Recovery Practitioner (Peer Work) Application Pack Aberdeen Nova Service Recovery Practitioner (Peer Work) Job Application Pack Registered Office: Norton Park, 57 Albion Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5QY Penumbra is a charity (SC 010387) and a company limited by guarantee (SC 091542) registered in Scotland penumbra.org.uk 1
Recovery Practitioner (Peer Work) Application Pack Dear Applicant Thank you for your interest in the post of Recovery Practitioner (Peer Work). Penumbra is one of Scotland s largest mental health charities; we support around 1000 adults and young people every week. With over 350 staff across Scotland, we work to promote mental health and wellbeing for all, prevent mental ill health for people who are at risk and to support people with mental health problems. We provide a wide range of services which offer hope and practical steps towards recovery, and we campaign to increase public knowledge about mental health and to influence national and local government policy. Aberdeen Nova Service works alongside people to identify their own goals and develop a recovery focused plan. We provide 1:1 support, exploring a person s hopes for moving out of social isolation and towards meaningful opportunities, relationships and community engagement. The Recovery Practitioner (Peer Work) role is an exciting post which will work alongside existing mental health services to promote and deliver support which facilitates recovery for adults. All applicants must complete and submit an application. Please visit www.penumbra.org.uk/vacancies to complete an online application form or to download a.doc or.pdf form. In order to assist you with your application we have enclosed: Working with Penumbra Job description and person specification Supporting information I hope you will find these documents informative when applying for the role. If you would like to have an informal discussion about the post please contact Rachel Middleton, Service Manager, on 01224 621266. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 28 th interviews to be held on Thursday 6 th July 2017. June 2017 at 5pm, with Good luck with your application. Yours sincerely Recruitment Team 2
Working with Penumbra penumbra.org.uk Penumbra is one of Scotland s largest mental health charities: we support around 1000 adults and young people every week. With over 350 staff across Scotland, we work to promote mental health and wellbeing for all, prevent mental ill health for people who are at risk and to support people with mental health problems. We also campaign to increase public awareness of mental health issues and to influence national and local government policy. Our approach Penumbra offers a range of services that provide practical, emotional and social support. All our services focus on improving health and wellbeing and we aim to ensure that all our services are flexible, personalised and recovery focused. Recovery means that people fulfil their potential and are able to live as full a life as possible. Our services promote recovery through focusing on the areas of home, opportunity, people and empowerment (HOPE). Our services use I.ROC (Individual Recovery Outcomes Counter) and the HOPE Toolkit as a means of ensuring our work is relevant for each person we are working with. The range of services we provide includes: Supported Living Young Peoples Services Homelessness Projects Crisis Support Self Harm Services Short Breaks Peer Support Supported Accommodation NOVA projects (Social inclusion) Our people Penumbra service We employ a diverse range of people in a wide range of roles and we are committed to developing the skills and talents of our staff. Within the organisation there are a range of support-focused roles such as Recovery Worker, Recovery Practitioner, Peer Worker, Management, and others roles in areas such as Finance, Human Resources and Learning and Development. We provide excellent terms and conditions, a comprehensive learning and development programme and regular practice supervision for all staff. This includes the opportunity to achieve SVQ qualifications appropriate to their role. Penumbra is a charity (SC 010387) and a company limited by guarantee (SC 091542) registered in Scotland.
It s been great having very person-centred training Learning and Development penumbra.org.uk All staff have a personal development portfolio and undergo a comprehensive induction programme. The Learning and Development Team in Penumbra offers a range of training opportunities to staff and volunteers, as well as external organisations. Recovery focused practice underpins and informs the design of our training courses. The courses we deliver cover: I.ROC Recovery in Practice Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) Recovery & WRAP Coaching Personal Planning Managing Risk Managing Actual and Potential Aggression Scottish Mental Health First Aid Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Mental Health Awareness Self Harm Awareness More information For more information on Penumbra please contact us: Penumbra Norton Park 57 Albion Road Edinburgh EH7 5QY facebook.com/penumbrascotland twitter.com/penumbra_scot linkedin.com/company/penumbra www.penumbra.org.uk T 0131 475 2380 E enquiries@penumbra.org.uk Penumbra is a charity (SC 010387) and a company limited by guarantee (SC 091542) registered in Scotland.
