Band 2 Health Care Support Worker
About us
At Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust we provide a range of mental health, learning disability, substance misuse, primary care and other specialist services designed around the needs of people in our city.
We have a dedicated and skilful team of people caring in Sheffield, which you could become a part of.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do. These are: working together for our service users, respect and kindness, everyone counts, commitment to quality, improving lives.
Job overview
We have a number of exciting opportunities available to join our dedicated and caring team on Stanage Ward as Health Care Assistants.
Health Care Support Workers assist the qualified staff in meeting the identified needs of each patient, in a safe and competent manner. We're looking for people with good communication skills who can support positive and engaging approaches with a diverse group of patients.
Support Workers, with the other members of the multi-disciplinary team, will provide a quality service and ensure the highest possible standards of care are maintained at all times.
Main duties of the job
Under the supervision of the Nurse in Charge, support workers undertake the following key duties:
- To be aware of the Trusts’ philosophy of care and the contribution the
- To communicate effectively with other members of the Team in respect of patient presentations, progress against their recovery plan and general concerns.
- To ensure positive approaches to patient engagement. Where undertaking specific observations of patients, to do so in line with the available policies and guidelines.
- To implement elements of the patient(s) plan of care as delegated by the named nurse or nurse in charge.
- To contribute to the ongoing risk assessment progress in relation to
outcomes and conclusions with the rest of the Team and the nurse in
charge.
- To take a positive approach to responding to patients in acute distress, adopting principles of diffusion and de-escalation. Where physical interventions or restraint are required, to approach in line with available guidance and approved techniques, providing for the safety and dignity of the patient(s).
- To take a positive approach in supporting patients with their medication regimes, in terms of encouragement and the provision of relevant information.
- Assist patients with their daily activities of living, if identified in the patients’ plan of care, to ensure that all personal needs are met.
Working for our organisation
Here at Team SHSC we offer a range of opportunities for personal and professional development, training and learning both within our organisation and with local and higher education providers.
These include leadership training, coaching, mentoring and other specific opportunities whenever they arise.
We have a range of options on offer to support the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our colleagues. Some of the staff wellbeing support we offer includes mindfulness sessions, confidential counselling, mentoring and a free fast-track physiotherapy service.
We have our own Flexible Staffing, Bank team allowing staff to book additional shifts on other wards and units.
There are social opportunities to get involved in with your colleagues across the Trust. We have a selection of network groups you can join and activities going on which you can get involved in.
As part of the wider NHS family, in addition to the generous annual leave which increases with long service and one of the best pension schemes in the world, we have access to money saving discount schemes including the Blue light card and NHS Discounts, as well as the cycle to work scheme and many more offers.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities- To be aware of the Trusts’ philosophy of care and the contribution the
standards of care.
- To communicate effectively with other members of the Team in respect of patient presentations, progress against their recovery plan and general concerns.
- To ensure positive approaches to patient engagement. Where undertaking specific observations of patients, to do so in line with the available policies and guidelines.
- To implement elements of the patient(s) plan of care as delegated by the named nurse or nurse in charge.
- To contribute to the ongoing risk assessment progress in relation to
outcomes and conclusions with the rest of the Team and the nurse in
charge.
- To take a positive approach to responding to patients in acute distress, adopting principles of diffusion and de-escalation. Where physical interventions or restraint are required, to approach in line with available guidance and approved techniques, providing for the safety and dignity of the patient(s).
- To take a positive approach in supporting patients with their medication regimes, in terms of encouragement and the provision of relevant information.
- 8. Assist patients with their daily activities of living, if identified in the patients’ plan of care, to ensure that all personal needs are met.
- Following suitable assessments by the nurse in charge, to escort patients on leave from the Ward, overseeing their safety and wellbeing until their return.
- As a member of the Team, to contribute to providing a quality environment for patients in relation to safety, dignity, comfort and day to day activities.
- To participate in supervision and annual personal development reviews (PDR)
- To undertake necessary essential training, over a period of time, in relation to suitable issues relevant to the role, which could include, for example and dependent on tier of entry th & Safety
- To be aware of the Trusts’ Personal Safety Plan and apply in day to day practice.
