Job summary
30 hours per week. STEPS Community Therapies (PCMH) supports adults with mental health
difficulties of varying complexity, helping with their journey towards recovery; this includes personal
development, daily living & healthy living activities, learning to manage their own condition,
use of leisure, pursuing training/adult education & vocational opportunities.
The service
delivers psycho-educational groups including anxiety management, assertiveness & mindful approaches to stress and depression. It also runs a Horticultural Therapy Service, works with Cornwall College in delivering horticultural and art courses & with Plymouth Argyle Community Trust delivering 'It's A Goal' (therapy group). Other partnership working with community based agencies is also pursued to meet clients personal recovery goals.
Referrals to STEPS come from a variety of sources
including primary & secondary care & outside
agencies. Clients will be assessed for suitability & in order to
identify individual goals & the best route(s) to achieving them.
Clients also benefit from a 'whole team' approach & may move between the interventions offered as their needs change.
You will support and deliver all aspects of the programme alongside other team members and registered practitioners, and work with individuals in various settings, the wider community, and by helping colleagues to deliver the group programmes /courses on offer.
This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work with the STEPS team mainly in community settings and at CROP (Horticultural Therapy Site) in supporting & delivering therapeutic interventions to assist clients in their recovery. This includes physical, educational, social & psychological interventions within a client centred approach. The STEPS approach to recovery is holistic & embraces health & wellbeing for each person.
There is no strict time limit to people's engagement - it is needs led with changing & diverse requirements; excellent communication skills are essential, & the
post holder will work in a way that forms supportive & therapeutic relationships with clients on a 1-1 or group basis.
Additionally, there will be tasks related to the upkeep of the groups, office admin. duties & required preparation time including attention to equipment & materials used for sessions. Use of IT for record keeping, communication, virtual Teams mtgs. & training is essential.
The registered Mental Health Practitioners within the service will carry the responsibility for clinical decision making, will not always directly supervise, but their decisions will be informed by input from all the people and team members in contact with the clients, including the clients themselves.
The service accepts volunteers & students (Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Associate Practitioners), & the post holder will be involved with the placements, so that students can learn about the importance of all the team's contributions.
About us
Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise providing integrated health & social care services for people across Plymouth, South Hams & West Devon, as well as some specialist services for people living in parts of Devon & Cornwall. With teams in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, health & wellbeing hubs.
As an organisation with a strong social conscience, we always value being kind, respectful, inclusive, ambitious, responsible and collaborative. Transforming services to make them sustainable, ensuring that we value, support & empower each other.
We are committed to involving the people we care for, families & carers in everything that we do, working towards co-production where we can. Helping us to deliver the right care for people, in the right place & at the right time. By putting people at the centre of what we do, we ensure to support people to lead, healthy independent lives & be the very best at helping people to live well.
Valuing our employees making an investment in their development a priority. We offer:
Protected CPD time for registered staff
Various development pathways and ongoing regular training packages for all staff
Leadership & mentoring programmes
Access & funding for training including Care Certificate, Assistant Practitioners Course & Scholarship Into Nurse Training
A Robust Preceptorship
A bespoke induction programme
Existing members of the NHS Pension Scheme can continue their membership when they join the organisation.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To
participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned
activities to improve the quality of life and mental health of the
person using STEPS services.
- To work
under the direction of a Mental Health Practitioner clinically and
Horticultural Instructor in relation to the work and development of the CROP
site, but at times without direct supervision.
- To
recognise and work within own boundaries of competence, seeking advice
from manager, supervisor and colleagues as required.
- To maintain
confidentiality in respect of the patient / client at all times.
- To continue
to update knowledge of mental health and wellbeing skills
relating to the requirements of the post and work carried out with the
clients.
- To support
people accessing the service, sharing knowledge and expertise in relation to the interventions offered.
- To
facilitate both educational and therapeutic aspects of recovery with
people using the service.
- To support
partners working on site with clients e.g. Cornwall College, and to
ensure that good communication is maintained and all goal plans for
clients are compatible.
- Maintain a
person centred approach using recovery principles and encourage each
individual to be actively involved in their goal setting.
- To support
and help co-facilitate psychoeducational groups, whilst developing
knowledge and skills in this area, and to support clients on an
individual basis to help them attain their goals, as agreed within the
team.
- To
communicate effectively with people using services taking into account
any communication difficulties they may have and responding accordingly.
- To offer
emotional support, advice, information and education where appropriate
to people using services, carers and their family including signposting
them to other services when appropriate.
- To
communicate any changes in the persons presentation to the team or
appropriate professional in a timely manner.
- To observe
and act on both non-verbal and abnormal verbal communication from
individuals.
- Contribute
to the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating interventions
for and with the clients. This is to include participation in any case
review or reflective practice meetings which will contribute to any
decisions needing to be made re: management of the mental health
condition, associated difficulties and discharge plan.
- As directed,
to follow up any clients who fail to attend the programme and taking the
necessary action to ensure that they re-engage, are appropriately
supported elsewhere or discharged with a clear understanding on how to
re-engage.
- To be aware
of Health and Safety at Work Act and the implications for the work
environment.