What our staff say 2015 staff survey HEADLINE RESULTS Every two years we ask staff for their thoughts on Penumbra. The survey covers everything from their experience of employment and training, to the quality of the newsletters we produce. In 2015 67% of staff completed the survey, up from 63% in 2013. 256 number of people who completed the 2015 staff survey 93% 90% look forward to going to work 92% say their job gives them strong satisfaction are proud to work for Penumbra?!?! 91% 95% 94% say they always receive support from their manager when experiencing difficulties agree Penumbra has a good local reputation feel they have the necessary skills to do their job Penumbra is a charity (SC 010387) and a company limited by guarantee (SC 091542) registered in Scotland.
Recovery Practitioner (Peer Work) Application Pack Job Description Job Reference N47/17 Location Accountable to Based in Aberdeen Nova Service Service Manager Conditions Full Time 36.25 hours per week 33 days annual leave per annum Hours may include evenings and weekends Travel may be required Salary Purpose 17,695-18,648 per annum (pro rata) The role of Recovery Practitioner (Peer Work) has been developed specifically for people who have lived experience of mental health problems. Through sharing learning from their own experience, and the experience of others, peer workers will inspire hope and belief that recovery is possible. As an integral and highly valued member of the team, the Recovery Practitioner (Peer Work) will enable people to regain control of their lives and their own unique recovery process. Within a relationship of mutuality and information sharing, they will promote recovery, self-management and opportunities for improved health and wellbeing. The Recovery Practitioner (Peer Work) will act as a recovery champion within the team and an ambassador of recovery with external agencies and partner organisations. There is also an expectation that the Recovery Practitioner (Peer Work) will be involved in the ongoing development of peer roles and will make a positive contribution to the reduction in stigma associated with mental health issues. Context The postholder will be required to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. Key duties and responsibilities To develop relationships with people based on the principals of Peer support, which include mutuality, empathy and a focus on strengths which inspires hope To share ideas about ways of achieving Recovery goals, drawing on personal experiences and a range of coping, self help and self-management techniques To assist people to create their own outcomes focused recovery plans To model personal responsibility, self awareness, self belief, self advocacy and hopefulness 3
Recovery Practitioner (Peer Work) Application Pack To signpost to various resources, opportunities and activities within communities to promote choice and informed decision making Co-facilitate groups/courses Maintain a working knowledge of current trends in mental health, recovery and peer support by reading books, journals and accessing peer support networks To align with Penumbra s strategic objectives To uphold Penumbra s Code of Practice To uphold SSSC Codes of Practice Coordinate delivery of recovery focused support Provide practical support and supervision to Peer Workers as required Develop effective relationships with other groups and agencies in your area and take opportunities to promote mental health awareness in the wider community Be responsible for maintaining the relevant systems of documentation Provide accurate information and reports as required Provide formal input to Care Management reviews as required Be flexible and responsive to meet the changing needs of people who use the service and the organisation, within the agreed criteria Work effectively with other members of the team, and liaise effectively with families, agencies, colleagues and other stakeholders Participate in training activities and meetings as required This Job Description is not exhaustive; the post-holder may be required to perform other duties, deemed appropriate to this grade, as and when required. 4
Recovery Practitioner (Peer Work) Application Pack Person Specification Qualifications Essential: SVQ 3 or equivalent as defined by the SSSC, or commitment to achieve within 12 months of starting the role To be computer literate or demonstrate a willingness to learn Desirable: Completion of the PDA in Mental Health Peer Work or a relevant course in Peer Work Knowledge and Experience Core Competency Working with Others Core Competency Learn and Apply Essential: To have a lived experience of mental health problems and of recovering a meaningful life Demonstrate understanding of mental health and recovery To have experience of being in a supportive and enabling role Understanding of the issues and concerns of people accessing mental health services Essential: To work co-operatively and effectively with people who use our services, carers, professionals and all other agencies Builds co-operative relationships, develops networks and promotes partnership working with other professionals Be an active member of the team and contribute in a positive and solution focused manner Ability to work in an enabling and creative way Essential: Willingness to reflect on work practice and be open to constructive feedback To identify personal development needs through recovery focused supervision facilitated by the line management structure Attendance at: Local and national Penumbra peer network meetings and events Penumbra and multi-disciplinary meetings Peer networking groups 5
