Assistant Practitioner (Inpatients) in Thornaby-on-Tees

367 Thornaby Road is our wonderful residential bungalow located in a residential community in Thornaby and registered with the local authority, Stockton Borough Council. The home is for four residents all with severe learning disabilities and complex physical health needs. The staff within the home are employed by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

The successful applicant will support the Registered Home Manager with the day to day running of the home in ensuring that all Trust and CQC requirements are met. The successful applicant(s) will work as shift lead alongside Health Care Assistants and will ensure that person centred care is provided at all times. This post is not open to trainees therefore the successful applicants will need Level 5 Accredited Qualification in a Health related subject OR NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care and willingness to work towards achieving a Level 5 Accredited Qualification in a health related subject (to be achieved within 2 years). 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:

• To support the Registered Home Manager in the day to day running of the home.
• To administer medication as prescribed, including regular and as needed.
• To complete audits, clinical requirements and tasks requested by the Home Manager.
• To identify deterioration in physical or mental wellbeing and escalate to relevant services.
• To liaise with Allied Health Professionals and wider members of the MDT within the RDR Service Group.
• Be responsible for recognising the signs of patient harm, abuse or neglect, including poor clinical practice, identifying issues regarding the safeguarding of patients who may be at risk and reporting all such concerns in accordance with Trust Safeguarding procedures.
• Maintain safety, privacy and dignity of all residents in the delivery of patient centered care, recognising and respecting differences including spiritual and cultural beliefs.
• Assist residents in the provision of personal care and encourage independence.
• To delegate tasks to Health Care Assistants as appropriate.
• To complete clinical documentation throughout the shift.

The successful applicant will have recent experience within a care role, supporting individuals with Learning Disabilities. You will be able to demonstrate a passion for working within this service area and for improving the lives of individuals with Learning Disabilities, promoting equality and inclusion. You will need excellent communication skills and be calm, confident and resilient in your approach. You will be a team player and will support the residents with everyday tasks and support other team members with day to day support. You will form therapeutic relationships with people with Complex Learning Disabilities, and will be joining a team of highly skilled and committed individuals. You will support the Home Manager to review care collectively and make appropriate referrals as directed by the Home Manager.

We aim to provide an enriching social and homely environment that supports quality of life, physical health and a support network to parents and carers. We aim to create a person centered environment based through identification of strategies and plans for future care, maximising the residents strengths and minimising the impact of the Learning Disability on their daily lives. As part of promoting community participation we provide a person centered activity plan which incorporates activities within the local community such as walks, swimming, theatre/cinema visits, restaurants and theme parks.

Person Specification:

• Level 5 Accredited Qualification in a Health related subject OR NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care and willingness to work towards achieving a Level 5 Accredited Qualification in a health related subject (to be achieved within 2 years).
• Previous experience with working with people with Mental ill Health or Learning Disabilities working as a HCA or equivalent in a care environment e.g. Care worker in a Care Home, Domiciliary Worker, Lived Experience Carer.
• Key skills in literacy, numeracy at Level 2.
• Person Centred Care Awareness of legal frameworks including Mental Health legislation eg Mental Health Act or Mental Capacity Act.

Skills:

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Time management and ability to prioritise effectively.
• Competency in record keeping (within agreed timescales).
• Approved techniques in physical intervention (within agreed timescale).
• Competency in ECG and venepuncture.

Personal Attributes:

• Able to work in accordance with Trust Values.
• Committed to continual quality and service improvement.
• Committed to promoting a positive image of people with mental health conditions and learning disabilities.
• Committed to promoting a positive image of the department and the wider Trust.

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.