Mental Health Support Worker | Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Poole; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Poole is looking for a Mental Health Support Worker to join their Dorset Forensic Service team. In this role, you will support the recovery of patients within a low secure unit by carrying out general housekeeping duties, assisting nurses, and participating in a care program. The position requires excellent teamwork and communication skills, and candidates must be willing to undertake specific training. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact within the community.

Benefits

Comprehensive training opportunities

Supportive work environment

Enhanced pay for weekend shifts

Qualifications

• You will be required to undertake a Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression course.
• You should possess good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Experience in a mental health or care setting is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Help with general housekeeping duties on the ward.
• Assist nurses in delivering care to patients.
• Participate in providing care and rehabilitation programs.

Skills

Ability to work in a team

Communication skills

Basic housekeeping duties

Education

Relevant training or experience in mental health

Job description

Dorset HealthCare are looking for individuals to join our Dorset Forensic Service team as a Mental Health Support Worker!

As a Mental Health Support Worker in the Dorset Forensic Service team, you will work in our 12 bedded specialist male forensic low secure unit. The unit offers comprehensive inpatient low secure care aimed at stabilising mental health and risk; and facilitating patient’s recovery and transition back into the community.

You will be joining a supportive team who work collaboratively with Nurses, the Clinical Leads, Ward Manager, Service Manager, other disciplines and will receive regular supervision. At Dorset HealthCare we provide the opportunity for internal and external training.

The Dorset Forensic service is a 24/7 service and is based on Twynham Ward at St Ann’s Hospital.

Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Please ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.

We work on a rota basis including weekends:

Early – 07:15 to 15:15

Late – 13:00 to 21:00

Nights – 20:30 to 07:40

Weekends at enhanced pay

For further information, please contact Ben Kelly on 01202 492412.

As a mental health support worker, you will carry out general housekeeping duties, e.g. helping to keep the building tidy, assisting in setting of tables and serving meals, checking laundry items and any tasks which help with the smooth running of the ward/unit and assist the nurses in their delivery of care to the patients. You will participate with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, in providing a programme of care and rehabilitation for patients.

PMVA

You will be required to undertake a Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression course and it is a condition of your employment that you successfully complete all aspects of this course; if this is not achieved you will not be able to commence working in the post.

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.



At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact [e-mail]




This advert closes on Wednesday 6 Aug 2025