Mental Health Care Support Worker

Job responsibilities

1) To attend education and training sessions specially arranged for health care support workers.2) To carry out assigned tasks under the supervision of qualified staff.3) To provide guidance to new staff on the induction to the ward and participate in Induction and training programmes for staff.5) undertake supervision of new staff as appropriate, supporting them to complete their care certificate as their allocated assessor.6) To act as a positive role model to the service users and staff.7) To demonstrate appropriate de-escalation skills in managing aggression exhibited by service users, subject to achieving agreed training and competency in Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression techniques.8) To attend / undertake statutory and mandatory training as required.9) To have an interest in self-development and be active in enhancing own personal knowledge.10) Escort patients as appropriate to other areas of the hospital or outside the hospital as delegated by trained member of staff.11) Adhere to appropriate Trust and local policies, procedures and guidelines.12) Completion of regular physical health observations, including the recording of these. Also completing the physical health paperwork within the admission process, including smoking / alcohol recording forms.13) Taking an active part in the completion of the admission and discharge process including carer information and disclaimer forms.Taking an active part the orientation of all new patients admitted to the ward ensuring that demographic details are checked and correct.Supporting qualified staff in the participation of the care planning process.14) Taking an active lead in the infection control duties and responsibilities alongside the housekeeper.

This job description is not exhaustive, but is intended to give an overall picture of the role. Other duties within the general scope of the post may be required from time to time. The duties of the post and job description can be reviewed through the agreedprocess.

Education / Qualifications

Essential

• Vocational (or equivalent) Qualification at level 3 in Care or demonstrable equivalent experience
• Completion of Care Certificate or willingness to complete
• GCSE (or equivalent level of education) with grade C or above/grade 4-9 in English and Maths or functional skills level 2.
• PMVA training or willingness and ability to complete upon appointment
• Short courses to undertake patient and clinical care duties

Desirable

• Assessor in CC

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with diverse groups of people developing a range of basic care skills.
• Previous experience of working in a care setting as a nursing assistant/healthcare support worker developing competencies in basic clinical care
• Experience of being able to plan and prioritise own work under the direction of a qualified member of staff
• Experience of how to build up trust and rapport with people
• Previous experience with people with Mental Health or Learning Disabilities or experience in a clinical setting related to mental heath
• Experience of carrying out clinical observations
• Range of work procedures and practices, base level of theoretical knowledge
• Experience of Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression techniques

Desirable

• Experience of using electronic patient notes and records, or willingness to undertake training
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of being involved in the delivery of therapeutic activities

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation
• Awareness of Mental Health and Mental Illness, its effects on the individual, family and friends. Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act with willingness to learn
• Awareness of the effects of illicit drug use.
• Some awareness of early prevention of violence and aggression using least restrictive interventions and practices with willingness to undertake & complete PMVA training and engage in techniques as required
• Willing and able to undertake and complete the required PMVA training and engage in techniques as required, with a commitment to maintain skills in practice and attend regular update training
• Able to recognise changes in a patient's mental and physical condition and act appropriately by alerting the qualified practitioner or nurse in charge
• An awareness of stigma and discrimination of people with mental health issues
• Awareness of ward procedures and clinical observations

Desirable

• Understanding of emotional intelligence and reflective practice
• Awareness of safeguarding considerations around children and vulnerable adults

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Basic IT skills - ability to use MS outlook, word, and willing and able to be trained to use Trust IT systems and applications such as Electronic Patient Records or PARIS
• Able to impart knowledge, supervise and direct the work of others under supervision
• Can demonstrate good interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
• Good command of the English language both written and in spoken word
• Ability to engage with people who are experiencing mental ill health and communication barriers.
• Able to respond sensitively to emotional distress and utilise communication skills to deescalate people who are angry or distressed
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations displaying patience and empathy
• Ability to keep confidential information, and awareness of Data Protection and GDPR.
• Commitment to self-development
• Ability to treat people with respect and dignity.
• Able to report observations accurately and concisely
• Able to develop and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with patients and families and communicate effectively
• Able to organise day to day tasks and activities based on an agreed work plan.

Desirable

• Willingness to participate in staff induction and training for junior staff

Work Related Circumstances

Essential

• Demonstrate an interest in working with older adults
• Resilient and able to work within a challenging environment
• Ability to work a flexible shift pattern over 7 days, including rotation of night duty
• Use of a car or access to a means of mobility to travel across the Trust footprint in line with service needs
• Willing to carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with the Trust's Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity policies
• Appointments to regulated and controlled activities require an enhanced DBS disclosure

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).