Mental Health Care Assistant

The Methodist Church in Britain; Southampton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and committed shift options

Wellbeing resources

Paid annual leave that builds up over

Access to learning and development

Choice of work across over 50 NHSTrust

Job summary

NHS Professionals at University Hospital Southampton is seeking a Mental Health Care Assistant to support patients with mental and emotional difficulties under psychiatrists and mental health staff.

The role includes helping with daily activities, recording observations, and maintaining confidentiality. A current PMVA certificate and at least 12 months' UK NHS mental health HCA experience are required. Day shifts only.

Qualifications

• Current PMVA certificate is required.
• At least 12 months of mental health HCA experience in a UK NHS or private mental health hospital.

Responsibilities

• Support patients with mental and emotional issues under supervision of psychiatrists and mental health staff.
• Assist patients with daily activities including personal hygiene, dressing and monitoring progress.
• Build therapeutic relationships by listening to patients and their carers.
• Record observations and nursing care in line with Trust policy.
• Report and feedback concerns accurately.
• Maintain confidentiality in all patient matters.
• Help keep the environment clean, tidy and safe.
• Promote equality and ensure individuals are treated fairly.
• Act as a positive role model for patients and staff.
• Use de-escalation to manage aggression (PMVA training/competency).
• Escort patients to other areas of the hospital or grounds as delegated.
• Complete health observations and admission paperwork.

Skills

PMVA certificate

Education

12 months mental health HCA experience (UK NHS/private hospital)

Job description

This is a bank Mental Health Care Assistant post, offered through NHS Professionals for University Hospital Southampton, with work at Southampton General Hospital for six months. The role supports patients with mental and emotional difficulties under psychiatrists and other mental health staff, helping with daily activities and tracking progress and behaviour. Only day shifts are available, with weekday work preferred. Fit depends on 12 months' mental health HCA experience in an NHS or private UK mental health hospital, plus a current PMVA certificate.

What the job involves

• Support patients with mental and emotional issues under the supervision of psychiatrists and mental health professionals
• Help patients with daily activities, including personal hygiene, bathing, toileting and dressing, and monitor their progress and behaviour
• Build therapeutic relationships by listening to and talking with patients and their carers
• Record observations and nursing care in line with Trust policy
• Report and feed back concerns accurately
• Maintain confidentiality in all patient matters
• Help keep the environment clean, tidy and safe
• Promote equality and ensure individuals are treated fairly
• Act as a positive role model for patients and staff
• Use de-escalation to manage aggression, subject to PMVA training and competency
• Escort patients to other areas of the hospital or grounds when delegated by a trained member of staff
• Complete physical health observations and admission paperwork, including smoking and alcohol forms

What’s required

Qualifications

• Current PMVA certificate

Experience

• At least 12 months working as a mental health HCA in an NHS or private mental health hospital in the UK

Other

• Able to work day shifts only, ideally Monday to Friday

What’s offered

• Flexible and committed shift options
• Wellbeing resources
• Paid annual leave that builds up over time
• Access to learning and development opportunities
• Choice of work across over 50 partner NHS Trusts