Recovery Practitioner (Peer Work) Application Pack Core Competency Communication Core Competency Managing Self Core Competency Professionalism Essential: Ability and willingness to share personal story of recovery in a professional manner Speaks and writes clearly and accurately and ensures the message is understood Conveys sensitive or contentious information tactfully Explains clearly and accurately issues, policies, procedure and other pertinent information To be responsible for maintaining the relevant systems of paper-based and electronic documentation Essential: Ability to manage stress and to plan and prioritise workload Is open to change and continually improving practice Has the awareness of when to ask for help, and has the confidence to do so where appropriate Awareness of self-help and self-management resources Sustains effort to overcome obstacles and feelings of frustration, and is able to maintain a positive view Engages in open and reflective debate and provides constructive comments about proposed changes Takes responsibility for managing own work life balance Essential: Demonstrate a commitment to both Penumbra and Peer principles and values Work to policies, procedures and relevant legislation Maintain sound ethical and professional standards at all times Understanding and maintaining professional boundaries at all times Has a clear understanding of confidentiality, disclosing information only to those who have the right and need to know Project a positive image of Penumbra at all times Is proactive in identifying areas for improvement and implements creative developments Manages time effectively to ensure tasks are completed and deadlines are met Plans ahead for meetings and busy periods Ensures the delivery of efficient, effective, high quality services Acts as a role model by setting clear standards for 6
Recovery Practitioner (Peer Work) Application Pack service delivery Register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as appropriate, or other relevant professional body as required Core Competency Supporting People Essential: To work alongside people to encourage and enable them to achieve self identified goals, to exercise choice and develop greater control in their lives, resulting in increased self-belief and self-esteem Willingness to train in and use the Hope framework (I.ROC and the Hope Toolkit) to facilitate a personcentred recovery approach Support peoples rights to control their lives and make informed choices about the services they receive Supports people in line with organisational values, policies and procedures Understands recovery and works with a recovery focused approach Promotes the right to self-determination, while protecting people, as far as possible, from danger or harm Protects the rights and promotes the interests of people who use the service 7
Experts by Experience Mutuality Hope Authenticity Empowerment Experience Responsibility Values Framework for Peer Working
Values Framework for Peer Working Experts by Experience Values Framework for Peer Working Developed by The Scottish Recovery Network In partnership with the Peer Learning Network Special thanks to Working Group members Sylvia Collumb, Moira Gillespie, Gillian Grant, Dorothy Hansen, Andrew Kernohan, Sharon Lear, Rona McBrierty, Jacquie Nicholson, Susan Pollock. www.scottishrecovery.net 1
Experts by Experience Introduction The Scottish Recovery Network (SRN) was formally launched in 2004 as an initiative designed to promote and support recovery from mental health problems. Our goals are to raise awareness of recovery; encourage empowerment; develop the evidence base and influence policy and practice. Since 2004 interest in the concept of recovery has increased greatly. We understand more about what recovery means to people and are working to raise awareness of the implications of this for the way people with mental health problems are supported. 2
Values Framework for Peer Working What is Peer Working? Peer working is an emerging role within the mental health sector. Peer workers are individuals with personal experience of mental health problems who are trained and employed to support others. This involves: Developing mutually empowering relationships. Sharing personal experiences of recovery in a way that inspires hope. Offering help and support as an equal. Peer working is a complement to both informal peer support and services provided by a range of different organisations and agencies. Peer working is a potentially powerful way to support and develop recovery focused practice. Peer support and recovery focused practice are underpinned by common sets of values that guide and inform their approaches. www.scottishrecovery.net 3
Experts by Experience Why develop a Values Framework? SRN offer support to develop and implement peer worker roles through our Experts by Experience guidelines publication. More recently we have also commissioned and worked with the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) to develop a national qualification (Professional Development Award) in Mental Health Peer Support. The Values Framework is part of this work to support and promote peer working in Scotland. We worked with those actively involved in peer working to develop this Values Framework with the aim of: Ensuring the role remains true to the peer support ethos. Clarifying the role and identity of peer workers. Creating a basis for the further development of peer worker roles and services. Improving understanding of peer working. Complementing the Experts by Experience guidelines and the national SQA award. 4
Values Framework for Peer Working How to use the Values Framework The Values Framework has been developed to increase awareness and understanding of the role. It will inform and guide peer workers, employers and those interested in developing peer working roles. For more information about peer working go to our website www.scottishrecovery.net. www.scottishrecovery.net 5
Experts by Experience Introduction to VALUES The Values Framework is grounded in six core values: Authenticity Hope Experience 6
