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Peer support workers?

  • 22-02-2017 7:45pm
    #1
    Freedive Ireland
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 254 ✭✭


    I tried a search but didn't find anything so sorry if it's been covered before.
    Peer support workers as part of a MDT in mental health. Thoughts/Opinions?


Comments

  • #2
    JuliusCaesar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,885 ✭✭✭JuliusCaesar


    Is this what you're looking for?

    It looks as if the jobs have been filled: http://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/Jobs/Job_Search/Patient_and_Client_Care/NRS04373.html There were 680 posts. Here's a guidance paper on it.

    That was just on the first page of a google search. What exactly are you looking for? What are your own thoughts and opinions?


  • #3
    dar100
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,735 ✭✭✭dar100


    Recent post on Mental health coaching may add a little to discussion, not peer related as such. However, some cross over I'd imagine

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057682846


  • #4
    Freedive Ireland
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 254 ✭✭Freedive Ireland


    Thanks guys. I'm in on a block release course with DCU and HSE currently. So i got one of those roles but its a lot less that 680, about 40 I think.
    It's thought that PSW will help in self determination and play a coaching role. I'm also studying coaching in St.Angelas but luckily timewise there is only a short overlap.
    I'm hoping to help others but think that there will may be some resistance from existing professionals. Thats what I am asking here, opinions from people already in the field.
    Thanks.


  • #5
    dar100
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,735 ✭✭✭dar100


    Really depends!!

    The reaction by other professional may largely be influenced by how you interact with them and the clients,

    Try to remember you are there in a different capacity to psychologists, counsellors etc.

    To be frank, I've seen peer workers in other related fields come across as overly confident and this can rub others up the wrong way!!

    There's also the issue of over identification and boundaries, with both client and worker. No doubt lived experience as a peer worker adds to the outcome of the client. Just be mindful of the client placing you in too high a regard, this can also rub other professionals up the wrong way!!

    Anyway that's my two cents


  • #6
    JuliusCaesar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,885 ✭✭✭JuliusCaesar


    Freedive Ireland wrote: »
    I'm hoping to help others but think that there will may be some resistance from existing professionals. Thats what I am asking here, opinions from people already in the field.
    Thanks.

    I really do hope that you won't meet with resistance! I should hope that the existing MDTs are used to asking service users for input when designing new services, evaluating existing services, undertaking research and so on.

    In fact it can be difficult to find service users who are willing to take part, and who aren't intimidated by being in a room with a lot of colleagues who all know each other... and as we all know from starting new jobs, not all colleagues will go out of their way to welcome new people, and often it's up to the new person to introduce themselves... Oh! And you'll probably have to clarify your role again and again till everyone understands exactly what it is that you do, what your responsibilities are.

    All I can say is NEVER be intimidated by anyone's perceived status, or arrogance. Remember that anyone who harps on about their status is insecure - because secure people don't need to do that. Anyone who expects to be respected just because of their job title, well, you gain respect by knowing your stuff and treating people well. Every single one of us has to get out of bed in the morning to go to work, go to a meeting, whatever, and it doesn't matter if you're the cleaner or the clinical director. We are all human.


    I wish you all the best in your career!


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  • #7
    Freedive Ireland
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 254 ✭✭Freedive Ireland


    Thanks guys.

    It's an interesting role and I appreciate your thoughts.
    Dar,
    Yes there is the possibility of boundaries being blurred. Where does friendship begin and end vrs professionalism etc. In my current voluntary listening role anonymity is usually assured so it's never an issue. This seems to be more of a coaching role so the study will help me in that regard. I hope.

    Julius,
    Appreciate that. I hope I'm self confident enough without being over bearing. I've been amazed over the last few years what shutting up can do and how others then reveal themselves. The area I am going to have already worked with psw so will probably have less resistance but that said I'm a fan or rolling with it rather than out and out confrontation, especially at the beginning. Also the hse "system" has brought this role in so they are hopeful of the benefits.

    The course for it is a level 8 cert in order to give some weight to the candidates when qualified.


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