At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in providing care for patients in a mental health setting, working under supervision.
- Company: Join EPUT, a dedicated NHS Trust focused on care, learning, and empowerment.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, NHS discounts, training opportunities, and a salary sacrifice scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mental health care while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for helping others and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Face-to-face interviews are mandatory; applications using AI may be rejected.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Regrettably, we cannot offer sponsorship for all of our job roles. If you apply for a role that we cannot offer sponsorship for, unfortunately your application form will be rejected from the process.
Please note this vacancy requires a face to face interview with the Recruiting Manager. Applicants that are unable to attend a face to face interview need not apply.
You will be responsible for assisting the professional team in providing care for patients in an in-patient environment. Working from time to time without direct supervision but under the supervision of a qualified team member, you will implement and assist with the evaluation of individual plans of care for patients and in their management and care under the guidance of the ward manager. You will be expected to work collaboratively with key partner organisations, service users, carers, clinicians and other practitioners within the multi-disciplinary team in delivering services; providing a 7 day a week, 24 hours a day service for 365 days a year working shifts as appropriate and as rostered. In delivering your duties you are expected to display behaviours that are aligned with the Trust values and as required in accordance with the NHS Constitution at all times.
Main duties of the job
- To fulfil the role of Co-Worker under the supervision of a qualified nurse/clinician.
- To deliver planned care to service users identified by the nominated professional.
- Assist qualified staff in the physical monitoring of a patient’s health, including monitoring of blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, weight, drug and alcohol screening (after appropriate training).
- Assist senior staff in the planning and delivery of therapeutic and social activities for patients in the clinical area.
- To participate, where appropriate, in the initial assessment of the service user’s problems, planning, implementation and evaluation of interventions, as required, ensuring that the service users physical, psychological and social needs are taken into account at all times.
- To deliver effective individualised care in response to service user’s needs under the supervision of the nominated professional, providing a range of supportive interventions.
- To ensure clear and concise documentation of individual service user care in all service user’s files and that these are stored according to local policy.
- Observe and report changes in the service user’s physical condition or mental health to the nominated professional.
- Contribute to the management and support of patients who exhibit challenging behaviour.
Working for our organisation
EPUT are looking for motivated staff who share our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including:
- Season Ticket Loans
- NHS discounts for staff
- Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
- Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
- The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
- Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
- Day One Flexible Employer
The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment.
Join our Staff bank
Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able to offer safe and effective care at all times. All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank; however, this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish. If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank.
Please note - staff who are formally at risk within the organisation will be given priority in securing alternative employment. Should it come to light that a post being advertised by the Trust is considered ‘suitable alternative employment’ to an individual who is at risk, the recruiting manager will be advised and the post will be withdrawn from NHS Jobs.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.
Important Professional References
Make sure that as a part of your application you have professional references with business contract information covering your last three year employment history. We are unable to accept personal or character references.
As a newly appointed employee you are responsible for incurring the cost of your initial DBS check relevant to your post, the amount will be deducted from your first salary with the Trust. Applications for Job Share are positively welcomed.
Equal Opportunities Employer
Our Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We particularly welcome applications from people with experience of using mental health services. We also hold the Disability two tick symbol and have made the pledge to commit to employing more people with learning disabilities; we encourage people with a disability to apply. If you require this application form in another format i.e. Braille or audio tape etc, please contact the Recruitment Department on 01375 364513 or email epunft.recruitment.adverts@nhs.net and we can arrange for this to be dispatched to you.
The Trust has the right to expire vacancies prior to the closing date if they so wish. The Trust makes every attempt to contact all applicants and we strongly advise that you check the email account which is registered with NHS Jobs regularly. We would advise however due to the high number of applications we receive that if you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to robust safer recruitment processes.
Covid Vaccination
Although Covid vaccinations are no longer a mandatory requirement within the NHS we continue to encourage and support the vaccination uptake as this remains the best line of defence against Covid-19. The safety of our staff and patients is a top priority for us at EPUT. If you would like to book a Covid vaccination or would like more information please contact us by emailing epunft.cv19hr@nhs.net.
Health Care Assistant - Mental Health Liaison employer: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Health Care Assistant - Mental Health Liaison
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the NHS Constitution and the Trust values of Care, Learn, and Empower. Demonstrating your understanding of these principles during your interview can show that you align with the organisation's ethos.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the face-to-face interview by practising common questions related to mental health care. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, as these are crucial in a Health Care Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the specific mental health services offered by EPUT. Being knowledgeable about their programmes and how they support patients can help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of EPUT if possible. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Health Care Assistant - Mental Health Liaison
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Health Care Assistant - Mental Health Liaison position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with these duties.
Personalise Your Application: Make sure to personalise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Mention your understanding of mental health care and any relevant experience you have in a similar environment, as well as your ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous roles or volunteer work that involved patient care, especially in mental health settings. Include specific examples of how you have contributed to patient care and supported individuals with challenging behaviours.
Professional References: Prepare professional references that can vouch for your experience and character. Ensure they are from your last three years of employment and include their contact information, as personal references will not be accepted.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Health Care Assistant in a mental health setting. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the specific duties mentioned, such as assisting with patient care and monitoring health conditions.
✨Showcase Your Values
The Trust values of Care, Learn, and Empower are crucial for this role. During the interview, share examples of how you've demonstrated these values in your previous work or personal experiences. This will show that you are a good cultural fit for the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle challenging situations, especially in a mental health context. Think of examples where you've successfully managed difficult behaviours or provided support to individuals in distress, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the recruiting manager about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the support available for staff. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment is right for you.