CYP Peer Support Worker

Overview

Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 02 February 2026

Have you ever wondered if you could use your lived experience of an eating disorder to help others? This opportunity could be for you!

Children and Young People (CYP) Peer Support Workers (PSWs) will have lived experience of accessing an Eating Disorder Service. CYP PSWs will provide intentional peer support (emotional and practical support) to young people in the community who are accessing support by the Eating Disorder Team. The CYP PSW will take a lead role in embedding recovery values (mutuality, individual responsibility, agreed goals, individual narratives etc.)

within the services in which they are based. Through the sharing of a lived experience of an eating disorder the CYP PSW will provide hope, inspiration and a belief that achieving their goals is possible for the young people who access our services. Within a person-centered relationship they will facilitate and support self-determination and a re-connection with other individuals and the wider community.

Right to work (Legal and sponsorship information):
We actively promote diversity and inclusion. Please note that this role is not on the Home Office list of occupations eligible for sponsorship under the Health and Care visa route. We recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Visit Health and Care Worker visa:
Overview -

• To work as an integral and highly valued member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team in facilitating and leading patient-centred activities which inspire hope, control and opportunity for service users.
• To support individuals in identifying personal recovery goals to improve their quality of life and to support them to do the things they want to do and live the life they want to lead.
• Through sharing aspects of own lived experience of mental health challenges and of accessing services the Peer Support Worker will inspire hope and belief that recovery is possible in others.

Alder Hey has already earned our place as one of the world's leading children's hospitals, thanks to innovation and pioneering medical work. We treat 250,000 young patients a year and have a broad range of hospital and community services, serving the local population of children, as well as being a tertiary referral centre for children from across Merseyside, Cheshire and parts of Lancashire, Shropshire and North Wales.

Every individual makes a valuable contribution and Alder Hey is proud of its long history of providing pioneering and innovative healthcare to children and young people. The post holder must adhere to Trust Policies and Procedures at all times.

• To provide support to young people and families accessing or waiting to access Alder Hey Eating Disorder Service.
• To provide tailor made packages of peer support to young people using a range of communication skills ensuring meaningful engagement.
• To act as a role model to service users to inspire hope, share life experiences and demonstrate coping strategies, and share experiences of achievement.
• To co-facilitate peer support and other focused groups in partnership with members of staff.
• To support young people to engage with the service, help them to access information on health promotion, mental and physical wellbeing.
• To support young people to access community-based activities.
• To provide a listening ear and advocacy to young people needing support through direct contact or from direction from a Qualified Clinician.
• To communicate with young people, families and colleagues with optimism and enthusiasm whilst being sensitive to the complex and diverse needs of the clients.
• To work within sphere of competence in line with peer support worker training.

• Secondary education to GCSE English A-C grade or 9-4 grade or equivalent
• Good ability in written and spoken English
• Level 3 recognised PSW Training or willingness to undertake this within 6 months of appointment to role
• Health and Social Care related qualification

• Experience and/or significant knowledge of eating disorders
• Understanding of the EDYS services
• Experience of using a range of self-management or goal based tools and techniques
• Experience of working in a team
• Experience working with children and young people
• Experience of working across different organisational boundaries

• A range of self-management or goal based tools and techniques
• Knowledge and understanding of confidentiality, health & safety legislation, complaints management and risk management
• Working knowledge and relevant permissions of legislation and regulations in relations to DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) and the impact on working practices
• Service user involvement and participation and why it is important
• Current issues that impact on children and young people s mental health, including the impact of stigma and discrimination

• Good written, verbal and non-verbal…