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- Tasks: Support patients with daily activities and monitor their health in a mental health setting.
- Company: Join the NHS family at Parklands Hospital, a respected healthcare provider in Basingstoke.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, enjoy weekly pay, and access dedicated training and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health care while gaining valuable skills and qualifications.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for care and commitment to the 6Cs.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; must be over 18 and able to work at least 30 hours a week.
Open the door to your NHS career today. Discover how you can earn while you learn. Join our Healthcare Support Worker development (HCSWD) programme, where you will learn on the job at Parkland's Hospital, under Hampshire & Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust over a 6-month period.
Pay Rates:
- Days: £11.44
- Saturdays/Nights: £16.13
- Sunday/Bank Hols: £20.94
Why might this job interest you?
During your placement, you'll work towards achieving the widely recognised Care Certificate with the training you need to become a Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW). Also known as Healthcare Assistant (HCA). Throughout, you'll have supportive supervision from your mentor/Ward Manager.
Once you've graduated as a HCSW, you can progress your career by accessing further training. This career path may lead to potential roles such as Senior Healthcare Assistant to Assistant Practitioner or Nursing Associate, enabling further career avenues such as a Nurse or Midwife.
Where will you be working?
Parklands Hospital is based in Basingstoke and has a variety of adult mental health wards, as well as various community hubs.
- Beechwood Ward is an assessment and treatment ward providing care for older people who have functional mental health needs, such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
- Elmwood Ward is a 14-bedded ward providing care for older people who have organic mental health needs and are unable to look after themselves or be looked after at home. Some patients have early onset dementia.
- Hazel Ward is a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, also known as a PICU. This is a safe, secure and low stimulus ward environment, separate to the rest of an inpatient unit.
- Cherry Ward is an 18 bedded Female only ward for Adults who have functional mental health needs and require an inpatient stay.
Main Responsibilities
As a trainee HCSW in Mental Health, you'll learn key skills, such as:
- Taking basic observations, explaining treatment, and updating patient records.
- Supporting patients with everyday activities, including assisting at mealtimes.
- Providing emotional support and reassurance to patients and their families.
- Monitoring patients' physical and mental health and keeping accurate records.
- Supervising patients to ensure their safety, managing common emergencies, and performing risk assessments.
- Working individually and as part of a team, supporting registered Nurses and other healthcare practitioners in providing patient care.
- Comply with Trust and local policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Infection Prevention and Control.
The benefits we can offer you in return:
- Career progression - Achieve a Care Certificate and begin your healthcare career with the NHS.
- Weekly pay - Access your wages more quickly.
- Join the NHS family - Become part of a respected healthcare team and provide patient care.
- Dedicated training and supervised shifts - Support from your ward / area and skilled mentors.
- Development opportunities via the Trust.
- Webinar support - Regular monthly sessions covering the Care Certificate workbook, Conflict Resolution training and more.
Ideal Candidate
What you'll need:
- As an entry level role, you do not need any previous healthcare experience.
- We will consider applicants without any healthcare experience as well as those with at least 3 months healthcare experience within the last 2 years.
- A passion for care as well as following the six enduring values that underpin 'compassion in practice'. The 6Cs are defined as: Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment.
- To be over the age of 18 or turning 18 before placement.
- Able to work at least 30 hours a week across earlies, lates and nights during the programme.
What's next? If you're successful, you'll be invited to an interview and assessment day on the 6th or 7th May 2025, followed by a 4-day classroom training from 26th - 29th May 2025 and an induction week before you start.
As a result of the HCSWD programme, I am now a qualified Healthcare Support Worker and currently pursuing my dream to qualify as a Nurse. Lynda Akpan, HCSW
Apply Today
Disclaimer Please note, you will be contacted by email throughout the recruitment process, so please check your emails, including your junk/spam regularly. We regret we cannot contact everyone who is not selected for an interview, therefore if you do not hear from us within 21 days after submitting your application, please assume you have not been successful on this occasion.
Trainee Healthcare Support Worker - Mental Health employer: NHS Professionals
Contact Detail:
NHS Professionals Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Healthcare Support Worker - Mental Health
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the six Cs of nursing: Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment. Understanding these values will not only help you in your interview but also demonstrate your alignment with the NHS's core principles.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Parklands Hospital and its various wards. Knowing the specific services they provide and the patient demographics can give you an edge during your interview, showing your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss any relevant experiences, even if they are not directly healthcare-related. Skills from previous jobs or volunteer work that showcase your ability to communicate, empathise, and work as part of a team can be very valuable.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to demonstrate your passion for care during the interview. Think of examples where you've shown compassion or support to others, as this will resonate well with the interviewers looking for candidates who embody the spirit of healthcare.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Healthcare Support Worker - Mental Health
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Trainee Healthcare Support Worker in Mental Health. Familiarise yourself with the skills required, such as providing emotional support and monitoring patients' health.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the role. Even if you lack direct healthcare experience, emphasise transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and compassion.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that expresses your passion for care and your understanding of the 6Cs (Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, Commitment). Mention why you want to join the NHS and how you can contribute to patient care.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow all application instructions carefully. Submit your application through our website, and double-check that all required documents are included and formatted correctly before hitting 'submit'.
How to prepare for a job interview at NHS Professionals
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a Healthcare Support Worker does, especially in a mental health setting. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities listed in the job description, such as taking observations and providing emotional support.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Care
During the interview, express your genuine passion for helping others. Highlight any relevant experiences, even if they are not directly healthcare-related, that demonstrate your commitment to care and compassion.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the 6Cs
The six enduring values of care (Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment) are crucial in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your personal and professional life.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand more about the team and the work environment at Parklands Hospital.
