Healthcare Assistant | South West London and St George\'s Mental Health NHS Trust
Healthcare Assistant | South West London and St George\'s Mental Health NHS Trust

Healthcare Assistant | South West London and St George\'s Mental Health NHS Trust

London Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support patients with mental health needs through care and therapeutic activities.
  • Company: Join South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, a leader in mental health care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, comprehensive training, and career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on patients' recovery while working in a state-of-the-art facility.
  • Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for helping others and a willingness to learn.
  • Other info: Be part of an inclusive team dedicated to transforming mental health care.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

We have an exciting vacancy for a Healthcare Assistant position on Oak unit. If you are a forward-thinking health care assistant looking to get experience in Mental health and become an expert within a leading Forensic Inpatient service, this is an exciting opportunity to consider. The forensic service sits within the Specialist Service Line of the Trust. This unit will be housed in a state-of-the-art new secure building on the Springfield Hospital site. The ward has been adapted to deliver care and treatment to patients with intellectual (learning) disabilities who may also have Autism.

All patients will have a learning disability with mental health disorder and will be detained under the Mental Health Act. Patients will have an offending history, convicted or pending offence with the courts and may also be subject to additional restrictions under the Mental Health Act. The service is provided by a full specialist multidisciplinary team equipped to effectively assess and treat coexisting mental disorders in this group and to provide appropriate therapies

As well as offering a new and purpose-built environment to work in, this post will also offer staff members an opportunity to enhance already existing skills or develop a new skill set. We will be providing new staff members with a comprehensive and bespoke training package as part of opening the new service.

Staff members will also have access to an ongoing training package relevant to the needs of the client group and will be supported through regular clinical and managerial supervision as well as training to develop personally within the role,

The team has a culture of supporting new and existing staff, seeking to establish a solid foundation of knowledge of forensic learning disability mental health treatment, as well as an understanding of what it takes to fulfil this role safely.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist is a challenging yet rewarding role. You will take the lead in clinical responsibility and development of the Forensic learning disability and Autism low Secured Unit. It requires deputising in the absence of the Team Manager and working largely independently. You will be following our service users, careers and relatives from initial assessment to diagnosis then treatment.

The role involves working at clinic sites as well as visiting service users in the community. You will undertake supervision of Band 6 clinicians within the service. The post holder will need to have significant knowledge of dementia, hold or willing to complete a non-medical prescribing qualification.

Flexible working:

We are proud to offer agile and flexible working opportunities as part of our new ways of working and can discuss this at interview. In this role you will work shifts either early, late, nights or long days

We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust.

We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as ‘good’ – we aspire to be ‘outstanding’.

This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services as we invest a further £120m to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027.

We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.

We offer flexible working, career development and a variety of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.

Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.
1. Working under the guidance of a Registered Nurse/ AP/NA/B4, to implement the delivery of quality nursing care, contributing to the physical, psychological, social, recreational and spiritual care in a recovery-focused way through therapeutic engagement and activities, and taking steps to address any issues that arise.
1. Leading on and undertaking activities to ensure that the fundamentals of careare met – nutrition, hydration, hygiene, comfort, emotional and social support.urse)
2. Facilitating the admission and discharge of service users, ensuring needs of the
patient are met including activities such as property checks, orientation to
services, and ensuring that community support needs are met under direction
of a senior clinician.
3. Advocating for service users’ needs and rights within Trust policy.
4. . Demonstrating an enhanced understanding of Mental Health signs and symptoms and an understanding of how these may present in practice including recognition of impact on patient presentation and behaviour including risk factors.
5. Recognizing and responding appropriately to challenging behaviour in line with Trust policies and training, actively seeking the supervision and guidance of a Senior Health Care Support Worker, Assistant Practitioner, or Registered
Nurse.
6. Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the MHA, MCA and DOLS and other legislation applicable to the practice area and how they are implemented in practice.

This advert closes on Sunday 17 Aug 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr

Healthcare Assistant | South West London and St George\'s Mental Health NHS Trust employer: www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard

At South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide a unique environment for Healthcare Assistants to develop their skills through comprehensive training and ongoing professional development, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of our patients. With flexible working options and a commitment to diversity, we invite you to join our team and contribute to transforming mental health care in our community.
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Contact Detail:

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Healthcare Assistant | South West London and St George\'s Mental Health NHS Trust

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Mental Health Act and its implications for patient care. Understanding the legal framework will not only help you in your role but also demonstrate your commitment to providing safe and effective care during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Gain experience in mental health settings, even if it's through volunteering or shadowing professionals. This hands-on experience will give you valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of working with patients who have learning disabilities and mental health disorders.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current employees at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. Engaging with staff on platforms like LinkedIn can provide you with insider knowledge about the team culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your application process.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for potential interview scenarios by practising responses to questions about handling challenging behaviours and advocating for service users. Being able to articulate your approach to these situations will showcase your readiness for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Healthcare Assistant | South West London and St George\'s Mental Health NHS Trust

Understanding of Mental Health Disorders
Knowledge of the Mental Health Act (MHA)
Knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA)
Knowledge of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS)
Experience in Therapeutic Engagement
Ability to Recognise and Respond to Challenging Behaviour
Advocacy Skills for Service Users
Strong Communication Skills
Teamwork and Collaboration
Flexibility in Working Hours
Empathy and Compassion
Basic Nursing Care Skills
Supervisory Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding of Autism and Learning Disabilities

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Healthcare Assistant in a forensic mental health setting, as this will help you tailor your application.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in healthcare, particularly in mental health or with individuals with learning disabilities. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role.

Showcase Your Skills: Mention any relevant qualifications or training, such as knowledge of the Mental Health Act or experience with therapeutic engagement. Highlight soft skills like empathy, communication, and teamwork, which are crucial for this position.

Personalise Your Application: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager if possible, and express your genuine interest in working at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust. Mention why you want to be part of their team and how you align with their values.

How to prepare for a job interview at www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a Healthcare Assistant does, especially in a mental health setting. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as supporting patients with learning disabilities and understanding the Mental Health Act.

✨Showcase Your Empathy

In mental health roles, empathy is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and understanding towards others, particularly in challenging situations. This will show that you can connect with patients on a personal level.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed challenging behaviour or advocated for a patient's needs.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the training opportunities available, the team culture, or how they support staff development. This shows your enthusiasm and commitment to the position.

Healthcare Assistant | South West London and St George\'s Mental Health NHS Trust
www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard
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