Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting Health Care Assistants to three inpatient mental health wards, covering acute adult care, older people and low secure forensic care. The work centres on day-to-day personal care, supporting patients' recovery through therapeutic and social activities, and watching for changes in wellbeing alongside nurses and occupational therapists. Shifts are 24-hour rotational patterns covering nights, weekends and bank holidays, and applicants name their ward preferences in order.
What the job involves
- Build therapeutic relationships with patients and support their recovery
- Support patients with daily activities, personal care, nutrition, wellbeing and independence
- Work with nurses, occupational therapists and the multidisciplinary team to deliver person-centred care
- Encourage patients to take part in therapeutic, social and recovery-focused activities
- Spend one-to-one time with patients and encourage them to engage with their care and treatment plans
- Help keep the ward safe, welcoming and supportive for patients, families and visitors
- Observe and report changes in patients' physical or mental wellbeing
- Respond calmly to challenging situations using de-escalation techniques and specialist training
Qualifications
- Willingness to work towards NVQ level 3 in direct care or Certificate in Care, if not already held
Experience
- Experience of working in a caring, support or people-focused role
- Interest in people and personalities
- Ability to generate ideas for activities
Nice to have
- Related healthcare interests or education
- Training or experience in lifting, first aid, food handling or care work
- Previous experience of working in mental health services
- Understanding of how to support patients to recover their mental health
- Understanding of risk
- Ability to draw on own life experience in a helping relationship
- UK driving licence to transport patients across the Trust
What’s offered
- Flexible working options
- NHS pension scheme
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Strong focus on career development
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
- Blue Light Card discounts on shopping, dining and leisure
- NHS-specific perks inside and outside work
- Support to progress towards Nursing Associate or Registered Nurse roles
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Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
