Healthcare Support Worker
If you are Kind, Fair, Ingenious and Determined then we want you to come and join our #PennineCarePeople
https://www.penninecare.nhs.uk/values
Job overview
North ward is a 22 bedded female ward adult acute admissions ward at Fairfield General Hospital in Bury. We provided short term care for individuals suffering from a wide range of mental health issues. We are a team consisting of Doctors, Nurses, Health Care Support Workers, Occupational Therapist, Recovery & Inclusion Worker and support staff which strive to provide high quality care to people from the Bury area.
Healthcare Support Workers play a vital role in delivering care to the individuals who are admitted to North ward. They have the most direct patient contact out of staff on the ward and engage with the patients on a 1-1 basis or in groups. The role of the Healthcare Support Workers is broad and varied one.Working amongst a wider team of professionals enables individuals to learn from one another and contribute to providing high levels of care. This role includes working both day and night shifts.
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities of the Post:
- Provide Safe and Effective Care
- Treat patients as individuals
- Engage patients in their own care
- Strive to provide an outstanding service
- Be clear about the ward vision and the role that the Nursing Assistant plays within the team
- Engage in learning and development
- Contribute to growth through regular supervision and annual appraisal
- Be a member of a team, establishing your own role within that team
- Nursing Assistant will be an informal leader, setting an example for others members within the team.
Working for our organisation
We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.
Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We’re really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we’re a great place to work.
All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities To assist the qualified staff, as required in the delivery of care.
To work as a member of the team with the support and supervision of aregistered nurse and in line with the policies and procedures agreed by Pennine Care NHS Trust.
To ensure the promotion of safety, wellbeing and interests of clients, staff and visitors to the unit if ward based.
To provide personal care to patients in accordance with their individualised care plan in a respectful manner, showing proper regard to their right to privacy and dignity.
Provide input to care plan discussions with a qualified practitioner whererequested, using knowledge of patient and environment.
To assist patients in the maintenance of adequate nutrition and hydration, where necessary using a therapeutic approach and following a detailed care plan. If ward based to help patients choose and order appropriately from the menu taking into account any special dietary requirements.
Under direction and agreement of a qualified practitioner the postholder will independently undertake escort duty with patients, including where the patients have been risk assessed or might present with more complex needs. To carry out duties as allocated by a qualified practitioner. Engage with patients to undertake activities and carry out duties that have been agreed with a qualified practitioner and follow a care plan. Required to use own initiative and decision making in the planning and delivery of some basic activities
To complete patient monitoring charts in relation to e.g. weight, input/output of diet and fluids, observation, responding etc. To undertake and record clinical observations(e.g temperature, pulse, blood pressure) as required and instructed with access to supervision from a qualified member of staff. Recording the observations accordingly and escalating any concerns to a qualified practitioner as appropriate.
To undertake and record therapeutic observations in accordance with the Trust’s Observation & Engagement Policy (for example general, 1:1 and 2:1 observations) as required and instructed with access to supervision from a qualified member of staff.Remain vigilant throughout the observation period and make relevant notes on the observation sheets of the patient’s presentation. To escalate concerns to a qualified practitioner as appropriate.
To have a working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and to be aware of relevant MHA information when carrying out observations, to support leave appropriately for detained patients under the approval of a qualified practitioner , and to assist with interventions with detained patients.
Demonstrate good interpersonal skills and a positive attitude within the team and when dealing with the patients, their families and members of the public. To contribute to maintaining the ward’s agreed philosophy, aims and objectives.
To participate in the maintenance of the ward environment to ensure cleanliness, tidiness, in accordance with information policy.
To accurately document nursing care in the nursing notes when required which will then be countersigned by a qualified practitioner Understand and monitor the ward environment engaging with patients to de stimulate and reduce potential for escalation as needed
Will be frequently exposed to physically and verbally aggressive challenging behaviours and expected to initiate de-escalation techniques in potentially harmful or challenging situations, escalating any concerns to a senior member of staff immediately
To be competent in all aspects of reducing restrictive practices, which includes the early prevention of violence and aggression using least restrictive approaches, positive behaviour support through to physical manual restraint as a last option.This can be part of planned interventions set by a qualified member of staff or as an intervention to manage challenging behaviours as they occur, immediately alerting a qualified practitioner for support and supervision.
To ensure that security protocols and procedures are carried out over a 24-hour period and any possible breaches should be reported to the senior nurse immediately. To communicate effectively with patients, staff, families and other external agencies and use a polite telephone manner. To use verbal and non-verbal skills to overcome communication barriers presented by service users due to their mental health or learning disability needs.
To ensure effective communication, either verbal or written is carried out amongst the team and by reporting any change or unusual occurrence in an individual’s behaviour or condition to the registered nurse. To assist in the safekeeping of patients property and clothing as required.
To participate in staff support groups and clinical supervision.
To work as part of the ward team, promoting high standards of care.
To understand the importance of the need for confidentiality in all patient matters, and in accordance with the GDPR and Trust policy.
