Community Support Worker/Trainee

NHS; Bishop Auckland; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A local health service is looking for a Community Support Worker in Bishop Auckland to support adults with mental health difficulties. This role involves working in a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality care and requires a Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 2 or equivalent. Candidates will receive necessary training and development, making this an excellent opportunity for growth in the healthcare sector.

Qualifications

• Previous experience of working with people with mental health/social health needs or learning disabilities.
• Ability to work independently using initiative.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals and families using an evidence-based model.
• Develop and facilitate group work interventions.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Time management and ability to prioritise effectively

Competency in record keeping

Breakaway techniques

Competency in venepuncture

Competency in ECGs

Education

Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 2 or equivalent

Literacy and Numeracy Level 2

Care Certificate

Job description

Go back Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust

Overview

The closing date is 13 October 2025

The Dales treatment and intervention team are looking to recruit a highly motivated Band 3 Community Support Worker/Trainee to join our multi-disciplinary team working into our delivery of adult planned care. This is an exciting opportunity to join our service, supporting adults with mental health difficulties in the community. The Community Service for adults is an established supportive team that offers assessment and a wide variety of evidence based treatment and interventions for adults with mental health difficulties. We are looking to recruit a Community Support Worker to form an integral part of our team, working under the supervision of the multi disciplinary team to support in delivering a high quality service to the local population, and will be joining the team at an exciting time of change and development.

You must have the Right to Work in the UK in order to be successfully appointed to this role. Please note, this role does not meet the required eligibility criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa and therefore the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular role.

Main duties of the job

The main elements of the clinical work will include supporting people and families using an evidence based model and care pathway, alongside developing and facilitating group work interventions.

The successful candidate will have experience of working with adults and their families; and while experience in mental health would be an advantage, training and development opportunities will be provided in these areas for the right applicant.

The successful candidate must hold the skills to work within a team effectively, and must also be able to work independently using their initiative.

About us

The Dales treatment and intervention team is a multi disciplinary team including a range of professionals from different disciplines, skills and backgrounds. The service is undergoing some exciting changes working towards providing an enhanced level of support for those struggling with their mental health. The team is friendly, supportive and keen to train and develop at all levels. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a team, that continues to strive towards further developing the support offered to young people and families.

Job responsibilities

It would be beneficial for the candidate to have completed the Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 2. Candidates must also have Literacy and Numeracy level 2 or equivalent and must complete the Trust Healthcare Assistant competencies within their probationary period (first 6 months in role).

If the successful candidate does not have the required qualifications they will be expected to enrol on the Healthcare Assistant Framework which will include the acquisition of the level 2 Diploma Health and Social Care, level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy or equivalent to achieve the competencies. You will have a maximum of 2 years to complete this.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.

Additional contact details - Judith Hewitt Team Manager 01388 640001

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Diploma in Health and Social Care level 2 or equivalent (or must be achieved within 2 years of commencement in post)
• Key skills in Literacy and Numeracy level 2 (or Successful completion of the Trust's full HCA Framework, including key skills in Literacy and Numeracy level 2, within 2 years of commencement in post)
• Care Certificate (or Care Certificate must be achieved within 12 weeks of commencement in post)
• Successful completion of Trust's full HCA Framework within 6-month probationary period

Experience

• Previous experience of working with people with mental health/social health needs or learning disabilities
• Previous experience of working with people with mental/social health needs or learning disabilities

Knowledge

• Person centred care
• Awareness of legal frameworks including mental health legislation (within agreed timescale)
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (within agreed timescale)

Skills

• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Time management and ability to prioritise effectively
• Competency in record keeping (within agreed timescales)
• Breakaway techniques (within agreed timescales)
• Competency in venepuncture
• Competency in ECGs

Personal Attributes

• Able to work in accordance with the staff compact and trust values and behaviours
• Compassionate in meeting the needs of children and young people, their families and carers
• Able to work flexibly and cooperatively as part of a team
• Committed to continually quality and service improvement
• Self awareness and committed to continued personal development

Other requirements

• Ability to travel independently in accordance with trust policy and service need

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust