Peer Aid Supporter

To provide safe, effective support for people before, during and after treatment, working within established networks of support.

An aspect of the role will be to work closely with individuals presenting with lived experience of gambling harm issues and/or people affected by this issue. As a Peer Supporter, you will understand gambling related harm and dependency issues and be able to work within safe environments, following safeguarding and harm minimisation procedures and policies.

The role involves providing direct peer support to individuals experiencing harms from gambling. As a Peer Supporter, you will draw upon your lived experience of gambling related harm (either as someone who has experienced gambling harm directly or as an 'affected other') to support others on their recovery journey. Working under the guidance of the Peer Aid team, you will maintain appropriate boundaries and provide support in a befriending capacity, ensuring all interactions are conducted with a considered and transparent approach. You will work within established systems and structures, following governance policies and safeguarding practices while maintaining integration with the national gambling support network.

You will participate in group support activities and work collaboratively with other Peer Supporters to ensure effective support delivery. The role requires maintaining professional relationships with service users, ensuring support is delivered in a consistent and reliable manner.

Your work will involve matching with referred individuals and maintaining safe and secure working relationships. You will need to ensure that boundaries are maintained and that engagement with the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) is positively managed. Adherence to health and safety and equal opportunities and diversity policies is expected at all times.

‍

Key responsibilities and accountabilities

Development and delivery

• Be an ambassador for peer support and mutual aid.
• Work with the team to deliver group and individual support.
• Ensure all policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Ensure all environments whether office, remote or electronic are safe and secure.
• Provide regular support sessions to Peers.
• Ensure services are delivered safely and effectively.
• Input into all relevant data systems to assist in the delivery and evaluation of the service.
• Represent the organisation at events, seminars and meetings.
• Provide collaborative working with partner agencies.

‍

Health and safety responsibilities

• Assist with the day to day delivery of the service, ensuring the safety of all using the service.
• Ensure that health and safety, diversity and equality policies are upheld.

‍

General

• Attend regular supervision sessions with the Peer Aid Support Manager.
• To operate with clear professional and confidentiality boundaries and work within the
  organisation’s code of conduct.
• To carry out other duties commensurate with the post.

‍

The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) - Disclosure

Betknowmore UK aims to promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. Betknowmore UK welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Criminal records will be taken into account for requirement purposes only when the conviction is relevant. As Betknowmore UK meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013) by SI 2013 1198. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure & Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions.

‍

Qualifications or Relevant Experience

• Lived experience of gambling related harm, or other addiction lived experience.

‍

Essential Experience

• Experience of liaison with voluntary and statutory organisations.
• Experience of engaging with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

‍

Essential Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to be an ambassador for peer support and mutual aid.
• Knowledge and understanding of recovery.
• Knowledge of safeguarding children and adults.
• Knowledge and commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discrimination.
• Ability to work responsively and flexibly in a range of settings.
• Ability to represent the service and present to other organisations.
• Ability to maintain clear and consistent boundaries.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing, face to face, online and on the telephone.
• Ability to work positively in a team.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise, plan and manage own workload.
• Ability to utilise supervision constructively.
• Knowledge of gambling and related issues.