Senior Healthcare Assistant

Job Summary

37.5 hours per week. Harford Ward is offering an exciting job opportunity for the role of Senior HealthCare Assistant. The Healthcare Assistant post is an integral part of the Multi‑Disciplinary Team on the Ward that provides both physical, social and psychological care to the patients that are admitted to Harford Ward. We are looking for the right person with an aspiration to provide compassionate care and support to people admitted to the Unit who are acutely mentally unwell and in crisis. This post is a rewarding role with career development opportunities for the successful individual.

The Glenbourne Unit is an acute mental health inpatient service provided by Livewell Southwest. The Unit consists of one female 19 bedded acute ward (Bridford Ward) and a male 19 bedded acute ward (Harford Ward). We are currently rated outstanding by the CQC with the ward providing a wide range of support and treatment available to those experiencing deteriorating mental health, to support and enable their recovery.

Responsibilities

• Assist the trained nurse in delivering physical, social, and psychological care to patients with mental health problems, admitted to the unit or in the community.
• Work within the ward unit and with clients in the community, maintaining contact with relatives, carers and other agencies.
• Carry out interventions as part of the care plans and record information using the electronic patient notes.
• Provide support and mentorship to junior staff under the direction of the registered nurse.
• Be aware of Health and Safety at work, report accidents, and maintain confidentiality in respect of patient personal information at all times.
• Support community activities on a 1:1 basis or in small groups and co‑facilitate groups with qualified staff.
• Contribute to assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating care to patients and participate in case review and admission/discharge processes.
• Assist the registered nurse in carrying out tasks which fulfil the patient’s physical and psychological needs as identified in the Care Plan.
• Escort patients to other wards, departments or community areas as directed.
• Maintain skills and knowledge through mandatory training and ongoing personal development using the appraisal system.

Qualifications (Essential)

• NVQ level 3, QCF level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent experience or qualification.
• Care certificate or other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.
• Ability to participate in activities with patients and contribute to the delivery of high standard care as planned in the care programme.

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.

Experience (Essential)

• One year experience in a Mental Health setting Band 2 level or equivalent or Band 3 level or equivalent.
• Awareness of vulnerable adult / protection issues and guidance.
• Recent experience of working in a care setting, team working, clinical governance, ability to work with minimum supervision and undertake baseline physical observations.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Experience (Desirable)

• Experience of variety of Mental Health settings and previous experience working in a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience within an NHS setting.
• Experience of actively supporting individuals to identify and work towards achieving personal goals in a related social care or health setting.

Skills

• Demonstrate effective communication skills with a range of people in various situations where there may be barriers in understanding for clients/carers.
• Ability to engage patients in activities off the Unit.
• Manage time and plan work, complete clinical records, and take leadership and direction from qualified staff.
• Work in a team effectively, demonstrate basic IT skills and be aware of personal safety.
• Work in challenging and unpredictable environmental conditions, manage dynamic risks, and demonstrate physical intervention skills where required.
• Apply care plans, risk assessments, confidentiality, de‑escalation skills, empathy, reliability and confidence in dealing with patients.

• Flexible approach to working arrangements.

Additional Requirements

• Friendly and caring manner, approachable.
• Appreciation of working with a wide age group of clients and flexible approach to shift patterns over 24 hours.

Person Specification

• Friendly and caring manner, approachable.
• Appreciation of working with a wide age group of clients.
• Flexible approach to shift patterns over 24 hours.

EEO Statement

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.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Employer Details

Livewell Southwest

Glenbourne Unit
Morlaix Drive, Derriford
Plymouth, Devon, PL6 5AF

Website: https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/