ECT Support Worker in Plymouth

TheElectroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Department based at the Glenbourne Unit islooking to recruit a ECT Support worker.

We are seeking anew Support worker to join our established team in the continued delivery ofexcellent care provided to users of our service and their families. You will besomeone with a passion for and experience of working within Mental Healthsettings and have a passion for supporting those within crisis and recoveryfrom mental illness.

The team delivercompassionate skilled care to very vulnerable patients as both inpatient andoutpatients. This role will also involve supporting carers using Triangle ofcare principles.

Main duties of the job

The overall jobpurpose of this post holder is to support the patient during their journeywithin the ECT department, including pre and post treatment checks andobservations. This includes holding a good knowledge of physical healthmonitoring, escalating any concerns and reassuring patients and their families.You will also provide support to the registered nurses and the wider team inthe safe delivery of treatment and ensuring that all ECTAS standards aremet.

The post holderwill be expected to play a proactive role in quality and service improvementworking closely with the Clinical Lead and the wider ECT team.

It will be expectedthat Livewell SW staff demonstrate our values base in their work andinteractions with people.

This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route; please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility.

Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity.

All Livewell staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service.

About us

Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.

As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values, kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.

We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.

We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.

Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.

Job responsibilities

1. To ensurethat the ECT Suite is appropriately prepared.

2. To ensurethat all the equipment used during treatment has been checked and are in goodworking order.

3. To checkthat the waiting area is comfortable and private, and that a television and/ ormusic is available to promote a relaxed environment, if desired.

4. To ensurethat oxygen, suction and medical/ surgical supplies are available for useduring treatment.

5. To checkthat the patient’s consent form has been correctly completed and care plan isin place. That it complies with Mental Health Act requirements. To ensure theECT care package is collated and correct, ready for use in each session.

6. To ensurethat the patients’ medical notes are available on the ward during treatment, ifindicated.

7. To checkthe patients name against his/ her identity band.

8. To ensurethat the patient’s privacy and dignity is maintained at all times.

9. To ensurethat the patient has been ‘nil by mouth’ for the period stated by theAnaesthetist prior to treatment, in conjunction with ECT care guidelines.

10.To adhereand complete all relevant documentation.

11.To ensurethat accurate records of the patients treatment are up-to date and reflectiveof the treatment session.

12.To beresponsible for the emergency and resuscitation equipment. To ensure it ismaintained and in good working order.

13.To liaisebetween ward, community and medical staff.

14.To be apoint of contact for ECTAS and ensure all ECTAS standards are delivered.

15.To assistin audit in relation to all aspects of ECT.

16.To beresponsible for providing relevant documentation to ECTAS and LivewellSouthwest.

17.Assist inthe induction of all ECT staff.

18.Ensurethat patients attending for ECT (and their relatives, careers whereappropriate) receive information to their needs.

19.Topractice in a manner consistent with the principles and standards of theservice ensuring that national and local policies and guidelines are observed.

20.To ensurethat the patient is fully informed about the rationale for their treatment andis involved in the implementation and evaluation of their treatment.

21.To providesupport to patients following their prescribed treatment including supportingphysical health and being able to recognise possible signs of decline inphysical health and act accordingly.

22.Offercompany and conversation both pre and post treatment if required, supportpatients to maintain and access a good food and fluid intake post treatment.

23.To completeall ECT checks prior to administration of ECT.

24.To workcollaboratively with all disciplines and agencies involved in the ECT, actingas a resource for staff, patients, carers and relatives in relation to theseservices.

25.Toparticipate in working groups as required.

26.Toparticipate in Appraisal and Line Management.

Participate in service governance initiativesincluding audit, evaluation and reviews of the services.

Person Specification

Experience

• Have competent level of training and experience in airway management and recovery procedures
• A minimum of one years experience of working in a Mental Health setting
• Experience of working in a variety of Mental Health settings
• Acute Mental Health experience
• within an NHS type setting
• Working in a MDT
• Experience of emotional distress
• Experience of mental health services

Skills

• Able to take charge
• Interpersonal skills
• Supervision of Junior staff
• Prioritising
• Regular training in Basic and Immediate Life Support to meet requirement of local protocols.
• Dependable, reliable and flexible working ability
• Responsible and self-motivated
• Able to manage own stress and recognise / support stress in others
• Flexible and approachable
• Ability to reflect constructively on practice
• Relate well to senior and junior staff
• Specialist Counselling Skills
• Knowledge of ECT
• Willingness to participate in Teaching activity
• Good team player

Qualifications

• Vocational Qualification Level III in Healthcare or able to demonstrate the ability, skills and knowledge to work at this level
• Effective Communication Skills
• Ability to contribute to the process of and the delivery of high standard of care as planned in care programme
• Ability to participate in activities with patients
• Ability to work with minimum of supervision
• Time Management

Knowledge

• Mental Health Act 1983
• Confidentiality
• Statutory requirements
• Networking with other agencies
• Ethical issues in relation to Mental Health
• Knowledge of up to date ECT Guidelines

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.

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