Job summary
Our Secure Services Directorate has exciting opportunities for Healthcare Assistants to join our team at Langdon Hospital in Dawlish.
We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated team players with a passion for providing compassionate care to our patients.
Flexibility is essential as Langdon Hospital operates on a 24/7 shift basis. Staff qualify for unsocial enhancements in addition to basic pay (even whilst completing the training programme}
You will need to be flexible in regards to your working pattern and adapt to service needs.
Shift Patterns (7.30am – 3.30pm / 7.30am – 8.30pm) and lates (12.30pm – 8.30pm / 8pm – 8am) over a 7 day working week
Due to the nature of the role, all staff are required to both attend and pass a physical restraint assessment as you may be involved in restraint incidents . This is a requirement to ensure we meet the needs of our patients and remain effective in maintaining the safety and wellbeing of all.
You will need to work well within teams, have basic IT skills and be able to carry out duties as directed by qualified nursing staff in order to provide them with support in assisting patients to overcome their health problems
Main duties of the job
The post holder carries out assigned tasks including direct care in support of and supervised by
a registered nurse to patients in the care of the Forensic Psychiatric service. To assist qualified
nurses in the provision of nursing care as detailed in the individual care plans. To undertake
tasks that facilitate the smooth running of the ward as directed by qualified staff including social
and recreational activities.
To work collaboratively with staff from other departments to ensure the ward environment is
clean, tidy and welcoming.
Our Directorate provides forensic mental health services for the south west region and has an excellent reputation.We support people who, as a consequence of their mental health problems, have had contact with the legal system and require a safe and secure environment that enables them to receive a wide range of treatments, therapies and care to assist in their recovery.
“Langdon Hospital is committed to involving patients, families and carers in everything that we do, working towards co-production wherever we can.
Co-production is about people with lived experience and staff working as equals, sharing expertise and power to improve outcomes and services for people who use them, families, friends and staff.
We expect all our staff to embrace this way of working, recognising the equal value of everyone involved in service design and delivery.”
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health & learning disability services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
Our values
We not only recruit employees based on their qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess and demonstrate the behaviours which underpin the core values of our organisation. These values include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health & learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Job description
Job responsibilities
If you do not hold a QCF/NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, an equivalent qualification, or the Care Certificate – you will need to complete the Care Certificate within 3 months of commencement of the Band 3 post.
If you have a minimum of 6 months experience in the last 2 years working in a care role, but do not hold the Care Certificate you can complete the form “Care Certificate Evidence Document” from the additional documentation list to evidence that this experience is equivalent to the 15 standards as set out within the Care Certificate. You will need to take this completed form to interview where it will be reviewed by the appointing manager and if you meet the criteria, the manager can approve this in place of completing the Care Certificate.
More information about the content of the Care Certificate can be found at skillsforcare.org.uk/Learning-development/inducting-staff/care-certificate/Care-Certificate.aspx
We will also offer entry onto our Apprenticeship programme to initially undertake the Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship which opens to applications every 6 months, if your role is appropriate. This allows entry onto our career progression pathway to enable you to undertake further training to degree level clinical posts. If you are interested developing a career in care but do not have the relevant experience required then please contact our Practice Education Team who give your details of our up and coming apprenticeship careers events on dpt.practiceeducation@nhs.net
Communication and Working Relationship Skills
- Communicate effectively with members of the primary nursing team and the Band 6 Deputy Clinical Team Leader.
- Communicate with people in a manner which is consistent with their level of understanding, culture, background and preferred ways of communicating.
- Report any complaints, grievances or unusual occurrences to the Clinical Team Leader and in accordance with agreed Trust procedures.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
- Assess patient condition through basic observations and report any changes to presentation of patient and escalation of behaviour to the Nurse in Charge.
Planning and Organisational Skills
Ensure nursing care plans are completed accurately, legibly and in accordance with Trust policy
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy
- Under the supervision of a registered nurse, assist with care, treatment and rehabilitation of patients and individually planned care to ensure the equity and safety of the ‘individual patient’ and the safety of the ‘community.’ This will include supporting patients when they are distressed by providing practical support and advice.
- Assist in the activities as stated in the nursing process, - i.e. assessment, planning and implementation of nursing care to ensure the highest level of care and safety and fulfil legal obligations. This will include preparing and implementing agreed therapeutic and occupational activities.
Maintain confidentiality on all matters relating to patient care.
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation
Attend mandatory courses as required
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources
Careful use of equipment/handles patient/client valuables; ensure equipment used by others, e.g. handcuffs are properly used.
Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management
- Demonstrates own duties to new starters.
There is a requirement to support learners on a regular basis which includes the achievement and updating of profession specific training to the required standard to fulfil this role
Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties
- Be aware of and observe the requirements of the Mental Health Act, 1983.
