Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity available for an energetic and dynamic Healthcare Assistant (HCA) to join our happy and dedicated team, in providing quality care to a diverse population which involves patients mainly on the Severe Mental Illness (SMI) Register. The post holder will have lots of development opportunities working with this excellent service by having access to all HCA updates/courses provided by CPEN (GP Care Group education provider).
The employment of HCAs working across the secondary care-primary care interface will enable much better links along the care pathway and allow direct communication between HCAs in primary care and secondary care.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
Main duties of the job
- To provide an Integrated Multi-professional service for people with serious enduring mental health problems in relation to their physical health checks and interventions.
- To work with the Teams to ensure that all contract and performance targets are met.
- To review the annual physical health checks are completed for clients on the SMI list
- To contribute to the use of monitoring templates, effective monthly reports and promotion of technology systems within the team that will enable the collation data for monthly reporting.
- The post holder will be required to use EMIS systems to perform investigations and enter health data on patients attending the CMHT (Community Mental Health Team).
- To ensure that all Trust Policies and Procedures such as incident reporting, clinical risk management, complaints, etc are adhered to.
- To take all possible precautions to safeguard the welfare and safety of staff, service users, visitors and the public, by implementing all policies related to health, safety, security and risk.
- To form key relationships with both secondary and primary care partners (GPs, surgeries) as required
About us
Tower Hamlets GP Care Group (The Care Group) was incorporated as a community interest company limited by shares in September 2014. Every general practice in Tower Hamlets owns one share of £1. The Care Group was formed to manage borough level contracts on behalf of the practices, deliver primary care led services and support general practices, and to be the provider voice of primary care in the wider health and social care system.
Read up more about Tower Hamlets GP Care Group, click here: https://www.gpcaregroup.org/
The Care Group is also a member of Tower Hamlets Together, a place-based integrated partnership, which includes Bart's Health, East London NHS Foundation Trust, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and the Council for Voluntary Services.
Click here to know more about Tower Hamlets Together partnership- https://www.towerhamletstogether.com/
The key priorities for the Care Group are:
- Innovation and support for primary care
- Being a great place to work
- Integrating primary and community care
- Providing of high-quality cost-effective care to local people
- Influencing improvements in health outcomes
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY
The post holder will be a member of staff within the Recovery Service/ Neighbourhood Teams providing physical health checks to a defined group of SMI patients.
The post holder will be required to use both RIO and EMIS systems to perform investigations and enter health data on patients attending the CMHT.
The employment of HCAs working across the secondary care-primary care interface will enable much better links along the care pathway and allow direct communication between HCAs in primary care and secondary care.
The QOF (Quality and Outcomes Framework) physical health checks are the key physical health checks required.
- BMI
- Blood pressure and pulse
- Lifestyle including diet and exercise.
- Smoking status
- Substance misuse (drugs and alcohol use)
- Cardio-metabolic risk using tools such as Q-Risk and the Lester Tool
- Blood lipids including Cholesterol.
- Blood sugar (HbA1c)
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- To provide an Integrated Multi-professional service for people with serious enduring mental health problems in relation to their physical health checks and interventions.
- To work with the Teams to ensure that all contract and performance targets are met.
- To review the annual physical health checks are completed for clients on the SMI list.
- To contribute to the use of monitoring templates, effective monthly reports and promotion of technology systems within the team that will enable the collation data for monthly reporting.
- To ensure that all Trust Policies and Procedures such as incident reporting, clinical risk management, complaints, etc are adhered to.
- To take all possible precautions to safeguard the welfare and safety of staff, service users, visitors and the public, by implementing all policies related to health, safety, security and risk.
- To form key relationships with both secondary and primary care partners (GPs, surgeries) as required.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical
The core role of the HCA is to:
- Look at the appointments list and check patients EMIS records to see what physical health check data for SMI QOF (Quality and Outcomes Framework) and antipsychotic drug monitoring is outstanding.
- Offer a physical health check to patients following them seeing their key workers.
- Complete needed tasks including bloods, ECGs, lifestyle advice and onward referral where needed- e.g. for smoking cessation, exercise on prescription etc.
- Enter the data onto the mental health template on EMIS and the corresponding RIO entry.
- Liaise with the practice nurse or GP where needed.
- Enter onto the RIO care plan for CPA patients.
- Ensure the care plan is sent to GP.
- Consider other health interventions such as encouraging bowel screening, cervical screening, sexual health screening where needed.
- Inform patients of the need for annual screening with GP if on antipsychotics and give meds leaflet.
- Disseminate their knowledge to other mental health staff (e.g. use of Lester Tool etc.).
- Participate in general HCA training/HCA group.
- Encourage patients with other long-term conditions to be compliant with medication and promote self-care.
Management
- Provide evidence of attendance at mandatory courses relevant to the post and in line with trust policy.
- Participate in regular professional development relevant to the clinical area.
- Participate positively in the management of change.
- Working at specific PCN sites will be an essential part of this role.
- Ensure at all times resources (supplies) are maintained to ensure The smooth functioning of the clinical area within the allocated budget.
- Plan and prioritise delegated urgent and less urgent care.
- Manage delegated workload to ensure necessary team routines are not disrupted.
- Ensure that care delivered maintains the dignity and privacy of the service user at all times Follow all Trust Policies.
- Take part in surveys or audits as necessary in immediate workplace.
- Maintain confidentiality of personal/ service user data in line with the provisions of the Data Protection Act.
- Liaise with other areas in the Trust where necessary.
- Provide support to all team members to ensure the smooth running of the service. To be computer literate.
- Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 it is the responsibility of individual employees at every level to take care of their own health and safety at work and that of others who may be affected by their acts at work, and to co-operate with management in complying with health and safety obligations, particularly by reporting promptly any defects, risks or potential hazards.
- To comply with and promote the Trusts Equal Opportunities Policy and to avoid any behaviour which discriminates against your colleagues or potential employees and service users on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, age, colour nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or disability.
Human Resources
- As an employee of the Trust you are expected to support the Trust's clinical governance framework for monitoring and improving standards of care. You must do this by taking part in activities for improving quality identifying and managing risks maintaining your continuous professional development.
- To refrain from smoking in any of the Trusts premises not designated as a smoking area.
- To recognise that even small amounts of alcohol can impair work performance and affect ones ability to deal with service users and the public in a proper and acceptable manner. Consumption of alcohol during work hours in not permitted.
- The Trust believes employees have the right to be treated with respect and to work in a harmonious and supportive working environment free from any form of harassment and / or bullying.
- The Trust has taken positive steps to ensure that bullying and harassment does not occur in the workplace and that procedures exist to resolve complaints as well as to provide support to staff. It is your responsibility as an employee to abide by and support these steps so all employees can work in a harmonious, friendly and supportive working environment free of any harassment or intimidation based on individual differences.
- Disciplinary action will be taken against any member of staff found to be transgressing the Harassment and Bullying Policy.
- This job description is an outline only of the duties to be performed and will be reviewed and altered in light of the changing needs of the service.
Performance and Quality
- Demonstrate appropriate emotional self regulation and maintain professional boundaries at all times.
- To undertake yearly appraisal as per Trust policy.
- Utilise existing support structures including supervision.
- Act in a professional manner at all times and be aware of your own professional responsibility.
- Represent the team and the Trust as required.
- Maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and other professionals.
- Assist in the investigation of matters pertaining to untoward incidents and complaints.
Financial and Physical Resources
- You will need to support the achievement of financial balance in the team, making the best use of your financial resources to achieve positive clinical outcomes for service users and carers.
- Arranging for the replacement or repair of equipment and furniture as required .
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY
The post holder will be a member of staff within the Recovery Service/ Neighbourhood Teams providing physical health checks to a defined group of SMI patients.
The post holder will be required to use both RIO and EMIS systems to perform investigations and enter health data on patients attending the CMHT.
The employment of HCAs working across the secondary care-primary care interface will enable much better links along the care pathway and allow direct communication between HCAs in primary care and secondary care.
The QOF (Quality and Outcomes Framework) physical health checks are the key physical health checks required.
- BMI
- Blood pressure and pulse
- Lifestyle including diet and exercise.
- Smoking status
- Substance misuse (drugs and alcohol use)
- Cardio-metabolic risk using tools such as Q-Risk and the Lester Tool
- Blood lipids including Cholesterol.
- Blood sugar (HbA1c)
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- To provide an Integrated Multi-professional service for people with serious enduring mental health problems in relation to their physical health checks and interventions.
- To work with the Teams to ensure that all contract and performance targets are met.
- To review the annual physical health checks are completed for clients on the SMI list.
- To contribute to the use of monitoring templates, effective monthly reports and promotion of technology systems within the team that will enable the collation data for monthly reporting.
- To ensure that all Trust Policies and Procedures such as incident reporting, clinical risk management, complaints, etc are adhered to.
- To take all possible precautions to safeguard the welfare and safety of staff, service users, visitors and the public, by implementing all policies related to health, safety, security and risk.
- To form key relationships with both secondary and primary care partners (GPs, surgeries) as required.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical
The core role of the HCA is to:
- Look at the appointments list and check patients EMIS records to see what physical health check data for SMI QOF (Quality and Outcomes Framework) and antipsychotic drug monitoring is outstanding.
- Offer a physical health check to patients following them seeing their key workers.
- Complete needed tasks including bloods, ECGs, lifestyle advice and onward referral where needed- e.g. for smoking cessation, exercise on prescription etc.
- Enter the data onto the mental health template on EMIS and the corresponding RIO entry.
- Liaise with the practice nurse or GP where needed.
- Enter onto the RIO care plan for CPA patients.
- Ensure the care plan is sent to GP.
- Consider other health interventions such as encouraging bowel screening, cervical screening, sexual health screening where needed.
- Inform patients of the need for annual screening with GP if on antipsychotics and give meds leaflet.
- Disseminate their knowledge to other mental health staff (e.g. use of Lester Tool etc.).
- Participate in general HCA training/HCA group.
- Encourage patients with other long-term conditions to be compliant with medication and promote self-care.
Management
- Provide evidence of attendance at mandatory courses relevant to the post and in line with trust policy.
- Participate in regular professional development relevant to the clinical area.
- Participate positively in the management of change.
- Working at specific PCN sites will be an essential part of this role.
- Ensure at all times resources (supplies) are maintained to ensure The smooth functioning of the clinical area within the allocated budget.
- Plan and prioritise delegated urgent and less urgent care.
- Manage delegated workload to ensure necessary team routines are not disrupted.
- Ensure that care delivered maintains the dignity and privacy of the service user at all times Follow all Trust Policies.
- Take part in surveys or audits as necessary in immediate workplace.
- Maintain confidentiality of personal/ service user data in line with the provisions of the Data Protection Act.
- Liaise with other areas in the Trust where necessary.
- Provide support to all team members to ensure the smooth running of the service. To be computer literate.
- Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 it is the responsibility of individual employees at every level to take care of their own health and safety at work and that of others who may be affected by their acts at work, and to co-operate with management in complying with health and safety obligations, particularly by reporting promptly any defects, risks or potential hazards.
- To comply with and promote the Trusts Equal Opportunities Policy and to avoid any behaviour which discriminates against your colleagues or potential employees and service users on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, age, colour nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or disability.
Human Resources
- As an employee of the Trust you are expected to support the Trust's clinical governance framework for monitoring and improving standards of care. You must do this by taking part in activities for improving quality identifying and managing risks maintaining your continuous professional development.
- To refrain from smoking in any of the Trusts premises not designated as a smoking area.
- To recognise that even small amounts of alcohol can impair work performance and affect ones ability to deal with service users and the public in a proper and acceptable manner. Consumption of alcohol during work hours in not permitted.
- The Trust believes employees have the right to be treated with respect and to work in a harmonious and supportive working environment free from any form of harassment and / or bullying.
- The Trust has taken positive steps to ensure that bullying and harassment does not occur in the workplace and that procedures exist to resolve complaints as well as to provide support to staff. It is your responsibility as an employee to abide by and support these steps so all employees can work in a harmonious, friendly and supportive working environment free of any harassment or intimidation based on individual differences.
- Disciplinary action will be taken against any member of staff found to be transgressing the Harassment and Bullying Policy.
- This job description is an outline only of the duties to be performed and will be reviewed and altered in light of the changing needs of the service.
Performance and Quality
- Demonstrate appropriate emotional self regulation and maintain professional boundaries at all times.
- To undertake yearly appraisal as per Trust policy.
- Utilise existing support structures including supervision.
- Act in a professional manner at all times and be aware of your own professional responsibility.
- Represent the team and the Trust as required.
- Maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and other professionals.
- Assist in the investigation of matters pertaining to untoward incidents and complaints.
Financial and Physical Resources
- You will need to support the achievement of financial balance in the team, making the best use of your financial resources to achieve positive clinical outcomes for service users and carers.
- Arranging for the replacement or repair of equipment and furniture as required .
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience in using EMIS Web computer system and in undertaking Physical health checks- which includes Venepuncture, ECG, BMI, BP, assessing CVD risks, lifestyle advice, smoking cessation advice etc
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ in care level 2/3 or equivalent level of experience.
- Minimum 5 GCSEs A-C including English and Mathematics or equivalent.
Skills
Essential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills particularly in relation to adults with mental health problems
Other requirements
Essential
- Ability to cope calmly under pressure in stressful situations and ability to achieve set performance targets
Abilities
Essential
- Ability to handle their own case load in terms of booking patients and carrying out their mental health checks.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience in using EMIS Web computer system and in undertaking Physical health checks- which includes Venepuncture, ECG, BMI, BP, assessing CVD risks, lifestyle advice, smoking cessation advice etc
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ in care level 2/3 or equivalent level of experience.
- Minimum 5 GCSEs A-C including English and Mathematics or equivalent.
Skills
Essential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills particularly in relation to adults with mental health problems
Other requirements
Essential
- Ability to cope calmly under pressure in stressful situations and ability to achieve set performance targets
Abilities
Essential
- Ability to handle their own case load in terms of booking patients and carrying out their mental health checks.
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.
