Job summary
Have you thought about working within prison mental health services?
We have an exciting opportunity for Mental Health Support Worker to be the one of the first to join our mental health team at HMP Millsike, a brand new Category C men's prison, located in the village of Full Sutton near York.
Please note that this role will support on a weekly basis at Category A men's Prison, Full Sutton which is located next to HMP Millsike.
Prison environments are one of the most challenging, yet rewarding places for healthcare professionals to work. If you're looking for a role where you can learn something new every day in an environment that never stands still, then this could be the opportunity for you.
HMP Millsike will have an operational capacity of 1500 people who will spend their sentences learning the skills they need to find work on release as part of the government's drive to cut reoffending. The prison site is currently under construction and Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust were recently awarded the Mental Health Service contract to begin delivering services in April 2025.
This is an excellent opportunity for healthcare support worker / assistant whom have experience working within mental health services to join a team where you will get to develop a full range of psychiatric skills and interventions. Additionally, to the competency framework, we offer a comprehensive induction and workforce development plan
Main duties of the job
Maintains safety, privacy and dignity of all patients in the delivery of patient centred care, recognising and respecting differences including spiritual and cultural beliefs.
Responsible for recognising the signs of patient harm, abuse or neglect, including poor clinical practice, identifying issues regarding the safeguarding of children who may be at risk and reporting all such concerns in accordance with Trust Safeguarding procedures.
Undertakes delegated activities within level of own competency, and with due regard to risk assessment, to assist with the implementation of intervention plans as part of the multidisciplinary team.
Completes patient assessment tools and accurately summarises within patient care records.
Identifies changes in patients' presentation and acts, reports and records appropriately.
Carries out ECG or venepuncture as required, if trained.
Undertakes random drug screening, as requested by registered practitioners, using approved testing kits for e.g. urine, blood, saliva.
Assists in the provision of health education and advice on health promotion to patients and their carers.
Demonstrates safe breakaway techniques in the management of violence and aggression as required.
Where appropriate and with authorisation, acts as an advocate for patients/carers.
About us
As part of the new Mental Health Service contract awarded to TEWV in 2025, we are able to initiate the recruitment and now looking for an additional support worker to join the team at HM Prison Millsike is a Category C men's prison.
HMP Millsike will have an operational capacity of 1500 people who will spend their sentences learning the skills they need to find work on release as part of the government's drive to cut reoffending. The prison site is currently under construction and Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust were recently awarded the Mental Health Service contract to begin delivering services in April 2025.
This is an opportunity for an experienced support worker to join a busy team working in a rewarding environment where you will get to practice a full range of psychiatric nursing interventions.
We would welcome candidate contact to arrange a visit to the prison or an informal discussion.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The successful candidate must have completed the Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 3 or equivalent. Candidates must also have Literacy and Numeracy level 2 or equivalent and must complete the Trust Healthcare Assistant competencies within their probationary period (first 6 months in role).
The successful candidates who do not have the required qualifications will be expected to enrol on the Healthcare Assistant Framework which will include the acquisition of the level 3 Diploma Health and Social Care, level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy or equivalent and achievement of competencies. You will have a maximum of 2 years to complete this.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The successful candidate must have completed the Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 3 or equivalent. Candidates must also have Literacy and Numeracy level 2 or equivalent and must complete the Trust Healthcare Assistant competencies within their probationary period (first 6 months in role).
The successful candidates who do not have the required qualifications will be expected to enrol on the Healthcare Assistant Framework which will include the acquisition of the level 3 Diploma Health and Social Care, level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy or equivalent and achievement of competencies. You will have a maximum of 2 years to complete this.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma in Health and Social Care level 3 or equivalent care certificate - (Trainee: Diploma in Health and Social Care level 3 must be achieved within 2 years of commencement in post)
- Key skills in Literacy and Numeracy level 2 - (Trainee to achieve within agreed timescale)
- Care Certificate
- Successful completion of Trust's full HCA Framework within 6-month probationary period
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience as a Band 2/3 HCA or equivalent in a care environment. (Trainee post: no essential experience required)
Desirable
- Previous experience of working with people with mental/social health needs or learning disabilities.
Knowledge
Essential
- Basic understanding of key roles within the Criminal Justice System (within agreed timescale)
- Basic understanding of person centred care
- Basic understanding of risk assessment and management (within agreed timescale)
- Awareness of legal frameworks including mental health legislation (within agreed timescale)
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Diploma in Health and Social Care level 3 or equivalent care certificate - (Trainee: Diploma in Health and Social Care level 3 must be achieved within 2 years of commencement in post)
- Key skills in Literacy and Numeracy level 2 - (Trainee to achieve within agreed timescale)
- Care Certificate
- Successful completion of Trust's full HCA Framework within 6-month probationary period
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience as a Band 2/3 HCA or equivalent in a care environment. (Trainee post: no essential experience required)
Desirable
- Previous experience of working with people with mental/social health needs or learning disabilities.
Knowledge
Essential
- Basic understanding of key roles within the Criminal Justice System (within agreed timescale)
- Basic understanding of person centred care
- Basic understanding of risk assessment and management (within agreed timescale)
- Awareness of legal frameworks including mental health legislation (within agreed timescale)
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