Be aware of and comply with unit procedures and Trust policies.
Responsibility for Research and Development
Occasionally participates in audits, surveys, research and development activities
Freedom to Act
Act on own initiative when delivering patient care. Clinical supervision accessible.
Any Other Specific Tasks Required
- Participate as a member of the security team as required and maintain skills in physical intervention techniques.
Job description
Job responsibilities
If you do not hold a QCF/NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, an equivalent qualification, or the Care Certificate – you will need to complete the Care Certificate within 3 months of commencement of the Band 3 post.
If you have a minimum of 6 months experience in the last 2 years working in a care role, but do not hold the Care Certificate you can complete the form “Care Certificate Evidence Document” from the additional documentation list to evidence that this experience is equivalent to the 15 standards as set out within the Care Certificate. You will need to take this completed form to interview where it will be reviewed by the appointing manager and if you meet the criteria, the manager can approve this in place of completing the Care Certificate.
More information about the content of the Care Certificate can be found at skillsforcare.org.uk/Learning-development/inducting-staff/care-certificate/Care-Certificate.aspx
We will also offer entry onto our Apprenticeship programme to initially undertake the Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship which opens to applications every 6 months, if your role is appropriate. This allows entry onto our career progression pathway to enable you to undertake further training to degree level clinical posts. If you are interested developing a career in care but do not have the relevant experience required then please contact our Practice Education Team who give your details of our up and coming apprenticeship careers events on dpt.practiceeducation@nhs.net
Communication and Working Relationship Skills
- Communicate effectively with members of the primary nursing team and the Band 6 Deputy Clinical Team Leader.
- Communicate with people in a manner which is consistent with their level of understanding, culture, background and preferred ways of communicating.
- Report any complaints, grievances or unusual occurrences to the Clinical Team Leader and in accordance with agreed Trust procedures.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
- Assess patient condition through basic observations and report any changes to presentation of patient and escalation of behaviour to the Nurse in Charge.
Planning and Organisational Skills
Ensure nursing care plans are completed accurately, legibly and in accordance with Trust policy
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy
- Under the supervision of a registered nurse, assist with care, treatment and rehabilitation of patients and individually planned care to ensure the equity and safety of the ‘individual patient’ and the safety of the ‘community.’ This will include supporting patients when they are distressed by providing practical support and advice.
- Assist in the activities as stated in the nursing process, - i.e. assessment, planning and implementation of nursing care to ensure the highest level of care and safety and fulfil legal obligations. This will include preparing and implementing agreed therapeutic and occupational activities.
Maintain confidentiality on all matters relating to patient care.
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation
Attend mandatory courses as required
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources
Careful use of equipment/handles patient/client valuables; ensure equipment used by others, e.g. handcuffs are properly used.
Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management
- Demonstrates own duties to new starters.
There is a requirement to support learners on a regular basis which includes the achievement and updating of profession specific training to the required standard to fulfil this role
Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties
- Be aware of and observe the requirements of the Mental Health Act, 1983.
Be aware of and comply with unit procedures and Trust policies.
Responsibility for Research and Development
Occasionally participates in audits, surveys, research and development activities
Freedom to Act
Act on own initiative when delivering patient care. Clinical supervision accessible.
Any Other Specific Tasks Required
- Participate as a member of the security team as required and maintain skills in physical intervention techniques.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Basic Education
- To complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of employment unless already obtained or evidence of equivalent agreed and signed off by the appointing manager at interview. If not, this will be a trainee position until successful completion
Desirable
- NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.
- Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working in a team situation.
Desirable
- Previous experience of working in a healthcare setting.
- Prior experience of working with individuals with mental health or learning difficulties
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- Caring and non-judgmental attitude towards patient.
- Able to demonstrate a good standard of verbal and non-verbal communication skills in order to effectively communicate
- with others
- Reliable and able to carry out instructions
- Good time-keeper
- A desire to work in a caring occupation
Desirable
- An understanding of how a mental health problem can affect the individual.
- Control and Restraint trained
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Basic Education
- To complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of employment unless already obtained or evidence of equivalent agreed and signed off by the appointing manager at interview. If not, this will be a trainee position until successful completion
Desirable
- NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.
- Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience of working in a team situation.
Desirable
- Previous experience of working in a healthcare setting.
- Prior experience of working with individuals with mental health or learning difficulties
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- Caring and non-judgmental attitude towards patient.
- Able to demonstrate a good standard of verbal and non-verbal communication skills in order to effectively communicate
- with others
- Reliable and able to carry out instructions
- Good time-keeper
- A desire to work in a caring occupation
Desirable
- An understanding of how a mental health problem can affect the individual.
- Control and Restraint trained
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.
