Research Peer Support Worker (RAPID)

The RAPID Trial, funded by the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Technology Assessment programme, is a 38 month randomised controlled trial, led by Professor Tony Morrison, which builds on our track record of collaborative research on psychological interventions for people with psychosis and other serious mental health problems, by evaluating the possible benefits of 3 remotely delivered, brief psychosocial interventions.

It will compare a safety planning intervention delivered by assistant psychologists with a semi-structured peer support intervention and with a smartphone app designed to help people manage suicidal thoughts.

All interventions will be compared with treatment as usual from a home-based treatment team. We will conduct this research across 5 areas in the UK (Manchester, East London, Glasgow, North East London and Oxford).

The PREVAIL intervention is a semi-structured approach to supporting people with serious mental health problems who are experiencing suicidal thoughts that is also underpinned by the principles of Peer Support.

Peer relationships are viewed as partnerships that invite and inspire both parties to learn and grow. The way or working encourages us to increasingly live and move towards what we want instead of focusing on fears that past adverse experiences will recur.

The role of the peer support worker on the RAPID Trial is to work with peers to complete PREVAIL in a 1:1 setting and to deliver PREVAIL sessions in line with the intervention manual and principles of peer support. The peer support worker will be working alongside other research and clinical staff members to uphold the culture and structure of the intervention manual and peer support model.

Included in the role are the tasks working flexibly and responsively with peer relationships; engaging in conversations and action planning about participants’ safety; answering queries; responding to feedback; gathering and processing data on participant experience; and engaging in supervision and reflective space. As such, the post holder needs both to work collaboratively, and to take individual responsibility for their contribution to the many tasks and processes involved in the role.

The introduction of the peer-delivered intervention that will be delivered as part of the RAPID Trial marks a step forward in changing the culture of mental health services. Nationally and locally at GMMH we are moving towards greater peer involvement in a number of areas of service provision. The post holder will fulfil an important role in working with others to take forward these initiatives within research settings and contribute to the evidence base for peer-delivered interventions in NHS settings.

The post will be 12 months fixed term contract with expectation of extending subject to milestones.

Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 6,400 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 160 locations.

We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.

Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.

Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.

Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.

Please see attached job description & person specification

Staff benefits

• Pay Enhancements – 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Excellent pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Wellbeing programme
• Blue Light Card Discounts