Dementia Support Worker - Community

TN United Kingdom; Buxton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits as a Dementia Support Worker in a compassionate and dedicated healthcare team. This role focuses on supporting older adults with mental health issues related to cognitive impairment and dementia, working closely with various GP practices. The position emphasizes a collaborative approach, providing education and resources to enhance the lives of those affected by dementia. Join a forward-thinking organization that values diversity, offers flexible working, and is committed to making a positive difference in the community. If you are passionate about helping others and have experience in health and social care, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Generous NHS pension scheme

Health service discounts

Free confidential employee assistance programme

Incremental pay progression

Structured learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Understanding of dementia signs and symptoms.
• Commitment to Continuing Professional Development.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with cognitive issues and diagnosed dementia.
• Provide advice and education around dementia to service users.

Skills

Good communication

Teamwork

Initiative

Basic IT skills

Education

Level III NVQ in Health/Social Care or equivalent

Job description

Dementia Support Worker - Community

Main area: Dementia Support Worker

Grade: 3

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time - hours per week

Job reference: OPC-5

Location: Buxton Health Centre, Buxton

Salary: £, - £, per annum, pro rata

Salary period: Yearly

Closing date: 26.04.2025

Expiry date: 10.06.2025

Job Description

Want to make a real difference and have a truly rewarding career? Join 'Team Derbyshire Healthcare' and become part of a talented, compassionate and enthusiastic workforce committed to a vision of ‘making a positive difference in people's lives’.

We’ve been rated ‘good’ overall by the CQC, with some outstanding services. The CQC commented at our most recent inspection on how our colleagues “treated patients with compassion and kindness” and “felt positive and proud about working for the trust.

We are passionate about making equality, diversity and inclusion part of our DNA. We take pride in our “People First Culture” which creates a workplace where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging, difference is celebrated, and people are comfortable to bring their whole selves to work. We value the richness that comes from having colleagues that are fully representative of the local community. We welcome people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, protected characteristics, and with all backgrounds and experiences.

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has become available to join the High Peak and North Dales CMHT as a Dementia Support Worker.

The Dementia Support Worker will work in partnership with the High Peak Primary Care Network to provide practice-based support for Older Adults with Mental Health issues related to cognitive impairment and Dementia.

The post holder will work under supervision and guidance of registered professionals from within the Primary Care Network (PCN) and the Older Peoples Community Mental Health Team.

The successful candidate will be required to work within the following GP surgeries: Sett Valley Medical Centre, Stewart Medical Centre, Thornbrook Surgery, Buxton Medical Practice, Elmwood Medical Practice, Goyt Valley Medical Practice, Hartington Surgery, Arden House Medical Practice.

The team works Monday-Friday, 9-5.

The post will suit someone with a proven record of working with people with dementia and the successful candidate will be expected to offer education around dementia, complete pre-assessment support and sign-post to relevant support services.

Main duties of the job

• Cover all GP practices within the PCN (Primary Care Network).
• Spend an allocated amount of time each week with the CMHT, attending team meetings, clinical MDM’s, accessing supervision and training.
• Work and liaise between both the GP practices and the CMHT.
• Support individuals presenting with cognitive issues and with a diagnosed dementia.
• Offer education around dementia, signposting to appropriate support services, advice around ‘living well with dementia’, linking both mental and physical health services together for a joint approach, completing cognitive assessments such as the ACE-III and carer support.
• Operational management will be provided by the CMHT
• Service Manager and clinical supervision will be sought from within the CMHT to ensure mental health specialist knowledge is shared. Clinical supervision can also be sought through the PCN.
• Practice-based work will be allocated and overseen by a highlighted GP within each practice.

Working for our organisation

Join 'Team Derbyshire Healthcare' and become part of a talented, compassionate and enthusiastic workforce committed to a vision of ‘making a positive difference in people's lives’.

CQC rated us as 'GOOD’ overall, commenting on how our colleagues “treated patients with compassion and kindness” and “felt positive and proud about working for the trust.”

Benefits include:

• Commitment to flexible working where this is possible
• 28 days annual leave/year plus bank holidays, increasing to 33 days after 5 years & 35 days after 10 years’ service
• Yearly appraisal and ongoing training
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Good maternity, paternity and adoption benefits
• Health service discounts and online benefits
• Incremental pay progression
• Free confidential employee assistance programme 24/7
• Access to our LGBT+ network, BAME Network and Christian Network
• Health and wellbeing opportunities
• Structured learning and development opportunities

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please review the Job Description and Person Specification. To apply, please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB - this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.

• Demonstrate a good understanding of dementia, including the signs and symptoms of this.
• Be aware of policies and procedures in relation to professional boundaries, confidentiality, information sharing and safeguarding.
• Commit to undertaking Continuing Professional Development.
• Provide advice around dementia to service users, their carers and/or relatives.
• Handle challenging situations professionally and calmly.
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people using various methods.
• Have experience of undertaking physical health observations.
• Use initiative but consult others when necessary.
• Apply Trust Values and standards within the PCN.
• Follow policies and procedures.
• Work with electronic systems for recording and documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Travel within the geographical work area effectively.
• Be self-motivated, flexible, and able to prioritize and organize workload.
• Maintain a professional appearance and manner.
• Strive to high standards in a changing service environment.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential: Level III NVQ in Health/Social Care or equivalent

Skills

Essential: Good communication, teamwork, initiative, basic IT skills, ability to meet travel requirements

Knowledge and Experience

Essential: Knowledge of issues faced by people of all ages with organic mental health diagnoses; experience working with health & social care service users on a one-to-one basis.

Desirable: Experience of working with people with dementia.

Further details / informal visits

Contact Miss Rachel Keys, Service Manager at the provided email or phone number for informal visits or queries.