Values Framework for Peer Working Mutuality Empowerment Responsibility A useful way to remember key information is to create what are known as mnemonics. The values developed happen to fit into HEAR ME which is an apt memory aid. www.scottishrecovery.net 7
Experts by Experience Values and Beliefs Hope We believe in the reality of recovery for all and that: Peer workers are powerful role models and evidence of the reality of recovery. We are all unique individuals, with hopes, dreams and aspirations with the potential to be all that we can be. The peer relationship offers a unique healing environment and powerful way of promoting hope and optimism. It is possible to learn and grow from challenges and setbacks. 8
Values Framework for Peer Working Experience We believe recovery is a unique and individual experience and that: We are all experts in our own experience. There are many roads to recovery and different ways of understanding and interpreting experiences. The sharing of experiences can be a powerful catalyst for personal change and growth. Peer workers use their lived experience intentionally to encourage and support recovery. www.scottishrecovery.net 9
Experts by Experience Values and Beliefs Authenticity We believe being authentic is about being true to ourselves and that: Empathy and compassion are at the heart of the peer relationship. Authentic relationships are open, honest and mutual. Peer support is about building connections that enable people to trust and to share their wisdom. Having compassion for others is grounded in being compassionate towards yourself. 10
Values Framework for Peer Working Responsibility We believe wellness and recovery involves taking responsibility and that: Supporting people to make changes is achieved through being with rather than doing for. Peer workers have a responsibility to ensure that the values of peer support are nurtured and developed. Peer workers should take responsibility for their learning and development. Peer workers have a responsibility to challenge stigma and discrimination encountered in their role. www.scottishrecovery.net 11
Experts by Experience Values and Beliefs Mutuality We believe that mutuality is core to peer working and that: We are interdependent and all have something to contribute. Mutuality is developed through respectfully sharing ideas, learning and experiences. Mutuality develops through discussion and negotiation of what is helpful in the relationship. Everyone involved in the relationship has a responsibility for making it work. 12
Values Framework for Peer Working Empowerment We believe empowerment means being in the driving seat and that: Recovery is the job of each individual and the peer relationship is based on learning together. Empowerment happens as we draw on our strengths and abilities both individually and collectively. Taking risks, trying new things and moving beyond our comfort zone are essential to personal growth and change. Having power and control comes from identifying our own needs, making choices and taking responsibility for finding solutions. www.scottishrecovery.net 13
Experts by Experience Values into Practice The values in the framework are demonstrated in practice through the following behaviours Intentionally sharing experiences and stories of hope and recovery. Help peers explore and broaden personal identity and worldview. Accepting peers where they are at, avoiding judgement and interpretation. Encourage responsibility for self care, wellness and recovery. Demonstrating and modelling relationship skills through our attitudes, interactions, behaviours and use of language. Being alongside and partnering peers not doing to or for. Take a strengths based approach focusing on hopes, aspirations and self defined goals. Encourage peers to challenge themselves and to mitigate for potential risks. 14
Values Framework for Peer Working Encourage the reframing of setbacks and help identify ways to learn from them. Encourage peers to make informed choices and seek out relevant information to enable this. Support peers to explore meaning and purpose in their lives. Help people build social supports and make community connections. Work with boundaries that are responsive and flexible being mindful of organisational policies. Acknowledge and discuss issues relating to power. Respect rights, dignity, privacy and confidentiality. Respect diversity and have cultural awareness. Maintaining and building on skills and learning whilst keeping current with emerging knowledge on peer support and recovery. Be a reflective practitioner and learn from experience. www.scottishrecovery.net 15
Experts by Experience Use supervision to support and enable you to develop your understanding and practice. Seek out opportunities to meet with other peer workers to share learning. Ensure the values of peer working are at the centre of all our interactions. Advocate for peers to make their own decisions in matters affecting their lives. Take personal responsibility for your own self development, self care, wellness and recovery. Be an active member of the team and contribute in a positive and solution focused manner. See and use the community as a resource. To be a role model and champion recovery. Constructively challenge nonrecovery focused, stigmatising and discriminatory practices. 16
Scottish Recovery Network Suites 320-323 Baltic Chambers 50 Wellington Street Glasgow G2 6HJ Phone: 0141 240 7790 Email: info@scottishrecovery.net Web: www.scottishrecovery.net Charity number (Penumbra) SC010387 Published: September 2012 ISBN 978-0-9556359-5-3 Supported by the Scottish Government s Mental Health Division.
Recovery Practitioner (Peer Work) Application Pack Closing date: Wednesday 28 th June at 5pm Interview date: Thursday 6 th July 2017 Completed applications should be completed online or returned to: recruitment@penumbra.org.uk or Penumbra Recruitment Norton Park 57 Albion Road Edinburgh EH7 5QY 8