Healthcare Support Worker

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a leading NHS Trust as a Healthcare Support Worker. This role involves providing practical support to individuals with mental health issues, engaging in patient care, and contributing to a multidisciplinary team. Opportunities for personal and professional development are available within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Good numeracy and literacy skills for record keeping.
• Experience working with a multidisciplinary team.
• Understanding of confidentiality and mental health issues.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with daily living skills and personal hygiene.
• Observe and report changes in patients' behavior.
• Participate in group therapies and activities.

Skills

Communication

Patient Safety Awareness

Teamwork

Education

Good basic education

Level 3 qualification (e.g., NVQ)

Care Certificate

Job description

Job Overview

AN EXCEPTIONAL PLACE TO WORK AND AN EXCEPTIONAL REWARD PACKAGE TO MATCH

JOIN OUR DEDICATED TEAM AT TOPAS OUR OLDER PEOPLES ASSESSMENT SERVICE

PERMANENT FULL TIME/PART TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE

WE ARE LOOKING FOR HEALTHCARE SUPPORT WORKERS.

We are currently recruiting highly motivated Healthcare Support Workers to join our expanding multidisciplinary team following investment and recent promotions.

INTERVIEWS WILL BE FACE-TO-FACE. PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU CAN ATTEND IN PERSON, AS REMOTE INTERVIEWS CANNOT BE ACCOMMODATED.

Note: From 9th April 2025, visa eligibility for sponsorship has changed. Please check the following link for details on qualifications and salary requirements for a skilled worker sponsorship: New rules to prioritise recruiting care workers in England - GOV.UK

Main duties of the job

As a Healthcare Support Worker, you will actively engage with individuals in Milton Keynes experiencing acute mental health issues, providing practical and recovery-focused support.

We offer opportunities for personal and professional development within a friendly, supportive environment. Experience in mental health is desirable but not essential.

You should be prepared to work rotational shift patterns, including early, late, and night shifts, as these are integral to the role.

Appointees can also sign up to our internal bank, which offers competitive rates and weekly pay.

Visits to the unit are encouraged.

*Please note that the use of AI in applications must be declared.*

Working for our organisation

We are passionate about delivering first-class, patient-centred, safe, and effective care in various settings including hospitals, community clinics, and patients' homes. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Employing the best people is crucial to providing top-quality care.

We aim to recruit outstanding individuals who will go the extra mile to support our patients, colleagues, and teams. We support career development and seek future leaders across diverse areas such as mental health, community services, addictions, eating disorders, and learning disabilities.

As an NHS Trust, we strongly encourage vaccination to protect yourself, your family, colleagues, patients, and service users.

Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities

• Participate directly in patient care as delegated by the nurse in charge.
• Assist patients with daily living skills, including personal hygiene, dietary needs, and fluid intake.
• Observe patients and report any changes in behaviour, mental or physical state, or wellbeing to the nurse in charge.
• Record patient progress accurately, ensuring validation by a qualified nurse.
• Participate in group therapies or activities under supervision, organising low-key activities to meet patient needs.
• Escort duties within the hospital or community, including driving if licensed.
• Perform other duties within your capabilities as directed by senior staff, such as taking vital signs.
• Organise and prioritise duties based on individual needs.
• Have an awareness of local Mental Health Service provisions.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential:

• Good basic education
• Numeracy and literacy skills for record keeping and medication administration (if applicable)

Desirable:

• Level 3 qualification (e.g., advanced apprenticeship, A-levels, T-levels, NVQ)
• Care Certificate (support provided to complete within 3 months if not already achieved)

Experience

Essential:

• Experience working with a multidisciplinary team
• Experience communicating with diverse populations
• Experience in fast-paced environments
• Experience in customer-focused roles

Desirable:

• Healthcare/NHS or similar experience in community or hospital settings
• Volunteer experience
• Caring roles experience
• Experience working with adults with mental health issues

Skills and Abilities

Essential:

• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide accurate feedback
• Ability to relate to individuals and groups
• Awareness of patient safety and risk reduction

Desirable:

• Basic knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983

Knowledge

Essential:

• Understanding of confidentiality
• Willingness and sensitivity in assisting with self-care and environmental care
• Knowledge of mental health issues