To comply with Trust policy and management instruction with regard to health and safety and to fire prevention and, in particular, not to do anything that endangers yourself or others.
To have a responsibility to be aware of and report safeguarding concerns to a senior nurse and record in notes where required
Facilitate patient activities under the direction of qualified staff. To assist
Occupational Therapy staff in their therapeutic activity with patients; and to assist any other Allied Health Professionals To be flexible to meet the needs of the unit.
To be willing to undertake a full range of shifts as per the requirements of the service. Subject to any requests made and agreed in accordance with the Trusts
Flexible Working Policy
To familiarise yourself with the start and finish time of your shift and work accordingly maintaining effective time keeping.This job description is not exhaustive, but is intended to give an overall picture of the role. Other duties within the general scope of the post may be required from time to time. The duties of the post and job description can be reviewed through the agreed process
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria- GCSE (or equivalent level of education) with grade D/E (2/3) or above in English and Maths or functional skills level 1.
- Level 2 Vocational (or equivalent) qualification in Care, plus demonstrable experience equivalent to Level 3
- Completion of Fundamental Care Certificate or willingness to complete
Experience
Essential criteria- Experience of working with diverse groups of people developing a range of basic care skills.
- Previous experience of working in a care setting as a nursing assistant/healthcare support worker developing competencies in basic clinical care
- Experience of being able to plan and prioritise own work under the direction of a qualified member of staff
- Experience of how to build up trust and rapport with people
- Previous experience with people with Mental Health or Learning Disabilities or experience in a clinical setting related to mental heath
- Experience of carrying out clinical observations
- Range of work procedures and practices, base level of theoretical knowledge
Knowledge
Essential criteria- Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation
- Awareness of Mental Health and Mental Illness, its effects on the individual, family and friends. Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act with willingness to learn
- Awareness of the effects of illicit drug use.
- Some awareness of early prevention of violence and aggression using least restrictive interventions and practices with willingness to undertake & complete PMVA training and engage in techniques as required
- Willing and able to undertake and complete the required PMVA training and engage in techniques as required, with a commitment to maintain skills in practice and attend regular update training
- Able to recognise changes in a patient’s mental and physical condition and act appropriately by alerting the qualified practitioner or nurse in charge
- An awareness of stigma and discrimination of people with mental health issues
- Awareness of ward procedures and clinical observations
Skills and abilities
Essential criteria- Basic IT skills – ability to use MS outlook, word, and willing and able to be trained to use Trust IT systems and applications such as Electronic Patient Records or PARIS
- Able to impart knowledge, supervise and direct the work of others under supervision.
- Can demonstrate good interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
- Good command of the English language both written and in spoken word
- Ability to engage with people who are experiencing mental ill health and communication barriers.
- Able to respond sensitively to emotional distress and utilise communication skills to deescalate people who are angry or distressed
- Ability to remain calm in challenging situations displaying patience and empathy
- Ability to keep confidential information, and awareness of Data Protection and GDPR.
- Good organisational skills
Hints and tips for completing your application can be found here. We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the jobs events page on our website.
Sponsorship - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the government website.
What happens after your application has been received?
You will be informed about the progress of your application following shortlisting via email. Only applicants who clearly demonstrate the criteria listed in the person specification will be shortlisted for interview. Interview invites will be sent out via email.
What happens if I am offered the position after interview?
The hiring manager will make contact with you to verbally offer you the position. The hiring manager will then inform Recruitment of the decision and provide relevant paperwork. You will be sent a formal conditional offer via email.
What pre-employment checks will I need to complete?
By conducting pre-employment checks, the recruitment team will verify that you meet the pre-conditions of the role you have been offered. Pre-employment checks will be carried out according to NHS Employment Check Standards. The checks are:
- Identity verification
- Right to work check
- Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
- Professional registration and/or qualification check
- Occupational health assessment
- Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to NHS will be required to provide HMRC employment history to cover the most recent three years. This information will used to validate employment history and references as part of pre-employment checks.
If you are offer a position with is and you require sponsorship to support your right to work, we will review your eligibility in line with government guidance. If the role you have been offer is not eligible for sponsorship, and you are not able to evidence your right to work, your conditional offer could be withdrawn.
What happens when pre-employment checks are complete?
Recruitment will liaise with you and the hiring manager to arrange a start date for your new position. You will then be booked on to a Trust Welcome Session and be sent your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
Other important information- We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and recognise the importance of ensuring our diverse service user population is reflected within our workforce. Unfortunately, we know that, at present, there is underrepresentation of our communities in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from diverse communities to help us grow, learn, be better and consider brilliant innovation diverse people bring.
- If you would like to be considered under the disability confident scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria on the person specification for the post.
- If you require reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process please phone us on 0161 716 3181 at the earliest opportunity. We will support you to complete your application.
- Unfortunately we are not able to guarantee the transfer of lease cars, or cover the costs of early termination charges.
- We have a strict policy on unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Please do not contact our hiring managers directly.
We reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if a sufficient number of applications have been received. To ensure you application is considered, please submit at the earliest opportunity.