Mental Health Support Worker
Job overview
Dorset HealthCare are looking for individuals to join our Dorset Forensic Service team as a Mental Health Support Worker!
As a Mental Health Support Worker in the Dorset Forensic Service team, you will work in our 12 bedded specialist male forensic low secure unit. The unit offers comprehensive inpatient low secure care aimed at stabilising mental health and risk; and facilitating patient’s recovery and transition back into the community.
You will be joining a supportive team who work collaboratively with Nurses, the Clinical Leads, Ward Manager, Service Manager, other disciplines and will receive regular supervision. At Dorset HealthCare we provide the opportunity for internal and external training.
The Dorset Forensic service is a 24/7 service and is based on Twynham Ward at St Ann’s Hospital.
This post is full time hours; however, part time hours would be considered.
We work on a rota basis including weekends:
Early – 07:15 to 15:15
Late – 13:00 to 21:00
Nights – 20:30 to 07:40
Weekends at enhanced pay
For further information, please contact Ben Kelly on 01202 492412.
Main duties of the job
As a mental health support worker, you will carry out general housekeeping duties, e.g. helping to keep the building tidy, assisting in setting of tables and serving meals, checking laundry items and any tasks which help with the smooth running of the ward/unit and assist the nurses in their delivery of care to the patients.You will participate with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, in providing a programme of care and rehabilitation for patients.
PMVA
You will be required to undertake a Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression course and it is a condition of your employment that you successfully complete all aspects of this course; if this is not achieved you will not be able to commence working in the post.
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
Working for our organisation
At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.
We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference.Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare is working in partnership with The Prince’s Trust to support people getting into work, as part of this partnership, we are offering an employability service to support individuals between 16-30 years old with application writing, interview skills and other employment support.If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support please do contact [email protected]
Person specification
Knowledge, skills and training
Essential criteria- NVQ level 2 or 3 or equivalent level of experience
- Literate / Numerate
Job Specific Experience
Essential criteria- Ability to work in a team
- Good communication skills
- Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- Experience of working within a care setting
Information Technology
Essential criteria- Basic IT keyboard skills, normally obtained through practice or practical training
Additional requirements
Essential criteria- A level of fitness and ability to participate and complete PMVA, Breakaway training and Manual Handling (practice and theory).
- Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.
- Ability to meet contractual requirements and participate in 24 hour care
At Dorset HealthCare we want to offer all our staff the opportunity to work flexibly, putting health and wellbeing first, whilst continuing the delivery of excellent patient care. Flexible working looks different for everyone and we welcome applicants to discuss flexible working opportunities with the recruiting manager.
What working for us will provide:
- 27 days of annual leave, rising to 33 over ten years (for staff on Agenda for Change terms and conditions)
- Excellent NHS pension scheme
- Health and wellbeing services
- Flexible working options, including family-friendly hours
- Free training and one-to-one career coaching to reach your career goals
- Preceptorship programme for newly qualified nurses and AHPs
- Access to nine staff networks – have a voice and transform our Trust
- Relocation costs where applicable
- Salary sacrifice scheme opportunities – including childcare vouchers, car lease and cycle scheme, home technology equipment, and buying annual leave
- NHS discounts to save on your shopping, gym membership and more
Visit our careers website to learn more about our culture, staff stories, benefits, development programmes and opportunities.
What you need to do:
Before applying for this post, please do ensure that you have read the job description and person specification requirements. If you think you have everything we're looking for, then we'd love to hear from you, alternatively if you would like more information about the role please do not hesitate to contact us.
Regrettably, we are not able to offer sponsorship for all our job roles. If you attempt to apply for a role that we do not offer sponsorship for, you will receive notification of this at the time of starting your application and you will not be able to proceed.At this point, we wish to thank you for your interest in working for us and apologise we cannot take your application any further.
Please note that from January 2021, to work in the UK candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship unless you have permission to work via another route. Further guidance can be found on the gov.uk website. It is vital that you provide full and accurate details of your current immigration status on the application form.Overseas applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided in continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)