To
know how to report accidents and untoward incidents and to do so promptly.
- To obtain
knowledge of Organisational policies (and where to find them),
procedures and practices and carry out duties in accordance with them.
- To be aware
of legal issues and have an understanding of the Mental Health Act and
the Mental Capacity Act.
- To be
willing to participate actively in appropriate in-service training
programmes which the manager believes to be of benefit to the post
holder. To assume
co-responsibility for maintaining skills and knowledge levels this
applies to both mental health and horticulture.
- Respond to,
record and report any adverse events or incidents relating to an
individual, with an appropriate degree of urgency.
- Maintain
effective record keeping systems in accordance with Livewell Southwest
policies.
- Be punctual
for work and conduct themselves in a professional manager in accordance
with Organisation responsibilities
- Undertake
specific responsibilities designated by the Mental Health Practitioner
in charge or the Horticultural Instructor relating to the CROP site.
- To support
the service in income generation projects such as selling produce, open
days and in the delivery of educational opportunities.
- To support
the delivery of the wider STEPS Community Therapies programme when
appropriate, this may take place at an alternative site
- To
undertake mandatory and other training as directed by the Organisation
or Service Manager/Supervisor.
- To
participate in continuing role / personal development using the
appraisal system.
- To receive
line management support and supervision.
- To
contribute to any audit process.
- Identify
and evaluate areas for potential service improvement.
- To behave
in a manner such that it does not bring the Organisation into disrepute.
The
post holder is required to conform to Livewell Southwest policies on Health,
Safety, Fire procedures and confidentiality.
To
value the skills, strengths and contributions of all members of the team and
to treat them in a respectful way.
This
job description does not provide an exhaustive list of duties and may be
reviewed in conjunction with the post holder in light of service needs and
developments
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To
participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned
activities to improve the quality of life and mental health of the
person using STEPS services.
- To work
under the direction of a Mental Health Practitioner clinically and
Horticultural Instructor in relation to the work and development of the CROP
site, but at times without direct supervision.
- To
recognise and work within own boundaries of competence, seeking advice
from manager, supervisor and colleagues as required.
- To maintain
confidentiality in respect of the patient / client at all times.
- To continue
to update knowledge of mental health and wellbeing skills
relating to the requirements of the post and work carried out with the
clients.
- To support
people accessing the service, sharing knowledge and expertise in relation to the interventions offered.
- To
facilitate both educational and therapeutic aspects of recovery with
people using the service.
- To support
partners working on site with clients e.g. Cornwall College, and to
ensure that good communication is maintained and all goal plans for
clients are compatible.
- Maintain a
person centred approach using recovery principles and encourage each
individual to be actively involved in their goal setting.
- To support
and help co-facilitate psychoeducational groups, whilst developing
knowledge and skills in this area, and to support clients on an
individual basis to help them attain their goals, as agreed within the
team.
- To
communicate effectively with people using services taking into account
any communication difficulties they may have and responding accordingly.
- To offer
emotional support, advice, information and education where appropriate
to people using services, carers and their family including signposting
them to other services when appropriate.
- To
communicate any changes in the persons presentation to the team or
appropriate professional in a timely manner.
- To observe
and act on both non-verbal and abnormal verbal communication from
individuals.
- Contribute
to the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating interventions
for and with the clients. This is to include participation in any case
review or reflective practice meetings which will contribute to any
decisions needing to be made re: management of the mental health
condition, associated difficulties and discharge plan.
- As directed,
to follow up any clients who fail to attend the programme and taking the
necessary action to ensure that they re-engage, are appropriately
supported elsewhere or discharged with a clear understanding on how to
re-engage.
- To be aware
of Health and Safety at Work Act and the implications for the work
environment.
To
know how to report accidents and untoward incidents and to do so promptly.
- To obtain
knowledge of Organisational policies (and where to find them),
procedures and practices and carry out duties in accordance with them.
- To be aware
of legal issues and have an understanding of the Mental Health Act and
the Mental Capacity Act.
- To be
willing to participate actively in appropriate in-service training
programmes which the manager believes to be of benefit to the post
holder. To assume
co-responsibility for maintaining skills and knowledge levels this
applies to both mental health and horticulture.
- Respond to,
record and report any adverse events or incidents relating to an
individual, with an appropriate degree of urgency.
- Maintain
effective record keeping systems in accordance with Livewell Southwest
policies.
- Be punctual
for work and conduct themselves in a professional manager in accordance
with Organisation responsibilities
- Undertake
specific responsibilities designated by the Mental Health Practitioner
in charge or the Horticultural Instructor relating to the CROP site.
- To support
the service in income generation projects such as selling produce, open
days and in the delivery of educational opportunities.
- To support
the delivery of the wider STEPS Community Therapies programme when
appropriate, this may take place at an alternative site
- To
undertake mandatory and other training as directed by the Organisation
or Service Manager/Supervisor.
- To
participate in continuing role / personal development using the
appraisal system.
- To receive
line management support and supervision.
- To
contribute to any audit process.
- Identify
and evaluate areas for potential service improvement.
- To behave
in a manner such that it does not bring the Organisation into disrepute.