- Take active and positive approaches to support and encourage patients meet their dietary needs, over the 24 hour period.
- To observe confidentiality regarding patients at all times.
- Document patients’ presentation, progress and any significant events in Nursing Notes and ensure that these entries are counter-signed by a Registered Nurse as appropriate.
- Assist medical staff with routine examinations.
- Assist in the collection of specimens that require either ward or laboratory examination.
- To respond to spillages of waste or bodily fluids in line with health and safety guidelines and control of infection guideline.
- Assist in the stripping, cleaning and making of beds and the safe disposal of soiled linen in the absence of housekeepers.
- Undertake a range of practical tasks and duties in support of the Ward Team and patient needs.
- Assist in the response to a missing patient as directed by the nurse in
- To use relevant information in support of patient care and care planning, including available electronic information systems.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria- Experience of working in care services, or similar areas.
- Experience of issues relating to providing care to others.
- Experience of mental health services either as a service user/carer/employee/volunteer
Training and Qualifications
Essential criteria- To undertake Mandatory training as directed
- To participate in PDR and supervision.
- To participate with colleagues in promoting an active learning environment.
- Evidence of personal development
- English Functional Skills level 2 or higher
- Maths Functional Skills level 2 or higher
- Cavendish Care Certificate
Knowledge and Skills
Essential criteria- Experience/Understanding of working as part of a team
- Ability to relate to patients
- Good communication skills
- Awareness of issues relating to providing care to patients.
- Awareness or insight into issues relating to mental health
Please think about your personal values and how these align with our values when you are applying. Find out more about our organisation through our website.
We are a Disability Confident employer level 2 and hope to achieve level 3 this year. We offer a guaranteed interview to disabled applicants who meet all of the essential criteria for a role. When you apply you will have the opportunity to let us know if you require adjustments to be made, please contact us if you are not sure or if you require adjustments to the application process itself.
Our six staff network groups welcome new members, these are:
- The Ethnically Diverse Staff Network Group
- The Disability Staff Network Group
- The Lived Experience Staff Network Group
- The Rainbow Staff Network Group
- The Staff Carers Staff Network Group
- The Women’s Staff Network Group
We know how important flexible working can be to applicants and therefore we encourage you to discuss any working arrangements as part of this process. We will always aim to accommodate requests, wherever possible.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding adults and children and as part of our safe recruitment practice the successful applicant(s) will be subject to a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) if it is deemed appropriate for the role.The cost of the DBS check (currently up to £48.23) must be met by the successful applicant(s).
When applying for this post you will redirected to complete your application in our preferred applicant management system, Trac. If you are successfully offered a role, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.In addition, in submitting an application, you authorise our Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the ESR IAT process should you be appointed.
Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when writing job applications
If you choose to use AI or other tools to assist in writing your application, it's essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting statement.
While AI can help streamline the writing process, these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job you’re applying for, nor can they accurately reflect your skills, knowledge, and experience. It is crucial that you personalise your supporting statement by articulating these in your unique voice.
Relying solely on AI to write your application or supporting statement is not advocated by SHSC and could negatively impact your chances of success in the application process.
For example, AI responses…- usually lack relevance and fail to address the key criteria outlined in the job description and person specification.
- may come across as generic and fail to distinguish you from other applicants.
- may be ambiguous or open to misinterpretation. Without careful review and editing, the supporting statement could convey messages that are unclear or misconstrued by hiring managers.
- may include qualifications, skills, knowledge or experience that you do not possess, potentially leading to misrepresentation.
Supporting Statement
The supporting statement is an opportunity for you to showcase how your qualifications, knowledge, skill and experiences align with the requirements and criteria outlined in the job description and person.
Recruiting managers score applications based on the criteria listed in the person specification. Managers will be looking for evidence of how you meet these criteria. To increase your chances of securing an interview, provide examples of how you have applied your skills and knowledge in real-life situations.Share work-related successes and challenges you’ve navigated that align with the criteria. These could be from various aspects of your life, including work, education, and personal experiences.
Consider structuring your statement with clear headings or bullet points. This approach will help both you and the recruiting manager navigate through your application more effectively.