Job summary
We are please to be able to offer a post as a Community Support Worker (Band 3) with the Teignbridge OPMH team.
Teignbridge OPMH is a well established mental health team that works to a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency model. The post of Community Support worker will work with people in the community in conjunction with other mental health practitioners.
Main duties of the job
Under
the daily supervision of mental health practitioners, the post holder will work
as part of the multi-disciplinary team to support the delivery of recovery care
plans for clients with a range of mental health presentations in the community
and facilitating discharges from hospital. A further key role will be for the post
holder to enable safe
administration of ECT This will involve linking with inpatient wards and working
across agencies e.g. Primary Care, Complex Care Teams and Third sector organisations.
The
post holder will work intensively with people to support them in their home,
preventing hospital admission and facilitating hospital discharge. They will
also have part of their time planned for specific activities which may include
linking with a ward to support patients to go out whilst they are an inpatient,
supporting the assessment of carers as part of a Devon Memory Service
assessment, and supporting the OPMH functional wards to ensure safe transfer
and administration of ECT to patients whilst they are inpatients.
Whether seeing patients
in the community or as part of another role, the post holder will be expected
to work to a clearly defined personal recovery plan outlining the role for the post
holder with that client and the range of interventions required.
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity 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.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These 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 conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To
communicate effectively with people using services taking into account any
communication difficulties they may have and responding appropriately.
- To
participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned
activity programmes to improve the quality of life and mental state of the
person using services.
- To
offer emotional support, advice, information and education where appropriate
to people using services, carers and their family including signposting them
to other services.
- To
foster and maintain good working relations with members of other community
teams, health and social care workers and inpatient services. Receiving and
sharing information from GPs, carers and other agencies.
- Giving
information and assistance to people using services and their carers so that
they are aware of their rights, entitlements and the contents of their
recovery care plan.
- To
communicate any changes in the persons presentation to the care co-ordinator
or appropriate professional in a timely manner.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
- The
post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, and
competencies.
- Take
part in the constant assessment of risk and management of risk in
conjunction with the qualified staff.
- Take
part and be aware of Health and Safety matters as appropriate.
- Be
punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in
accordance with Trust Policies.
- Use
community resources appropriate to the needs of people using services.
Planning and Organisational Skills
- To work with manager to
plan their diary to ensure all allocated tasks are completed.
- To maintain timely accurate
records of all activity.
- To liaise appropriately
with other Agencies as part of supporting the delivery of care.
- To attend team business meetings
and any other formal/informal communication events linked to the work of
the team, as directed by the team leader.
Responsibility for Patient/Client
Care, Treatment and Therapy
- To
independently or jointly monitor a persons mental health to ensure safety. .
This may require intensive input and /or regular monitoring as directed by
the mental health practitioners within the team and in accordance with the
recovery care plan.
- Monitor
mental health through observations and report changes to qualified staff so
that the care plan can be kept fully up to date. Be aware of fluctuations in
mental health.
- Monitor
basic health e.g. diet, hygiene and sleep and assist in addressing identified
needs.
- Work
with people using services and their carers to achieve the objectives of the
care plan.
- Encourage
social/physical activities as identified within the care plan.
- Promote
independence and recovery
- Be
able to recognise signs of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to
escalate their concerns.
- To
participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned
activity programmes to improve the persons quality of life. To record
contacts, interventions and observations on the electronic care record and
seek appropriate professional validation.
- To
keep up to date with clinical knowledge pertaining to the role, relevant to
the sphere of mental health and in accordance with practice developments
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development
Implementation
- To
comply with all DPT policies, protocols, procedures relevant to the role.
- Report
any observed incidence of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents,
untoward occurrences or faulty equipment.
- To
participate professionally in service development and proposed service
changes.
- To
take part in any audit processes as required.
- Comply
with universal Infection Control precautions and procedures.
- To
complete all core training requirements and other appropriate training
courses pertinent to the role, as agreed by the team leader.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and
Other Resources
- Assist in maintaining safety and
security of the environment.
- Helping
to maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the environment (including
equipment).
- To
have knowledge and understanding of counter fraud.
- The
post holder will have no direct responsibility for finance, but they will
need to adhere to relevant Trust policies on financial issues.
- To
use Trust NHS resources in a sustainable way.
Responsibility for Human
Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management
- To
work (with daily supervision from an identified mental health practitioner)
on their own with people in their own homes and other settings in the
community or as part of another role.
- To
actively participate in regular supervision from a mental health practitioner
and an annual appraisal in accordance with Trust policy
- To
participate in and support students learning along with other members of the
team
Responsibility for Information Resources and
Administrative Duties
- Maintain
up to date electronic records in a timely and accurate manner.
- To
regularly access email and other information through the Trusts intranet.
- Maintain
confidentiality of information being aware of Trust policies and local
protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.
- Work
in accordance with lone working policy.
Responsibility for Research and Development
- To attend appropriate
training courses pertinent to the role, as agreed by the team leader.
Freedom to Act
- Works within the standard
operational procedures of the team. Uses own initiative in delivering patient
care whilst receiving supervision from the team.
Any Other Specific Tasks Required
- No
other specific tasks currently required within the job description for this
post.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To
communicate effectively with people using services taking into account any
communication difficulties they may have and responding appropriately.
- To
participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned
activity programmes to improve the quality of life and mental state of the
person using services.
- To
offer emotional support, advice, information and education where appropriate
to people using services, carers and their family including signposting them
to other services.
- To
foster and maintain good working relations with members of other community
teams, health and social care workers and inpatient services. Receiving and
sharing information from GPs, carers and other agencies.
