Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Support worker

The closing date is 01 June 2025

Job summary

Join Somerset NHS Foundation Trust as a Community Support Worker in our Mendip Older People's Community Mental Health Team based in Wells. In this rewarding Band 3 role, you'll be part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team supporting older adults with memory loss and mental health needs. Your work will help clients maintain their independence and quality of life, while also supporting carers. If you're compassionate, flexible, and eager to make a difference in your community, this is your opportunity to contribute to outstanding care in one of England's most beautiful counties.

Main duties of the job

As a Support Worker, you will deliver therapeutic and social activities--both individually and in groups--based on the principles of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy. You will assist in assessments, contribute to care planning, and support clients in their homes across the Mendip area, making a driving licence and vehicle essential. Your role includes working closely with carers and a range of health and social care professionals, promoting dignity, empathy, and independence throughout. You'll also be expected to attend CMHT and memory service meetings, playing a vital role in person-centred community care.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

  • Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
  • NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
  • Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
  • A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Details

Date posted

22 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,625 to £25,674 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

184-OL-BL-2551

Job locations

The Bridge

Glastonbury Road

Wells

Somerset

BA5 1TJ


Job description

Job responsibilities

You will lead and facilitate therapeutic interventions for older adults with varying cognitive and mental health needs, maintaining accurate records and ensuring safety and quality standards are met. The post involves independent working, administration tasks, and communication with professionals across multiple agencies. Regular supervision and ongoing training will support your development. IT competence and time management are important, and you'll uphold Trust policies, including safeguarding and equality.

For full details on the job please see attached job description.

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will lead and facilitate therapeutic interventions for older adults with varying cognitive and mental health needs, maintaining accurate records and ensuring safety and quality standards are met. The post involves independent working, administration tasks, and communication with professionals across multiple agencies. Regular supervision and ongoing training will support your development. IT competence and time management are important, and you'll uphold Trust policies, including safeguarding and equality.

For full details on the job please see attached job description.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ Level 3 in Direct Care, Community Mental Health certificate, or equivalent experience (or willingness to work towards)

Desirable

  • Formal training in Cognitive Stimulation Therapy

Experience

Essential

  • As a Support Worker, you will deliver therapeutic and social activities--both individually and in groups--based on the principles of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy. You will assist in assessments, contribute to care planning, and support clients in their homes across the Mendip area, making a driving licence and vehicle essential. Your role includes working closely with carers and a range of health and social care professionals, promoting dignity, empathy, and independence throughout. You'll also be expected to attend CMHT and memory service meetings, playing a vital role in person-centred community care.

Desirable

  • Experience leading group therapeutic sessions
  • Experience supporting carers

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Access to a vehicle and valid driving licence
  • Good communication, observation, and IT skills
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Willingness to use technology to support patient care

Desirable

  • Knowledge of dementia and ageing-related mental health conditions
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ Level 3 in Direct Care, Community Mental Health certificate, or equivalent experience (or willingness to work towards)

Desirable

  • Formal training in Cognitive Stimulation Therapy

Experience

Essential

  • As a Support Worker, you will deliver therapeutic and social activities--both individually and in groups--based on the principles of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy. You will assist in assessments, contribute to care planning, and support clients in their homes across the Mendip area, making a driving licence and vehicle essential. Your role includes working closely with carers and a range of health and social care professionals, promoting dignity, empathy, and independence throughout. You'll also be expected to attend CMHT and memory service meetings, playing a vital role in person-centred community care.

Desirable

  • Experience leading group therapeutic sessions
  • Experience supporting carers

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Access to a vehicle and valid driving licence
  • Good communication, observation, and IT skills
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Willingness to use technology to support patient care

Desirable

  • Knowledge of dementia and ageing-related mental health conditions

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

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The Bridge

Glastonbury Road

Wells

Somerset

BA5 1TJ


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

The Bridge

Glastonbury Road

Wells

Somerset

BA5 1TJ


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Hiring Manager

Justine North

justine.north@somersetft.nhs.uk

07825852550

Details

Date posted

22 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,625 to £25,674 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

184-OL-BL-2551

Job locations

The Bridge

Glastonbury Road

Wells

Somerset

BA5 1TJ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)