Support Worker in Stanmore

Ashness House, part of the Pathfinder Group, is a 26-bed rehabilitation facility for men with complex mental health needs, located in Stanmore, London. Our facility is dedicated to offering high-quality care tailored to the needs of the men we care for. We focus on empowering people with complex mental health needs to lead fulfilling lives in a supportive and nurturing environment.

At Ashness House, we use a person-centered approach, ensuring that each resident's care plan is personalised and responsive to their specific requirements. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely with residents, their families, and healthcare professionals to deliver holistic care that promotes independence, dignity, and well-being.

Joining our team means becoming part of a compassionate, professional, and dynamic group committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those we care for. We are looking for individuals who share our dedication to providing exceptional care and support in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will work under the direction of the Clinical Services Manager (CSM) to:
• Foster and maintain a cohesive team environment.
• Create and sustain a homely and caring atmosphere where patients can live comfortably and reach their full potential.
• Maximise patients' choice and independence in alignment with the services Statement of Purpose and Care Quality Commission (CQC) outcomes.
• Promote a philosophy of care that upholds these values at all times.

This is a versatile role encompassing a wide range of support, care, catering, housekeeping, and general duties including driving the hospital vehicle. The post holder will demonstrate flexibility to meet the varied needs of the service, working across a 24-hour shift pattern, including day and night rotations.

About us

Ashness House is a mature multi-disciplinary team constructed of medical staff, psychologists, occupational therapy, nursing and support staff. We are a cohesive, highly effective team that can demonstrate excellent outcomes for the people in our care.

Job responsibilities

Specific Duties:

• Clinical Responsibilities:
• Care Standards: Ensure the highest standards of care are maintained consistently.
• Environment: Maintain a homely environment that meets the needs of patients.
• Legislation Compliance: Execute delegated duties in accordance with current legislation and best practice guidelines.
• Daily Living Assistance: Assist patients with activities of daily living as outlined in their individual care plans.
• Personal Care: Ensure patients are dressed appropriately, respecting their personal choices.
• Nutrition: Assist in meal preparation, serving, and cleaning, considering individual dietary needs as per care plans.
• Observation & Reporting: Monitor patients' needs and changes in condition, reporting any concerns to the Nurse in Charge.
• Care Plan Management: Keep informed and up-to-date with patients' care plans and risk assessments, including participating in their formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
• Social Activities: Facilitate and participate in social, recreational, and diversionary activities with patients.
• Community Engagement: Facilitate and accompany patients on community visits, such as physical health appointments.

Legal Responsibilities:

• Regulatory Compliance: Be knowledgeable about the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the Care Act 2014, and the Care Quality Commissions Essential Standards of Quality and Safety, and ensure strict adherence at all times.
• Mental Health Legislation: Where applicable, be conversant with the Mental Health Act 1983 as amended by the Mental Health Act 2007.
• Health & Safety: Ensure all health and safety procedures and regulations are followed.
• Record Keeping: Maintain clear, factual, concise, legible, and up-to-date records of all aspects of patients care.

General Duties:

• Training and Development:
• Actively participate in regular supervision and appraisal sessions.
• Identify and engage in training opportunities to address professional development needs.
• Attend all mandatory training sessions as required.
• Assist in the induction of new employees.

Other Responsibilities:

• Safely operate and maintain the hospital vehicle to transport patients, staff, equipment, and supplies in accordance with hospital policies and road safety regulations.
• Help establish and maintain community connections using local facilities and involving external agencies.
• Contribute ideas and suggestions to the management team to enhance patients' experience.
• Support patients in social integration activities, including shopping, holidays, etc.
• Attend meetings as directed by the Clinical Services Manager.

Standard Responsibilities:

• Comply with the company's Health & Safety Policy, taking precautions for the health and safety of yourself, patients, colleagues, visitors, and the security of the premises.
• Use and maintain Personal Protective Equipment and adhere to safe working practices.
• Participate in risk assessments, ensuring any identified risks are reported.
• Be aware of and adhere to all applicable policies and procedures, including local directives.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of all information processed during your employment in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Stay updated with the requirements of relevant legislation, such as the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Computer Misuse Act 1990.
• Conduct yourself professionally at all times, demonstrating respect and commitment to the philosophy of maximum patient involvement.

Flexibility:

• Provide cover for other staff during absences as needed.
• Undertake any additional duties relevant to the role, grade, experience, and competence of the post holder as directed by the Nurse in charge, clinical services manager or hospital director.

The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description are not limited to the above and may include other tasks as required by the service.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Skills

• Job-Related Skills:
• Empathetic and capable of building strong professional relationships with patients.
• Clear communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Capability to contribute to planning and report writing.
• Ability to work effectively within agreed plans.
• Must hold a valid category B driving licence issued in the UK.

Specialist Knowledge:

• Positive attitude towards individuals with mental illness, grounded in an understanding of their rights and needs.
• Ability to promote independence among patients.
• Knowledge of the Health and Social Care Act 2008, Care Act 2014, and CQC regulations.
• Understanding of the Mental Health Act 1983.
• Patient, understanding, and compassionate.
• Honest, trustworthy, and reliable.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and possesses a positive attitude.
• Ability to liaise with other professionals, carers, and families.
• Ability to work flexibly, including nights, evenings, and weekends.
• Must be medically fit to drive.
• Willingness to perform manual handling duties in accordance with Manual Handling Operations Regulations.

Experience:

• Experience working as part of a team.
• Experience working with people who have a mental illness and complex needs and behaviours that challenge.

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.