Support Worker

We are a small specialist team providing high quality evidence-based care. To achieve this we need professionals who take pride in their work, have attention to detail and are skilled and knowledgeable. But most of all we want people who care.

As a support worker you will work within a small team of nurses, social workers and assistant practitioners to work with those service users who don\’t engage in mainstream mental health services and have a diagnosis of severe and enduring mental health problems as well as substance and alcohol issues. You will work within the Assertive Outreach ethos of a team approach where all staff see all service users, and work to deliver planned care packages and to provide evidence based intervention.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will visit service users in their homes or in other community settings to provide practical support with activities of daily living.

The post holder will have a patient and consistent approach and have the skills to be able to build up therapeutic relationships with service users and other agencies.

You will have a good working knowledge of psychosis, schizophrenia, personality disorder and substance use.

You will ideally have basic physical health monitoring knowledge or be willing to train in this area.

You will have some knowledge of medication management.

You will have a full clean driving licence and be willing to use your car to transport service users.

You will work well in a team environment and take direction from Care Coordinators in order to implement service user care plans.

About us

We are Navigo. We look after North East Lincolnshire\’s mental health and well-being, an award-winning social enterprise that provides mental health services to the NHS and beyond.

The whole basis of our work is to deliver services that we would be happy for our own family to use.

We offer a range of mental health services, including acute and community facilities as well as specialist support such as outstanding older adults inpatient services, rehabilitation and recovery community mental health and an outstanding specialist eating disorder facility.

Ranked as one of the top UK companies to work for, we feature in the Best Companies top 100 large company list.

As a social enterprise, we do things a little bit differently and have also developed income‑generating commercially viable businesses that provide training, education and employment opportunities including Grimsby Garden Centre.

Working at Navigo is not like working anywhere else. Lots of places say that, but we really mean it.

We like to work with forward‑thinking people who want to make a difference.

Come and Join us!

Should you require any assistance in completing this application due to a disability or other needs, please contact navigo.recruitment@nhs.net

Job responsibilities

The Post Holder must have the individual service users needs at the fore at all times and use the agreed set of values and skills to underpin their day‑to‑day work.

To work without direct supervision, but with someone available to refer to, as and when required, either on or off site on a regular basis.

Ensure that service users engage effectively with the agreed care plan and participate in community support on a regular and consistent basis.

Provide regular and practical support to service users and their carers/significant others in developing and managing dignity and independence.

Provide support and assistance, as necessary, with daily living activities.

Positively promote independent living skills of service users.

Work flexibly with Care Co‑ordinators, other relevant community support, service user and significant other to implement the plan of care.

Help service users gain access to resources, including benefits and welfare rights.

Will be treating patients\’ cash and valuables on a regular basis.

Help identify early signs of relapse by monitoring the service user progress, level of functioning and mental state and alert the appropriate staff involved in the person\’s care.

Assist the Care Co‑ordinator and service user in developing crisis/contingency plans and advanced statements, as per local policy guidelines.

To maintain adequate records, as required, by existing procedures, entering appropriate details on the service users electronic record and any paper held files.

To be able to communicate routine information in an arena where there will be barriers to understanding, and to be able to use tact and persuasion in a non‑aggressive manner.

Attend and participate in agreed training, development and supervision sessions as an individual and as part of the team.

To undertake such other duties as may be determined from time to time within the general scope of the post.

Adhere to health and safety legislation.

Physical effort

The post holder may be required to drive a motor vehicle on a daily basis and assist Service Users with practical and leisure tasks e.g. encouraging and partaking in sporting activities and may be required to assist with supporting clients to access groups and other planned activities.

The post holder will also be expected to spend periods of time at a desk or computer workstation inputting information into the electronic clinical record.

The post holder will be expected to work 22.5 hours a week.

Mental effort

The post holder may be required to concentrate for long periods of time up to 2 hours in length during the working shift.

The work may well be unpredictable and subject to frequent interruptions according to Service User demands.

There is a requirement to spend time on a 1:1 basis with Service Users which will necessitate concentrating on the nature and method content of communication.

Emotional effort

The post holder is expected to work with people with severe and complex enduring mental health needs and as such may be subject to emotionally distressing situations and information. The post holder may be exposed to emotionally demanding situations such as Service Users in crisis on a daily basis.

Working conditions

The post holder is expected to work both within controlled office environments and within the community, this may involve working in individuals\’ own homes and outside. There will be no set pattern to the individuals working environment depending on the work setting and could include office work, outside work, horticulture, kitchens and Service User homes and sporting facilities.

The post holder may be exposed to verbal and/or physical aggression on a daily basis.

The post holder may be required to lone work at times and will be required to follow the lone working procedure.

To hold a current driving licence and have a vehicle available for work.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of the Mental Health Act
• Basic knowledge of Mental Capacity Act
• Basic knowledge of Community Treatment Orders
• Medication Management
• Basic physical health monitoring skills

Additional Criteria

• Current UK Driving Licence

Experience

• Experience of working with complex mental health problems
• Experience of working with substance use
• A commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
• Experience of working in a community setting
• First Aid Training
• Basic IT skills
• Knowledge of the benefits and housing systems

Knowledge

• Ability to respond to the individual rights/needs/opinions of service users
• Ability to work flexibly according to demands.
• Ability to maintain a safe environment for residents/ carers/staff
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Flexibility required to meet service needs
• A commitment to providing a person‑centred care approach
• Team Worker
• Positive attitude to changes

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.