Assertive Outreach Worker

Job responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Communication & relationship skills

The post-holder will work with all members of staff within PCN's and Navigo.

They will work in close liaison with health and social care professionals in statutory and non-statutory agencies to facilitate and deliver a range of services to ensure that continuing care needs of service users are met.

Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, case conferences and any other meetings as necessary.

Provide and present reports at Mental Heath Review Tribunals and Hospital managers hearings

Effectively communicate complex and/or sensitive information where there are barriers to understanding. This includes communication concerning adult protection, abuse, cognitive impairment and other risks surrounding a service users mental health. Barriers to understanding include working with service users who could be hostile or highly emotional, who have complex needs and may be vulnerable.

Maintain accurate clinical records according to professional standards.

To participate in clinical and Management supervision.

Promote and implement creative ways of working with service users

Instigate, develop and maintain a relationship with the service user and/or carer to facilitate the accurate delivery of care.

Manage highly confidential information in respect of members of the public in accordance with local and national policy.

work with service users subject to restrictive interventions such as Community Treatment Order and DOLs

2. Knowledge, training and experience

Attend appropriate training as identified with supervisor through supervision, e.g. reflective practice, handover, appraisal and provide feedback to the Team on training.

Maintain and update skills/knowledge relevant to the post and ensure practice is evidence based.

Attend and participate in Team and clinical meetings as required.

Participate in clinical supervision process, in appraisal and individual performance review process.

Participate in the training, education and induction of new Team members, seconded workers and other agencies as identified by Team Leader. To demonstrate and promote to them high standard of care and working at all times.

Participate in audits/surveys.

Have specialist knowledge and training, gained through formal training and experience, relating to older people and mental health and apply this knowledge when delivering care to service users.

Provide advice and support to other agencies around issues relating to Mental Health.

3. Analytical & judgement skills

Under supervision make decisions about the range of options for treatment and care plans based on judgement of service-users need.

Conduct comprehensive assessments of both service users and carers in line with team operational policies

4. Planning & organisational skills

Under supervision to prioritise, plan and coordinate own workload and activities in line with the changing needs of the team and service. This includes monitoring service user medication, making appointments for service users, conducting assessments, managing emergencies and enquiries, responding to crisis work within individual caseload, ensuring patient records are up to date and supporting colleagues on a daily basis.

Have the ability to work independently and to be able to seek assistance

Crisis response to other staffs service users in the event of staff absence, and delegation from senior staff member.

Participate in caseload management and ensure relevant information is available for this to take place.

5. Physical skills

Be trained in control and restraint and breakaway techniques; undertake regular updates (RESPECT).

6. Responsibilities for patient/service user care

Review service users clinical risk on each visit, reporting back any areas of concern/change in presentation.

Provide advice to service users, their carers, relatives and other professionals on needs relating their difficulties and mental health. This includes a range of health education and advice.

Initiate individual carer support where required. Set objectives, monitor and audit effectiveness.

Participate in clinical governance activities.

7. Responsibilities for policy & service development implementation

Adhere to all trust policies and legislation relating to the role.

Contribute to the evaluation and development of the service.

Comment on policies, procedures and developments where required.

Propose improvements and changes to own work area

8. Responsibilities for financial and physical resources

Use equipment and resources in a careful and responsible manner.

Respect the resources within the restraints of the team budget.

9.Responsibilities for human resources

Participate in Navigo clinical supervision strategy.

Support students within the workplace, allowing them to shadow your work

Assist in induction of new staff.

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with older people.
• Experience of working within a CPA framework.
• Experience of liaising with other teams or services, for example GPs, voluntary sector services.

Desirable

• Involvement in innovative nursing/social work practice.
• Worked as key-worker/care co-ordinator or equivalent.
• Experience of taking part in recruitment and selection processes.
• Experience of care management role.

Additional Criteria

Essential

• Driving Licence, Must hold a full driving licence and have access to a car for work purposes.

Qualifications

Essential

• Current Registration on part 3 or 13 of NMC register.
• Occupational Therapist or Social Worker currently registered.

Desirable

• Have undertaken other relevant training and courses relevant to the post.

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of individualised care plans.
• Evidence of knowledge of current professional issues.
• Relevant professional Mental Health legislation/guidance. Basic theoretical concepts in nursing/social work.
• NICE guidelines, NSF, Clinical Governance.

Desirable

• Awareness of current research in the field.
• Knowledge of Person Centred Care
• Knowledge of audit process.

Skills & Attributes

Essential

• Able to organise and prioritise own workload
• Skills in Information Technology
• Able to work independently and use own initiative
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to negotiate work priorities
• Takes responsibility for own personal development.
• Evidence of engaging in learning activities and professional development.
• Evidence of communication skills. Able to communicate effectively with a range of people on a range of matters in a form that is appropriate to them and the situation.
• Commitment to ethos of MDT working.
• Evidence of ability to work within a team.
• Evidence of ability to keep confidentiality.
• Evidence of an interest and enthusiasm for working with this client group.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).