Physical Health Support Worker

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 09 April 2025

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit an enthusiastic and highly motivated physical health support worker to work across North Dorset locality.

The main role of this job is to provide annual physical health checks for people diagnosed with a serious mental illness (SMI) by conducting a range of physical observations and health promotion interventions as well as signposting individuals to services to improve their physical health and set goals with individuals to help improve their physical health.

The role will require to build relationships with people who may struggle to access support for their health needs and will require trying different and proactive ways.

We are looking for an individual who feels a desire to make a positive contribution to improving the physical health for people living with SMI within primary and secondary services.

You will be required to have strong organisational skills and be able to work independently within the boundaries of your role whilst being able to seek support and guidance from senior colleagues and other professionals

We offer a high-quality training covering core mental health awareness, physical health promotion and behaviour change for people living with SMI. You will have protected time to access relevant training and appropriate supervision and opportunities for reflective practice as well as access to multidisciplinary team structures as part of continued development.

Main duties of the job

To provide a comprehensive physical health assessment for people diagnosed with a serious mental illness (SMI) through a series of physical health observations and health promotion interventions.

To improve the physical health care for adults living with SMI, through improved physical health checks and supported follow-up interventions that are tailored to their needs.

To provide individuals with lifestyle and health advice about ways of managing their physical health needs.

Supporting and empowering people to engage with the physical health pathway, including overcoming any barriers to their participation to better equip individuals with the tools they need to make positive changes.

To work with other providers in promoting access to activities in the local community that promote peoples wellbeing.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do, and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion, and expertise in all we do.

Date posted

26 March 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£12,035 to £12,837 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-M586.24

Job locations

Across North Dorset sites

n/.a

Shaftesbury, Sherborne and Blandford

DT11 7DD


Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Person Specification

BUSINESS TRAVEL

Essential

  • Has a valid drivers licence and able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND TRAINING

Essential

  • NVQ Level 3 in care, or equivalent qualification or level of experience
  • Knowledge of physical/mental health conditions and/or the NHS Long Term Plan for health inequalities
  • Ability to listen effectively and communicate effectively at all times. Good communication and interpersonal skills

Desirable

  • Existing skills in physical health i.e. phlebotomy or promoting health change i.e. motivational interviewing or coaching (formal or non-formal)

JOB SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Experience of working with clients, the public or both
  • Experience of working as part of a team towards a common goal

Desirable

  • Experience of mental health (as worker, carer or own experience)
  • Experience of working in physical health care settings

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/RESOURCES

Essential

  • Good IT and care record/data entry skills

Desirable

  • Experience of electronic patient / service user record systems, data entry and reporting

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Essential

  • Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.
Person Specification

BUSINESS TRAVEL

Essential

  • Has a valid drivers licence and able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND TRAINING

Essential

  • NVQ Level 3 in care, or equivalent qualification or level of experience
  • Knowledge of physical/mental health conditions and/or the NHS Long Term Plan for health inequalities
  • Ability to listen effectively and communicate effectively at all times. Good communication and interpersonal skills

Desirable

  • Existing skills in physical health i.e. phlebotomy or promoting health change i.e. motivational interviewing or coaching (formal or non-formal)

JOB SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Experience of working with clients, the public or both
  • Experience of working as part of a team towards a common goal

Desirable

  • Experience of mental health (as worker, carer or own experience)
  • Experience of working in physical health care settings

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/RESOURCES

Essential

  • Good IT and care record/data entry skills

Desirable

  • Experience of electronic patient / service user record systems, data entry and reporting

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Essential

  • Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Across North Dorset sites

n/.a

Shaftesbury, Sherborne and Blandford

DT11 7DD


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Across North Dorset sites

n/.a

Shaftesbury, Sherborne and Blandford

DT11 7DD


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

SMI Physical Health Service Lead

Monika Dhliwayo

m.dhliwayo@nhs.net

07775035400

Date posted

26 March 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£12,035 to £12,837 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-M586.24

Job locations

Across North Dorset sites

n/.a

Shaftesbury, Sherborne and Blandford

DT11 7DD


Supporting documents

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