Mental Health Support Worker - Afton Ward

The Methodist Church in Britain; Swindon; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid HCSW induction (up to 6 months)

Flexible working requests

Job summary

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an HCSW to provide compassionate care on Afton Ward, an inpatient mental health unit. You will work under qualified staff to support patients with complex needs and high dependency, participating in assessments and care planning.

Applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK and be prepared for the HCSW induction programme if new to healthcare.

Qualifications

• Level 2 qualification or equivalent in a relevant area (may be gained through experience/training)
• Care Certificate completed, in progress, or willingness to work towards it

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality care for people with mental ill health under supervision
• Work with colleagues to manage people with complex needs and high dependency
• Carry out nursing needs assessments and reviews under supervision
• Collaborate effectively as part of a team
• Coordinate with mental health services and other services as required
• Promote good practice with staff
• Contribute to service improvements in line with national/local agendas

Skills

Communication skills

Infection control awareness

Health and safety awareness

Written and verbal communication

Education

Level 2 qualification or equivalent

Care Certificate (completed/in progress)

Job description

This support worker post sits on Afton Ward, a mental health inpatient unit of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Work centres on caring for people with mental ill health under qualified staff supervision, including those with complex needs and high dependency. Collaborative, individualised care is central, with some nursing needs assessments done under supervision. Visa sponsorship is not offered, so applicants must already have the right to work in the UK; new-to-healthcare recruits start on an HCSW induction programme.

What the job involves

• Provide high quality care for people with mental ill health under the supervision of qualified staff
• Work with colleagues to manage people with complex needs and high levels of dependency
• Under supervision, carry out nursing needs assessments and reviews as requested
• Work effectively as part of a team
• Work closely with colleagues across the mental health service and other services as required
• Share and promote good practice alongside other staff
• Contribute to service improvements in mental ill health in line with local and national modernisation agenda

What’s required

Qualifications

• Level 2 qualification or equivalent in a relevant area, which may be gained through experience, on-the-job training, short courses and work-based competencies
• Care Certificate completed, in progress, or willingness to work towards it

Experience

• Carrying out assigned tasks effectively in a busy environment
• Completing and maintaining statutory and mandatory learning

Skills & knowledge

• Awareness of and compliance with policies and practice, such as escort policy, infection prevention and control, and health and safety
• Knowledge of equipment used in the department, ensuring it is compatible and in good working order, and escalating concerns to a registered nurse
• Core skills to competently undertake personal care for patients and related tasks
• Effective written and verbal communication, literacy and numeracy

Checks & eligibility

• Right to work in the UK at the time of application

Other

• Working within scope of practice under direct and indirect supervision of a registered nurse, with training provided

What’s offered

• Paid HCSW induction programme of up to six months for those new to health care
• Flexible working requests can be discussed as part of the interview process