Job Description:
An opportunity has arisen for enthusiastic individual to join our inpatient teams based at the South Devon & Torbay Mental Health Centre as a Healthcare Assistant.
Whether you have years of experience or are simply looking for a change in career we are looking to appoint people who are passionate about nursing care. The job offers a challenging yet rewarding environment with opportunities to consistently learn.
Both Haytor and Salus Ward provide high quality care and treatment for people who have complex mental health needs. We provide a multi disciplinary assessment of patient need to inform their current needs and future care needs.
The team are an enthusiastic and highly motivated team, with a passion for working with adults of all ages. We work closely as a multi-disciplinary team and work well together allowing us to better support our patients and one another. We aim to support the overall health and wellbeing of our staff, keeping them physically and psychologically well which is important in these current times.
Main duties of the job
This is a great opportunity to join a well-established team, who work together to deliver high quality service to all patients. The team hold shared values and encourage staff to learn and develop their existing skills. Devon Partnership Trust runs excellent development courses that are available to all staff.
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.
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 Leader Employer.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Communication & Working Relationships
- To
communicate effectively with people using services taking into account any
communication difficulties they may have and responding appropriately.
- To form
and maintain therapeutic relationships with individuals and other
professionals and agencies.
- To
maintain accurate and complete records consistent with legislation,
policies and procedures.
- To
communicate in a professional manner that is consistent with relevant
legislation, policies and procedures.
- Taking,
recording and reporting telephone messages.
- Providing
and receiving routine information to assist in undertaking the role.
- Participate
in ward / team meetings and discussions.
Planning & Organisation
- To be
involved in the assessment and implementation of individual treatment programmes
and the persons recovery care plan under the supervision of qualified staff.
- To
prioritise tasks and manage the shift workload in discussion with the
Nurse-in-Charge.
- Participate
in flexible shift system, which requires you to work days, evening, nights,
weekends and public holiday's dependent on the needs of the ward.
- In order
to provide comprehensive and quality services to individuals, the post holder
will if necessary be required to work in other areas of the service as directed
by the Line Manager / Nurse-in-Charge.
Responsibility for Judgement & Analysis
- 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.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment & Therapy
- To be fully
aware of each individuals recovery care plan and be involved in clinical
formulation and delivery of allocated individuals recovery care plans.
- To participate
fully in the allocated /associate nurse role.
- Participation
in the delivery of therapeutic interventions, - assisting / facilitating in the
running of group and individual 1-1 activities, offering time in positive
activity and engagement.
- Participate in
procedures involving intensive engagement and care of individuals who are
distressed and / or verbally or physically aggressive.
- To provide
support with daily living skills.
- Assist in all
aspects of physical nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse.
- Be able to
recognise signs of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to escalate
their concerns.
- Provide
regular and practical support to individuals and their carers.
- To maintain
the dignity and well-being of individuals and their carers at all times.
- Assisting in
the monitoring of patient nutritional needs.
- Escorting individuals
under direction of Nurse-in-Charge.
- To assist
individuals gain access to resources including benefits and welfare rights.
- Participating
in ward / team Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings and discussions.
- Keep accurate
records of interventions and care provided as identified in patient care plans
as directed by the Nurse-in-Charge and ensure all entries are validated on the
electronic records system.
- Promptly
report any difficulties encountered whilst implementing agreed care plans to
the Nurse-in-Charge, and be able to report both verbally and in written form
against progress of care plans.
Policy, Service, Research, Innovation & Improvement
- 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 the Nurse-in-charge or Line Manager.
- To complete all core training requirements and other appropriate training courses, to maintain individual professional development.
- 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.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & 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.
- To ensure
Trust policies and legislation are followed regarding patient's property and
monies.
- To ensure
accurate documentation and record keeping.
- To participate in the
monitoring, ordering and receipts of stock and non-stock supplies of the ward.
Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management
- To actively
participate in regular supervision and an annual staff appraisal which includes
service objectives and individual learning and development needs in accordance
with Trust policy.
- To participate in and
support students learning along with other members of the team.
Information Resources & Administrative Duties
- To effectively
use the Trust's IT systems (Care Notes), off duty
(E-roster), learning and development (E-learning), online and any other IT
systems either current or in the future as commensurate with the role.
- Maintaining
confidentiality of information being aware of Trust policies and local
protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.
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.
Other Specific Tasks Required
- To contribute
to the provision of a safe therapeutic environment for individuals, staff and
visitors to the unit.
- To take on
responsibility for duties assigned by Line Manager.
- The post
holder should ensure their fitness to undertake the post they should be able to
demonstrate they are able to undertake the level of general training and
personal safety training appropriate to their role and work area, and keep this
training up-to-date.
- If the ability
to perform Physical Intervention Techniques or Prevention of Violence,
Management is a requirement of the role, the post holder must declare physical
fitness to undertake such a role.
- The post
holder should act quickly to protect the safety of individuals if they have
reason to believe that they or a colleague may not be fit to undertake the
duties within their job role.
- Act within competency.
Person Specification
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Able to work changing shift patterns as required
- To be maintain confidentiality, empathy, compassion and patience, towards individuals with mental health illness.
- Good communication and listening skills
- Demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries
- To demonstrate an ability to provide practical support with daily living activities, and physically perform nursing duties
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 employment / experience of working with people in a caring situation or previous experience working in a different role within mental health services.
- Awareness of safeguarding principles
Desirable
- Previous care experience with people who have Mental Health difficulties.
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.
Contact information:
Ward Manager
Julie Wilson
juliej.wilson@nhs.net
01803397425
