Peer support worker

A peer support worker (PSW) is a specialist mental health support worker. All peer support workers must have had some experience of significant mental illness and of recovery. This experience allows PSWs to offer a unique and understanding relationship with service users (peers). It is this relationship that forms the basis of the work carried out between a PSW and peer.

Peer support work is based on the philosophy that everyone has the capacity to learn, grow and change. Peer support workers believe everyone can have a life worth living based on their own terms.

Tasks and duties

  • Establish supportive and empathetic relationship with people using the peer support service.
  • Encourage service users to take responsibility for their own recovery.
  • Meet with service users in community settings, such as cafes or parks.
  • Support service users to make lifestyle changes if desired.
  • Use wider community resources (not just mental health services).
  • Help service users make positive changes by identifying strengths and desires, set goals and plan the necessary steps to achieve those goals.
  • Support service users to grow towards autonomy.

Skills and knowledge

Peer support workers need to have:

  • personal experience of significant mental illness
  • active listening and good communication skills
  • the ability to reflect and think critically
  • the desire to focus on other people's strengths
  • the ability to work independently and as part of a supportive team
  • the ability to communicate with a variety of people and groups
  • knowledge of various cultural and gender issues
  • planning and organisational skills
  • a driver's license and their own vehicle
  • computer skills (especially email and word processing).

Personal qualities

Peer support workers need to:

  • be mature, kind, patient, compassionate and respectful
  • be positive and encouraging with a good sense of humor
  • be able to role model recovery
  • enjoy working with people and have the desire to help others.

Physical requirements

Peer support workers need to be reasonably fit, healthy and resilient to cope with the stress and pressure of the job.

How to enter the job

Peer support workers come from varied backgrounds and have a wide range of experiences, but all have had personal experience of significant mental illness and of recovery. They must successfully complete training before starting employment, and this is currently provided through peer support worker employers.

Training

Mind and Body Consultants Ltd provide a comprehensive peer support worker training course, which is in the process of being registered with NZQA as the Level 4 National Certificate in Peer Support (Mental Health).

Work conditions

The hours are flexible as appointments are made at a mutually agreeable time. Peer support workers meet with service users in community settings and spend some time working from home and some time based in an office. They attend regular supervision sessions within their own organisations and also with an external clinical supervisor. This ensures safe practice and offers a supportive working environment.

Read about Ivan Yeo, who has worked as a peer support worker.