Clinical Support Worker For Ruby Ward, PICU
Job overview
We are looking for dynamic and enthusiastic people to join our Hospital Division In-Patient Mental Health Services as Clinical Support Workers at our entry level (AfC Band 3) for mental health NHS careers.
These roles involve direct, face to face patient care to acutely unwell service users who have been admitted to an in-patient psychiatric ward.
This advert is for Full Time Position, in our Women's Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Ward, Ruby Ward.
The role requires passion and dedication as it is a fast past and demanding role. The candidate will have excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong therapeutic relationships whilst being adaptable to the changing environment of a PICU.
The candidate will be passionate about working with women with an understanding of trauma informed care.
Note this advert has a capped number of applications, so may close sooner than advertised.
Main duties of the job
Clinical Support Workers are the backbone of our Nursing and Health Care workforce - they are based on our wards and work as part of our Nursing teams working alongside our Occupational Therapists, Nurses, Psychologists and Psychiatrists caring and supporting services users through the most challenging part of their mental health crises.
Successful candidates will be expected to undertake focussed one to one therapeutic conversations with service users who are in hospital, some of whom may be detained under the Mental Health Act. At times this might involve enhanced observations, environmental safety checks and physical observations.The role is diverse but the focus is always on maintaining a strong physical presence within the ward environment - collaborating with the individual service users in relation to their care plans.
Good written and verbal communication is key alongside a 'can do...will do' positive and compassionate approach and attitude and the ability to work as part of a team is essential.
You will be expected to undertake day and night shifts across a 7 day working pattern and be required to complete training on the prevention of management and violence (PMVA) and basic life support (BLS).
Working for our organisation
North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is committed to improving mental health care across North London to deliver excellent services to our local people.
Our Five-Year Strategy:
- We will provide consistently high-quality care closer to home.
- With our partners in North London and each borough we will ensure equity of outcome for all
- We will offer great places to work, providing staff with supportive environment to deliver outstanding care.
- We will be more effective as an organisation by pioneering research, quality improvement and technology.
- We develop and retain our staff through leadership behaviours and managers programme and many more opportunities.
- We promote flexible working and support staff with a range of health and wellbeing initiatives.
- NHS Discounts, generous annual leave, and NHS pension scheme
- Excellent internal staff network
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The role of the Clinical Support Worker within the Hospital Division can be demanding but is rewarding as you support the service user to recovery and readiness for discharge during their stay.
Experience with care and understanding of mental health is essential. The Care Certificate although not essential is desirable, if you do not currently have a Care Certificate you must be willing to work towards achieving it.
We aim to support service users and their carers/family during their in-patient admissions so as a Clinical Support Worker your feedback and close involvement with service users whilst they are in hospital is key to their achieving a successful and well-planned discharge.
Person specification
Education Qualifications
Essential criteria- NVQ level 3 in Mental Health or Certificate in Mental Health or Current experience within a Mental Health or Substance Misuse Team.
- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent (with a minimum of 5 A – E qualifications – which must include Maths and English).
Skills and ability
Essential criteria- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems.
- Demonstrate well developed interpersonal skills.
- Awareness of patient / service user care within the wider context of the organisation.
- Demonstrate passion for working in a PICU/Women's environment
Experience
Essential criteria- Previous experience of working in a Health or Social Care setting in a paid or voluntary position
- To be able to demonstrate awareness of a range of factors that contribute to mental ill health or addiction
- Demonstrate skills in undertaking a range of physically observation ie BP, Pulse, respiration rate, urinalysis
- Demonstrate awareness of the Mental Health Act and its implications/ Demonstrate awareness of Health and Social Care or Substance Abuse legislation relevant to role
- Currently working in a care delivery role in either mental health; acute or community setting