The
post holder is required to conform to Livewell Southwest policies on Health,
Safety, Fire procedures and confidentiality.
To
value the skills, strengths and contributions of all members of the team and
to treat them in a respectful way.
This
job description does not provide an exhaustive list of duties and may be
reviewed in conjunction with the post holder in light of service needs and
developments
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Team working skills
- Ability to participate in activities with clients and be able to share skills
- Experience of working with people who have been disadvantaged in life or equivalent substantial experience of working with people generally.
- Demonstrable experience of working in a therapeutic or recovery setting, and with horticulture/creative pursuits on a personal level
- Experience of working with groups.
- Experience of multiagency working
Desirable
- Experience of working without direct supervision
- Experience of working in a Mental Health setting or having personal and /or other experience of mental health services.
Knowledge
Essential
- Confidentiality
- Importance of de-escalation skills
- Understanding of the role of STEPS Community Therapies team
- Understanding of issues relating to mental health and their potential impact.
- Awareness of personal safety and the safety of others.
- Awareness of equality and diversity particularly relating to the client group.
-
- Awareness and commitment to relevant environmental issues and how they interact with the therapies offered.
- Knowledge of good practice in relation to health and safety.
- Understanding of social inclusion and barriers faced by individuals.
- Awareness of recovery principles and person centred approaches.
Desirable
- Willingness to undertake training in relation to required skills
- Interest in psychological approaches to working with people.
- Interest and appreciation of different learning styles.
- Understanding the benefits of enterprise as a therapeutic intervention
Skills
Essential
- Motivated
- Empathetic
- Reliable
- Innovative and able to problem solve.
- Confidence in dealing with clients
- Ability to work in stressful conditions
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to document interventions accurately, in a timely fashion
- Ability to report back on clients presentation
- Effective communication skills
- Ability to work alongside individuals and to enable them to build confidence, gain skills and progress.
- Good computer skills to enable completion of electronic records, use of email etc.
- Ability to adapt to change.
- Good observational skills
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Gardening , including use of tools.
- Ability to liaise and communicate with different agencies and with clients, carers and relatives
- Ability to adapt to the individuals changing needs.
- To have a non-judgemental approach in working with people with varying needs, experiences and backgrounds.
- Ability to work both in groups and 1:1 settings.
- Administrative skills
Desirable
- Ability to work in a person centred way using recovery principles
- Ability to review and adapt agreed goals with the individual
- Ability to connect both physical and mental health in order to promote general health and wellbeing.
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ III in Healthcare OR able to demonstrate the ability, skills and knowledge to work at this level with another equivalent vocational qualification.
- Awareness of Mental Health Support Worker/Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor Role.
Desirable
- Experience at an instructor, counsellor, supervisor or at a teaching level.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Team working skills
- Ability to participate in activities with clients and be able to share skills
- Experience of working with people who have been disadvantaged in life or equivalent substantial experience of working with people generally.
- Demonstrable experience of working in a therapeutic or recovery setting, and with horticulture/creative pursuits on a personal level
- Experience of working with groups.
- Experience of multiagency working
Desirable
- Experience of working without direct supervision
- Experience of working in a Mental Health setting or having personal and /or other experience of mental health services.
Knowledge
Essential
- Confidentiality
- Importance of de-escalation skills
- Understanding of the role of STEPS Community Therapies team
- Understanding of issues relating to mental health and their potential impact.
- Awareness of personal safety and the safety of others.
- Awareness of equality and diversity particularly relating to the client group.
-
- Awareness and commitment to relevant environmental issues and how they interact with the therapies offered.
- Knowledge of good practice in relation to health and safety.
- Understanding of social inclusion and barriers faced by individuals.
- Awareness of recovery principles and person centred approaches.
Desirable
- Willingness to undertake training in relation to required skills
- Interest in psychological approaches to working with people.
- Interest and appreciation of different learning styles.
- Understanding the benefits of enterprise as a therapeutic intervention
Skills
Essential
- Motivated
- Empathetic
- Reliable
- Innovative and able to problem solve.
- Confidence in dealing with clients
- Ability to work in stressful conditions
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to document interventions accurately, in a timely fashion
- Ability to report back on clients presentation
- Effective communication skills
- Ability to work alongside individuals and to enable them to build confidence, gain skills and progress.
- Good computer skills to enable completion of electronic records, use of email etc.
- Ability to adapt to change.
- Good observational skills
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Gardening , including use of tools.
- Ability to liaise and communicate with different agencies and with clients, carers and relatives
- Ability to adapt to the individuals changing needs.
- To have a non-judgemental approach in working with people with varying needs, experiences and backgrounds.
- Ability to work both in groups and 1:1 settings.
- Administrative skills
Desirable
- Ability to work in a person centred way using recovery principles
- Ability to review and adapt agreed goals with the individual
- Ability to connect both physical and mental health in order to promote general health and wellbeing.
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ III in Healthcare OR able to demonstrate the ability, skills and knowledge to work at this level with another equivalent vocational qualification.
- Awareness of Mental Health Support Worker/Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor Role.
Desirable
- Experience at an instructor, counsellor, supervisor or at a teaching level.
Additional information
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