- Giving
information and assistance to people using services and their carers so that
they are aware of their rights, entitlements and the contents of their
recovery care plan.
- To
communicate any changes in the persons presentation to the care co-ordinator
or appropriate professional in a timely manner.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
- The
post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, and
competencies.
- Take
part in the constant assessment of risk and management of risk in
conjunction with the qualified staff.
- Take
part and be aware of Health and Safety matters as appropriate.
- Be
punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in
accordance with Trust Policies.
- Use
community resources appropriate to the needs of people using services.
Planning and Organisational Skills
- To work with manager to
plan their diary to ensure all allocated tasks are completed.
- To maintain timely accurate
records of all activity.
- To liaise appropriately
with other Agencies as part of supporting the delivery of care.
- To attend team business meetings
and any other formal/informal communication events linked to the work of
the team, as directed by the team leader.
Responsibility for Patient/Client
Care, Treatment and Therapy
- To
independently or jointly monitor a persons mental health to ensure safety. .
This may require intensive input and /or regular monitoring as directed by
the mental health practitioners within the team and in accordance with the
recovery care plan.
- Monitor
mental health through observations and report changes to qualified staff so
that the care plan can be kept fully up to date. Be aware of fluctuations in
mental health.
- Monitor
basic health e.g. diet, hygiene and sleep and assist in addressing identified
needs.
- Work
with people using services and their carers to achieve the objectives of the
care plan.
- Encourage
social/physical activities as identified within the care plan.
- Promote
independence and recovery
- Be
able to recognise signs of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to
escalate their concerns.
- To
participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned
activity programmes to improve the persons quality of life. To record
contacts, interventions and observations on the electronic care record and
seek appropriate professional validation.
- To
keep up to date with clinical knowledge pertaining to the role, relevant to
the sphere of mental health and in accordance with practice developments
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development
Implementation
- To
comply with all DPT policies, protocols, procedures relevant to the role.
- Report
any observed incidence of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents,
untoward occurrences or faulty equipment.
- To
participate professionally in service development and proposed service
changes.
- To
take part in any audit processes as required.
- Comply
with universal Infection Control precautions and procedures.
- To
complete all core training requirements and other appropriate training
courses pertinent to the role, as agreed by the team leader.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and
Other Resources
- Assist in maintaining safety and
security of the environment.
- Helping
to maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the environment (including
equipment).
- To
have knowledge and understanding of counter fraud.
- The
post holder will have no direct responsibility for finance, but they will
need to adhere to relevant Trust policies on financial issues.
- To
use Trust NHS resources in a sustainable way.
Responsibility for Human
Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management
- To
work (with daily supervision from an identified mental health practitioner)
on their own with people in their own homes and other settings in the
community or as part of another role.
- To
actively participate in regular supervision from a mental health practitioner
and an annual appraisal in accordance with Trust policy
- To
participate in and support students learning along with other members of the
team
Responsibility for Information Resources and
Administrative Duties
- Maintain
up to date electronic records in a timely and accurate manner.
- To
regularly access email and other information through the Trusts intranet.
- Maintain
confidentiality of information being aware of Trust policies and local
protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.
- Work
in accordance with lone working policy.
Responsibility for Research and Development
- To attend appropriate
training courses pertinent to the role, as agreed by the team leader.
Freedom to Act
- Works within the standard
operational procedures of the team. Uses own initiative in delivering patient
care whilst receiving supervision from the team.
Any Other Specific Tasks Required
- No
other specific tasks currently required within the job description for this
post.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Awareness of safeguarding principles
- IT skills
- Previous employment / experience of working with people in a caring situation or previous experience working in a different role within mental health services
Desirable
- Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations.
- Previous care experience with people who have Mental Health difficulties.
Qualifications
Essential
- Basic Education
- If equivalent qualification is not already obtained, to complete QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care within 12 months of commencing employment.
- To complete Care Certificate training within the first 3 months of joining unless already obtained.
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.
Skills and abilities
Essential
- Demonstrate an ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships
- Good communication and listening skills
- Ability to work with people in a group and individual basis
- Able to work in a team effectively
- Demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries
- Able to plan work, time management, completing records and recording observations etc.
- To take leadership and direction from qualified staff.
- To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties
- Mobility throughout the area covered by the trust
- To be self-motivated.
- Able to work changing shift patterns as required
- To be maintain confidentiality, empathy, compassion and patience, towards individuals with mental health illness.
- To maintain professionalism at all times.
- To be patient and tolerant in challenging situations.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Awareness of safeguarding principles
- IT skills
- Previous employment / experience of working with people in a caring situation or previous experience working in a different role within mental health services
Desirable
- Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations.
- Previous care experience with people who have Mental Health difficulties.
Qualifications
Essential
- Basic Education
- If equivalent qualification is not already obtained, to complete QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care within 12 months of commencing employment.
- To complete Care Certificate training within the first 3 months of joining unless already obtained.
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.
Skills and abilities
Essential
- Demonstrate an ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships
- Good communication and listening skills
- Ability to work with people in a group and individual basis
- Able to work in a team effectively
- Demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries
- Able to plan work, time management, completing records and recording observations etc.
- To take leadership and direction from qualified staff.
- To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties
- Mobility throughout the area covered by the trust
- To be self-motivated.
- Able to work changing shift patterns as required
- To be maintain confidentiality, empathy, compassion and patience, towards individuals with mental health illness.
- To maintain professionalism at all times.
- To be patient and tolerant in challenging situations.
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.
