Peer Support Partner (Adopted People)

We are looking for an adopted person who lives in Wales (or has close connections to Wales) to work with our PATH (Psychological and Therapeutic Hub) team as a Peer Support Partner. They will be part of an innovative new pilot project, funded by Welsh Government and the National Adoption Service of Wales, to provide a well-supported access to records and intermediary service to adult adoptees in Wales.

The successful applicant will be great at providing emotional support to others either face to face, by telephone or online. They will understand the importance of confidentiality and will work as part of a therapeutic team under clinical guidance. They will meet regularly with adoptees who are in the PATHWAY programme and will work along-side a member of the PATH team to co-facilitate small groups.

As a pilot, funding is only up to the end of March 2024 at the moment, but we are hopeful that might be extended in time and eventually rolled out across the UK.

Salary £22,017 fte (pro-rata for 16 hrs £10,065).

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Supporting the PATH delivery of therapeutic services, the Peer Support Partner role is responsible for providing direct peer support to adopted people (including face to face, telephone, online), working closely with other stakeholders and Adoption UK staff to help adopted people access support services in line with their support plan. The initial role will support the development of a new PATHWAY programme for adopted people who are accessing their birth records in Wales. If the pilot programme is successful there is a strong possibility of role out more widely across the UK.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide peer support to adopted people, including acting as the named first line of support, assisting them to access Pathway Programmes and other services as directed and supporting them in their application of learning.
To co-facilitate groups delivered within PATH, under supervision of PATH clinical co-facilitator.
To communicate effectively and sensitively with individuals being supported.
Develop a knowledge of support services available to adopted people from Adoption UK and other organisations, as well as current policy and practice, and impart that information to the individuals on how best to access these services.
Work collaboratively with all members of the PATH team, as required, to help Adoption UK ensure people receive services in line with their support plan. Working on behalf of individuals where necessary and, in cases where they may be struggling, to escalate concerns to senior staff as indicated and required.
Contribute to and maintain accurate records for those using the service, on Adoption UK systems and ensuring compliance with both GDPR and Adoption Support Agency regulatory requirements.
Contribute to team meetings and events, sharing knowledge and experience.
To have input into Adoption UK’s policy matters, strategies and business planning as part of the organisation’s policy on inclusive and consultative practice.
Participate in supervisory discussions on a regular basis and an annual appraisal with the appointed line manager.
Join in regular group case support discussions with Adoption UK’s professional supervisor/counsellor as arranged.
To join in staff training as deemed necessary.
Be responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults with whom they have contact or for whom they are responsible and escalating concerns in line with the agreed safeguarding and escalation policy.
To carry out such other duties as may be deemed necessary by the relevant Adoption UK manager/director, subject to time, commensurate with salary and by agreement with the post holder.

To apply please download and complete the application form and Equal Opportunities form; register on our recruitment portal and upload your completed forms; alternatively, please email completed forms to [email protected].

CVs will only be accepted with a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Closing date for applications 16 August 2023.

Candidate Pack - English

Candidate Pack - Cymraeg

Application form - English

Application form - Cymraeg

Equal Opportunities Form

Recruitment portal