This Carers Champion and Activities Link post is on Belvedere Ward, a 14-bed older persons mental health assessment unit at Devon Partnership NHS Trust, specialising in dementia and other organic mental health conditions. The holder is the ward's contact for carers and families, shaping their involvement in care planning and discharge, and helps run therapeutic activities with the Activities Coordinator. Band 3 healthcare assistant duties and clinical support for short-term staffing needs sit alongside this. The Care Certificate, or willingness to complete it in probation, is required.
What the job involves
- Act as the ward's Carers Champion, promoting carer involvement in assessment, care planning, reviews and discharge planning
- Give carers information, advice and signposting on ward processes, support services, benefits, advocacy and community resources
- Support implementation of Triangle of Care standards and represent carers' views in care planning and reviews
- Organise and facilitate carers' groups and feedback opportunities, and keep carers' information resources current
- Maintain links with local carers' organisations and support agencies
- Support planning and delivery of therapeutic, recreational and social activities with the Activities Coordinator, Occupational Therapy team and wider MDT
- Facilitate individual and group activities for patients with dementia, cognitive impairment and mental health needs, adapting them to differing abilities, and assist with community outings where appropriate
- Provide person-centred care under the supervision of registered staff, including personal care, nutrition, hydration, mobility and daily living activities
- Observe and report changes in physical health, mental state or behaviour, and contribute to risk assessment, risk management and therapeutic interventions
- Undertake delegated physical healthcare tasks and monitoring, and take part in observation levels and engagement plans as directed
- Keep accurate electronic patient records and communicate with patients, carers and colleagues, attending handovers, MDT and ward meetings
- Identify and report safeguarding concerns, elevate concerns to registered staff, work within Trust policies, and contribute to audit and service improvement
What’s required
Qualifications
- Care Certificate or willingness to complete within probationary period
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent experience
- Literacy and numeracy skills appropriate to the role
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
Experience
- Experience in a health, social care or mental health setting supporting vulnerable adults
- Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Experience maintaining accurate records and documentation
Skills & knowledge
- Understanding of person-centred care
- Understanding of dementia and older people's mental health needs
- Understanding of the role and importance of carers within mental health services
- Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively
- Ability to facilitate meaningful activities for individuals and groups
Other
- Commitment to supporting carers as partners in care
- Resilient, emotionally aware, enthusiastic and motivated
- Ability to undertake the physical demands of the role
- Ability to respond to emergency situations
Nice to have
- Qualification in dementia care, mental health care or therapeutic activities
- Training in carers' support or family interventions
- PMVA or physical intervention training
- Knowledge of the Triangle of Care framework
- Knowledge of local carers' support services and voluntary sector organisations
- Experience facilitating group activities and understanding of meaningful engagement
- Experience in dementia or older people's mental health services, or on an inpatient ward
- Experience supporting service development initiatives
What’s offered
- Part-time and flexible working applications considered and supported where possible
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Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
