Band 2 Apprentice Peer Support Worker - Bristol

Based across the Bristol area, as well as covering BaNES, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, the Avon and Somerset Advice and Support in Custody and Courts service (ASCC) is a Liaison and Diversion Service within the criminal justice system. It operates using an all vulnerability model that offers assessment and support and to individuals within the Courts, Police Custody suites and Prisons with the Reconnect team. Our Support Workers offer time limited support to people whilst they are engaged with the Criminal Justice Service. We are an experienced, enthusiastic and growing team who will support you to develop in your role.
An integral aspect of ASCC is the employment of people who have used services themselves. We recognise the barriers some people with lived experience face when looking for employment and are passionate about providing opportunities as well as utilising your unique still set to support vulnerable people.
The successful applicant will have lived experience of engaging with the Criminal Justice System, Mental Health or Drug and Alcohol Services. This is an essential aspect of this role as you will use your own personal experience to engage others and support them to engage with the services that will promote their recovery. We understand that some applicants may find this difficult to talk about, but assure you we maintain a supportive and non judgemental approach at all times., With support and guidance from the team you will complete your apprenticeship alongside working directly with service users as part of the team. You will utilise your own experiences to empower others by promoting hope and helping people engage with, and navigate services that will support in improving their health and social care outcomes.
The post holder will be expected to work across all of our sites when required, including Police Stations, Courts and Prison.
Two apprentice posts are available within the team - one with the Reconnect service, and one with Children and Young People.
As this is an apprentice position, you will be required to successfully complete a L3 'Peer Worker' apprenticeship whilst undertaking the requirements of the position. Applicants will be required to complete a screening assessment which includes English & Maths before an unconditional offer of employment can be made, you will need to successfully complete this within 1 week of being contacted by the apprenticeship training provider.
To undertake the Peer Worker apprenticeship, people will need to demonstrate that they have previous lived experience relevant to the role, there is a statutory or professional requirement for people within a Peer support worker role to be aged 18 or over, and therefore a minimum age limit would apply to this role., Promote and maintain effective communication with people in order to build and sustain positive working relationships with individuals, families and carers.
Contribute to the planning, implementation and review of care packages, including implementing specific parts of an individual care plan on behalf of different care professionals.
Maintain accurate, confidential records of patient activity, writing reports and letters.
Support individuals in developing and maintaining their identity and personal relationships, including sometimes difficult or potentially difficult relationships.
Enable people with Mental Health needs to undertake their own health care, in accordance with their care plan.
Contribute to the protection of individuals from abuse and harm in line with local policies and procedures.
Promote, monitor and maintain health, safety and security in the workplace.

Working for our organisation
We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust) a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.
We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.
Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.
At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and lived experience, and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.