Community Support Worker

ALD Darlington Community Learning Disabilities Team provides services across Darlington and is made up of Nursing, Psychiatry, Psychology and AHPs (including Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy) staff. The team work collectively and collaboratively with others to ensure a high standard of care is provided and are always willing to go above and beyond what is expected when required. The team work in partnership with key partners to ensure people with a diagnosed learning disability and their families and carers are supported by delivering high quality clinical care. The community team provides support 5 days per week within the hours of 9am until 5pm.

You must have the Right to Work in the UK in order to be successfully appointed to this role. Please note, this role does not meet the required eligibility criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa and therefore the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular role.

Main duties of the job: An opportunity has arisen for a Band 3 Community Support Worker to join an experienced multi-disciplinary team within the Darlington locality working and supporting people with Learning Disabilities to achieve high quality of life and optimum health. This post is not open to trainees. The successful candidate must have completed the Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 2 or equivalent. Candidates must also have Literacy and Numeracy level 2 or equivalent and must complete the Trust Healthcare Assistant competencies within their probationary period (first 6 months in role).

We are seeking individuals who are motivated, flexible, able to communicate effectively and have a commitment to improving the lives of people with a learning disability. It is essential that the post holder possesses a good clinical knowledge base, has experience of working with people with a learning disability, preferably in community settings and should have an awareness of the Mental Health and Mental Capacity Act.

Applicants must have a flexible approach to their work, and be able to adapt their communication styles as needed when engaging with the people they are supporting, their families and carers. They should be able to travel independently to various locations within the Trust on a regular basis. A lease car scheme is in operation. The post holder will work in a supportive environment that is committed to personal and professional development.

About us: We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby. From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care -- our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for. We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health. We're committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it. We won't rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.

Job responsibilities: Please see attached the job description and person specification which outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role.

Person Specification:

• Qualifications: Diploma in Health and Social Care level 2 or equivalent, Care Certificate, Key skills in Literacy and Numeracy Level 2, Successful completion of Trust's full HCA Framework within 6-month probationary period.

• Experience: Previous experience as a Band 2/3 HCA or equivalent in a care environment. Previous experience of working with people with mental/social health needs or learning disabilities.

• Knowledge: Understanding the needs of people with a learning disability, Awareness of legal frameworks including MCA/MHA.

• Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills, Time management and ability to prioritise effectively, Competency in record keeping.

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.