Overview

The Transforming Care in Autism (TCA) service was developed to meet the needs of autistic individuals at risk of admission to, or within, mainstream mental health services. An exciting new opportunity has arisen for autistic peer support workers to be part of the Transforming Care in Autism (TCA) team, working closely with a practitioner psychologist supporting autistic adults on inpatient wards in Croydon. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, compassionate, positive thinking and self-motivated individual with lived experience of autism. The primary role is to provide caring and non-judgemental support to autistic individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The role will also involve providing training to staff and carers to impart knowledge and skills to support autistic service users.The successful candidate will have completed an accredited Peer Worker training course or be willing to complete training shortly after starting their role. They will be a member of a multidisciplinary team, working alongside autism-specialists and mental health professionals. Peer Support Workers will be fully supported in their role through regular 1 to 1 supervision within the team line management structure and have access to monthly peer mentoring and weekly online group supervision.Key Responsibilities

To use lived experience to inspire hope that change is possible.To share lived experience safely and effectively.To share your own and other examples of lived experience of recovery or times when you have experience behaviours that have been challenging and how you overcome this challenge.To work in a way that acknowledges the personal, social, cultural and spiritual strengths of the person.To use a number of agreed recovery tools that are person-centred in a flexible way to support the service users.To support the service users to understand the role of autism and mental health services and how they can support their treatment alongside other community resources.To record information in a clear and accessible way.To promote service users involvement in all aspects of their work.Job Description / Duties

The post holder will be required to be self-reflective about their personal lived experience of autism and/or mental ill-health. This is an essential criteria of the role and successful applicants will be expected to use this experience within co-production and delivery of the sensory pilot aims and objectives. Peer support workers will need to be able to recognise the value and impact of their own lived experience. Effective use of personal experience of recovery and wellbeing is an essential role requirement to support the service users, carers/supporters and staff to understand the teaching materials and develop knowledge, attitudes and skills to enable wellbeing and self-management. Successful applicants will be offered regular team and individual supervision and training opportunities to support their own wellbeing and links to their work activities.To work closely other TCA team members, and practitioners from a variety of professions and roles within SLaM.To ensure that any concerns regarding an individuals mental and physical health and wellbeing highlighted within interactions with service users are shares with the team and/or their line manager in order that a decision to notify the individuals care team is madeTo identify the diverse needs of the service users, carers and staff and to adapt teaching and communication style in response to the audience''s level of need and understanding.To work flexibly including travelling to sites within local boroughs where relevant and appropriate. There is not an expectation to work out of hours.Person Specification

Experience: Personal experience of autism and mental health difficulties and recovery; Experience of using autism and mental health services; Willing to positively share your own life experiences; Experience of working or volunteering with autistic people and mental health difficulties (paid or voluntary).Qualifications: GCSE or equivalent level and/or competency in English and Maths; Lived Experience / Peer Support Training (or willing to complete).Knowledge / Skills: Understanding the values of peer support; Ability to problem solve and create innovative solutions to empower service users.Safeguarding and Compliance

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK will be considered.Employer details

Employer: South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLocation: Monks Orchard House, Bethlem Hospital, Beckenham, BR3 3BX

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