Job Description:
Are you passionate about security and helping others? Do you thrive in dynamic environments where you can have a real impact? If so, we have an exciting new opportunity to join Devon Partnership NHS Trust as a Security Support Worker.
As a Security Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for patients, staff and visitors across the Wonford House Hospital site. The role is not only about ensuring a secure environment, it's also about embodying the core values of the trust - Compassion, respect, dignity and empathy. Your contribution will directly effect the quality of care we are able to provide and help create an environment where therapy and recovery can thrive.
Devon Partnership Trust value their employees and invest in their development. You will have access to comprehensive training programs and opportunities for career advancement within the Trust.
You will enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave entitlements and pension contributions, which are all benefits for working within an NHS Trust.
Apply now and take the first steps towards a rewarding career within Devon Partnership NHS Trust.
Main duties of the job
As a Security Support Worker for Devon Partnership NHS Trust, you will have several crucial responsibilities, ensuring a safe and secure environment for patients, staff and visitors. These would typically include:
Maintaining safety - Regular patrols and surveillance will ensure the safety and security of the facilities across the inpatient site.
Incident Response - Responding to personal alarms/radio requests promptly, with the ability to manage violent and challenging behaviour from patients.
De-Escalation - Using verbal de-escalation as your primary tool to manage and diffuse potentially volatile situations safely.
MDT - Be part of a multi-disciplinary team and work closely with other healthcare staff to support the delivery of care, especially with high risk situations.
Record Keeping - Accurate accounts must be documented of incidents, observations or any planned tasks carried out.
Compliance - Ensuring you remain up to date with relevant training, adhering to legal and regulatory security standards.
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
This role will involve being part of the security team, carrying out security tasks on and across the inpatient environment. They are to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff and ensure the service meets the needs of all service users. Daily tasks will include but are not limited to:
- Support
staff under the instruction of Nurse in charge/Ward manager/On call manager
when in a clinical environment
- Carrying
out alarm checks
- Assist
with room search/communal area searched on allocated wards
- Assist
with patient personal searches on the wards or when returning from leave
- Assist
wards in admitting new patients ensure property is accurate and adhering to
policy
- Act
as escort/driver for any necessary appointments (Hospital/Transfer/Court etc.)
- Responding
to the wards in case of emergency (and be part of a physical intervention team,
as a last resort if all other forms of de-escalation are unsuccessful)
- Carry
out security and environmental audits
- Complete
site perimeter checks
- Provide
key inductions to new staff and visitors to the site and escorting when
required
- Provide
training alongside Security Manager to staff - handcuff/softcuff, security
awareness and search training
- Assisting
in site wide security improvements
- Assisting
wards with key and radio distribution and maintaining the relevant records
- Review
and submit CCTV footage where appropriate, under direction from the Security
Manager, ensuring all records are maintained and policies adhered to
- Liaise
with the security manager to formulate or review security documents with the
ASMS
- Entries
into Seclusion/ECA under instruction from Nurse in charge for food, fluids,
medication or patient safety
- Assist
the Home Treatment Team with potentially high risk service users
- Being
responsible for ensuring a safe environment for people, property, information
and reputation within services on the Wonford site
- Carrying
out perimeter checks across site, including wards reporting any security
concerns or damage
- Provide
support for all clinical teams across the Wonford site
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 day to day security tasks on the wards, secure areas and general
site
- Assessment
and implementation of security audits and reviews
- To
prioritise tasks and manage the shift workload in discussion with the Security
Manager.
- 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.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care,
Treatment & Therapy
- To
be fully aware of each individuals recovery care plan in relation to their
security and safety.
- Participation
in the delivery of therapeutic interventions, under the guidance of the ward staff.
- Participate
in procedures involving intensive engagement and care of individuals who are
distressed and / or verbally or physically aggressive.
- 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 on safety and
security matters
- To
maintain the dignity and well-being of individuals and their carers at all
times.
- Escorting
individuals under direction of Nurse-in-Charge.
- Participating
in ward / team Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings and discussions as and when
required.
- As
required keep accurate records of interventions provided as indentified 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.
Fitness to Practice and to Undertake Job
Role
- 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.
Policy, Service, Research, Innovation &
Improvement
- To
complete all core training requirements and other appropriate training courses,
to maintain individual professional development.
- 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
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 (SystmOne), off duty (HealthRoster),
learning and development (DEVELOP), 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.
Any 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.
For the full job description, please reference the file uploaded to 'Supporting Documents'.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Basic Education
- If equivalent qualification is not already obtained, to complete Level 3 in NHS Security Training within 12 months of commencing employment at a reduced salary
Desirable
- Level 3 qualification in NHS Security Training or equivalent experience
- Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings
Other Qualities
Essential
- 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
Analytical & Judgement Skills
Essential
- Demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries
Desirable
Physical Skills
Essential
- To demonstrate an ability to provide practical support with daily security routines, and physically perform any duties required.
- To be able to respond promptly to physical and mental health emergencies, be able to think quickly and deal with situations in a calm and sensible manner.
Experience
Essential
- Previous employment / experience / knowledge relating to Mental Health and Learning Disability healthcare service provision
- Awareness of safeguarding principles
- IT skills
Desirable
- Previous experience in a security role
- Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of security requirements
- Knowledge of best practice in terms of physical interventions within mental health/learning disability settings
Planning & Organisation Skills
Essential
- 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
Communication Skills
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
- Good written communication
- Able to work in a team effectively
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:
Security Manager
Benjamin Winsor
ben.winsor@nhs.net
07866076804
