Lived Experience Lead for Service User Network

at  Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

We have an exciting opportunity for a part time (30 hours/week) band 7 Lived Experience Lead, to join our team and work as part of our Service User Network (SUN).
SUN (Service User Network) is an initiative aimed at improving services for people with complex emotional needs or difficulties often associated with the diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’. The SUN service provides community-based, peer support groups that offer members a space to provide and receive support. SUN is a self-referral service that is open to anyone, irrespective of whether they are under the care of mental health services. Members accessing the service may or may not have a formal diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’; however, may have common experiences relating to difficulties around emotions and relationships.
As the SUN Lived Experience Lead, you will be jointly responsible for recruiting, developing, supporting and supervising the SUN Lived Experience group facilitators within the team. Your role will also include group co-facilitation, alongside additional line management responsibilities for the SUN Lived Experience workforce. You will work closely and collaboratively with the SUN Team Manager to ensure a joined-up approach to managing the service. You will have regular supervision and support in this role.
Your main base will be at Erlegh House, Reading, whilst also having an option to work from home when appropriate. The post will involve travel across all localities in Berkshire.

Lived experience of difficulties associated with a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’.
Experience and passion for working as a team and working with and supporting lived experience colleagues.
Passion for group work and supporting people with complex emotional needs or difficulties associated with personality disorders.
Experience or strong working knowledge of mental health services, peer support and co-production.
An ability to be self-reflective, open to learning and to reflect sensitively on your personal experience of recovery to support others.
For more further information please attached Job Description and Personal Specification.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to call Charlie Thomas, SUN Team Manager, on 0300 365 8000 or Jennie Parker, Lived Experience KUF Development Lead, on 07800 918 330, who’ll be delighted to help.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where required