Health Care Assistant

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; Radlett; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 2 Healthcare Assistant to support health and social care professionals under supervision. You will assist in care planning, work within the recovery approach, and contribute to patient rehabilitation in a multidisciplinary team.

The role involves direct patient care, communication with carers and colleagues, and maintaining safe, supportive environments in line with unit policies and NVQ framework.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Band 2 HCA in mental health or related settings.
• Ability to work under supervision with registered staff.
• Awareness of recovery-oriented approaches in care.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct patient care under monitored supervision.
• Assist in coordinating care delivery for a caseload.
• Work with the MDT and community agencies as instructed.
• Contribute to safe, therapeutic environment and records.
• Support infection control and dietary and fluid needs as required.

Skills

Band 2 HCA

Communication

Teamwork

De-escalation

Care delivery

Education

NVQ framework

Job description

The post holder will work alongside experienced registered and unregistered practitioners, supporting health and social care professionals and providing guidance to Band 2 practitioners when required. Duties will be allocated through agreed care plans, which are assessed and evaluated by a registered nurse. The post holder will deliver care under the guidance of registered practitioners, supported by ongoing supervision, training, and development through the NVQ framework. Working within Trust policies and procedures, the post holder will follow agreed instructions while receiving appropriate support and supervision. As part of the wider Mental Health/Learning Disability Care Team, they will assist in delivering care and services to patients and service users under the supervision of a registered staff member, carrying out practical tasks identified within care plans and care pathways.Main duties of the job Undertake a range of duties as agreed by unit policies and protocols which involve direct patient care, under monitored supervision To assist as instructed in the coordination of care delivery for a case load of patients for those with mental health problems including those with severe, enduring mental illness and Learning Disability To work through and with the Directorate, psychiatric / learning disability multidisciplinary team, patients and other community agencies as instructed and guided Contribute to the monitoring of the physical environment ensuring that it is safe and conducive to the therapeutic work of the unit/community setting, whilst being able to accurately monitor and feedback concerns the registered practitioners. Have informed knowledge and understanding in the psychological, social, physical and spiritual needs of all patients as guided as agreed in a monitored supervisory framework. Actively participate and assist in the care and rehabilitation of patients as per the plan of care determined and supervised by a registered practitioner. To report and feedback concerns within instructed duties, that facilitate timely comprehensive and contemporaneous written clinical records for sign off and oversight by a registered practitioner. Contribute towards the delivery of care using the recovery approach to provide therapeutic interventions as agreed as part of an ongoing and monitored supervisory framework., Provide patients and their carers with a service that is culturally sensitive and gives due consideration to any special needs. To undertake and assist in the organisation of the day‑to‑day smooth running of department/ ward/unit/ service. Contributes towards the ongoing quality of service and care and identifies any risk issues in relation to the patients' health and social care within an agreed and monitored supervisory framework. To treat colleagues and service users with respect at all times, creating a positive role model and team player. To ensure effective communication with patients, carers, relatives and friends To respond appropriately to all telephone and personal enquiries in a sensitive and helpful manner To act at all times in safeguarding the integrity, confidentiality and availability of sensitive information relating to both service users and staff To demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills To demonstrate de-escalation skills in managing aggression exhibited by service users, subject to achieving agreed training and competency To maintain appropriate therapeutic boundaries with service users To promote effective flow of communication among all relevant parties Adhere to unit protocols and policies (e.g. supportive observations) To assist patients with all Activities of Daily Living as required To assist members of the multidisciplinary team with agreed procedures (chaperoning) To have a basic understanding of the principles of infection control and the importance of dietary and fluid requirements of individual patients Inform the nurse in charge of any potential hazard, accident, incident or patient problem that occurs To undertake basic clerical and reception duties, including organising patient transport and related tasks as required To undertake basic housekeeping tasks such as cleaning, tidying to maintain a suitable environment in line with PEAT standards To recognise and promote all aspects of cultural diversity, devising care plans as guided by a registered practitioner, that respond positively to ethnic awareness with sensitivity, where necessary
Extensive experience at HCA Band 2/3 with an appreciation and knowledge of unit procedures, competency based clinical observations, is able to organise day to day tasks and activities based on an agreed and allocated work plan., To have the knowledge and ability to manage change in a positive way To act as a positive role model to the MDT, service users and staff To have the ability to provide effective staff support To provide a person centred/recovery oriented approach integrated within the care planning approach, which optimises integration into community life.,

• Some experience as a Band 2 HCA
• Recognises and reflects on barriers to effective communication, modifying communication in response
• Demonstrate good verbal presentation skills

Desirable criteria

• De‑escalation in managing verbal aggression of disturbed service users
• Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from the Care Quality Commission.
• Our family of over 4,500 members of staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout