate the perspectives of young people and their families in care planning and service design.
The core tasks of the Discovery Peer Specialist will be:
• To provide Recovery focused peer support to Young People within inpatient and Community settings.
• Facilitate Recovery Education Courses, digitally and in person. Supporting the creation of content, materials and resources as required.
• Work collaboratively with schools, youth organisations and community partners to strengthen participation and amplify young people’s voices.
• Using Lived Experience expertise in a professional, and safe way.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team, attending team meetings, advocating for Young People and providing a Lived Experience perspective.
• Support implementation of both the Forum & Discovery strategies. Acting as a critical friend to inform and support service design and delivery
• Share lived experience perspectives including your own and advocating for the perspectives of Young People, families and supporters.
• Manage wellbeing at work, ensuring that you model Recovery in all aspects of your role.
About You
As a Peer Specialist, you will have a good understanding of managing your own health and wellbeing at work, as well as having experience of supporting others. You will have exceptional interpersonal skills and be confident in communicating with people at all levels of an organisation.
• Experience of working or volunteering with Children and Young People in a similar project or area.
• Experience and evidence of managing own mental health and wellbeing.
• Able to demonstrate a level of self-awareness and reflection.
• Willingness to undertake Peer specialist training programme.
• Good standard of basic education and literacy.
• Demonstratable interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent time keeping and time management skills.
• Effective IT skills in line with the expectations of the role.
• Embody the Forum’s Vision, Purpose and Values..
About the Discovery Project
The Discovery Project is delivered by the Dorset Wellbeing and Recovery Partnership (WaRP)—a collaboration between Dorset Mental Health Forum, and Dorset HealthCare. We work with young people under 25, along with their families, supporters, and wider communities across Dorset.
Using the principles of Recovery Education, the project brings together lived experience (peer specialists) and professional expertise (clinical trainers). The project delivers coproduced group spaces for learning and exploration, 1-2-1 Peer support, advice and signposting and has a role as a critical friend within Child and Adolescent mental health services.
We actively promote co-production and the sharing of power within services and broader systems across Dorset, amplifying the voices of young people and their families while inspiring those who support them to raise their own aspirations.
About Dorset Mental Health Forum
We are a values led charity and collective of people who have chosen to reframe our experiences of mental health difficulties and trauma, to support, inspire and educate others. We influence the design and delivery of local mental health services and run projects across Dorset independently and in Partnership with NHS colleagues and local communities. The Forum has a proud and long history of employing a diverse workforce with a broad range of experiences including trauma, emotional distress and managing mental health issues.
We are looking for more than 1 candidate and although hours will be part-time, we have substantive and sessional opportunities available. Travel will be required across Dorset.
Please apply for the role by sending a cover letter and CV to recruitment@dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk
*Please note, applications that do not include a cover letter may be automatically discounted
We will be reviewing applications and shortlisting on an ongoing basis, closing the process when we have appointed the right candidates.
Interviews will be undertaken in Mid-August.