At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to provide compassionate care for individuals with dementia.
- Company: Devon Partnership NHS Trust is dedicated to mental health and wellbeing services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, apprenticeship opportunities, and unsocial hour pay enhancements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable skills and experience.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; we support you in achieving the Care Certificate.
- Other info: Part-time and full-time roles available with a supportive, inclusive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 24625 - 25674 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen for enthusiastic individuals to join our inpatient specialist dementia ward based in Exeter. We are looking to appoint people who are passionate about caring for people with dementia. The job offers a challenging yet rewarding environment with opportunities to consistently learn and develop.
Belvedere Ward provides high quality of care and treatment for people who have complex health needs and a cognitive impairment. We provide a multi-disciplinary assessment of patient need to inform their current needs and future care needs.
We are looking for people who share our trust values in delivering high quality care and treatment, who enjoy working as part of a proactive Multi-Disciplinary team and want to make a difference in improving people's lives every day.
We can offer entry into our apprenticeship programme which offers you the chance to build a career in one of the UK’s most progressive trusts, and could even lead to helping you gain a recognised nursing qualification in the future.
Our inpatient services operate on a 24/7 shift basis. Applicants will be expected to work various shifts to cover this rota, including evenings, weekends and night shifts. Please apply if you are looking for Full or Part time Hours. You will qualify for unsocial enhancements in addition to basic pay (even whilst completing the training programme).
Main duties of the job:The post holder will be required to assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using our services. The care provided will encompass social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the individuals. You will also be responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.
We know at Devon Partnership NHS Trust that Health Care Assistants from different employment backgrounds can bring a range of knowledge and new ideas - previous care experience is desirable but NOT essential. Our fantastic colleagues can teach you the required skills if you share our Trust values, are ready to learn and you can demonstrate that you have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The role will require you to hold a Care Certificate but it's not essential that you already hold this, as we can support you to achieve this whilst learning in the role.
About Us: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 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 responsibilities:If you do not hold a QCF/NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, an equivalent qualification, or the Care Certificate you will need to complete the Care Certificate within 3 months of commencement of the Band 3 post. If you have a minimum of 6 months experience in the last 2 years working in a care role, but do not hold the Care Certificate you can complete the form Care Certificate Evidence Document from the additional documentation list to evidence that this experience is equivalent to the 15 standards as set out within the Care Certificate.
You will need to take this completed form to interview where it will be reviewed by the appointing manager and if you meet the criteria, the manager can approve this in place of completing the Care Certificate. We will also offer entry onto our Apprenticeship programme to initially undertake the Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship if your role is appropriate. This allows entry onto our career progression pathway to enable you to undertake further training to degree level clinical posts.
Job Purpose:To assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using services. The care provided will encompass social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the individuals. Be responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.
Duties And Responsibilities: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.
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 holidays 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.
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.
To be fully aware of each individual's 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.
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.
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.
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.
To effectively use the Trust's IT systems maintaining confidentiality of information being aware of Trust policies and local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.
Works within the standard operational procedures of the team. Uses own initiative in delivering patient care whilst receiving supervision from the team.
To contribute to the provision of a safe therapeutic environment for individuals, staff and visitors to the ward. 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.
Person Specification:Experience:
- Essential: Awareness of safeguarding principles, IT skills, 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, demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries, problem solving skills, 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, to demonstrate an ability to provide practical support with daily living activities, and physically perform nursing duties, 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, to be patient and tolerant in challenging situations.
- Desirable: Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations.
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.
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.
Employer details:
Employer name: Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Address: Belvedere Ward, Franklyn Hospital, Franklyn Drive, Exeter, Devon, EX29HS
Employer's website: https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/
Contact Information: Ward Manager Vicky Shorters 01392674304
Nursing Assistant employer: Islettechnologies
Contact Detail:
Islettechnologies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursing Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of dementia patients. Understanding their unique challenges and how to communicate effectively can set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience, even if it's informal. If you've cared for family members or volunteered in similar settings, be sure to mention this to demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teamwork skills. Since the role involves working within a multi-disciplinary team, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Devon Partnership NHS Trust's values and mission. Aligning your personal values with theirs can help you articulate why you're a great fit for their team during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Nursing Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Nursing Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of patients with dementia and the values of Devon Partnership NHS Trust.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience, skills, and qualifications that align with the job description. Emphasise your communication skills, ability to work in a team, and any previous care experience, even if it's not directly related.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for caring for individuals with dementia. Mention how your values align with those of the Trust and provide examples of how you've demonstrated compassion and commitment in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in healthcare roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Islettechnologies
✨Show Your Passion for Care
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for caring for individuals with dementia. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your passion for this field, as it aligns with the values of the organisation.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach communicating with patients who may have cognitive impairments. Use examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to form therapeutic relationships.
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Nursing Assistant in a dementia ward. Be ready to discuss how you would assist the multi-disciplinary team and support patients' social, physical, and emotional needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle challenging situations, such as dealing with distressed patients or managing your workload during busy shifts. Practice articulating your thought process clearly.