Nursing Assistant

Devon Partnership NHS Trust; Torquay; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A mental health services provider in Torquay is seeking a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant for a full-time role on Beech Ward. This ward specializes in caring for older adults with mental health difficulties, and the successful candidate will assist in delivering high-quality, person-centred care as part of a dedicated team. The position offers opportunities for career progression and requires NVQ level 3 or completion of the Care Certificate. Ideal candidates will have good communication skills and experience in a caring environment.

Qualifications

• Basic education required.
• Previous experience in a caring situation is preferred.
• Knowledge of mental health is required.

Responsibilities

• Support recovery by assisting with care tasks.
• Work as a named point of contact for patients.
• Deliver person-centred care with the healthcare team.

Skills

Good communication and listening skills

Ability to work in a team effectively

Demonstrate an ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships

Self-motivated

Ability to respond promptly to emergencies

Education

NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care

To complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months

Job description

We are searching for a 37.5 hours per week (full time) Band 3 Healthcare Assistant to join us on Beech Ward based in Torquay, Torbay Hospital. Beech ward is a 16 bedded inpatient Mental Health Ward that supports primarily older adults with functional mental health difficulties.

At Beech Ward, we pride ourselves on being a dedicated, passionate and skilled team, driven by the motivation to improve the lives and mental health of older adults.

"Team support is outstanding." - Ruth, Staff Nurse on Beech

"We are a caring and compassionate team." - Hannah, Discharge Facilitator

"Staff go beyond the call of duty." - A service user.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to work within a dynamic team in a service that has been rated as Outstanding by the CQC. Working alongside the Nursing Team, and within the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), you will ensure that service users receive a high standard of person-centred care which enables them to recover in a timely way.

If you require a certificate of sponsorship to work in the UK you are advised to review the "Coming to work in the UK Visa Information" link in the supporting links section to ensure this role and your current circumstances meet the requirements for sponsorship

If you would like to discuss the certificate of sponsorship and whether your current circumstances meet the requirement for sponsorship email [e-mail] for further advice

Main duties of the job

As a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant you play an essential role in supporting people's recovery. On the ward you'll be a named point of contact and spend the majority of your time with patients with the full back up of your team. You'll be a valued member of our wider multi-disciplinary team, work in a supportive environment, have access to training and supervision and the opportunity to develop your career with us.

Band 3 Healthcare Assistants are the backbone of patient care, promoting the smooth operation of healthcare facilities and fostering a supportive environment for both patients and medical professionals.

Job Purpose:

• To assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using services. The care provided will encompass social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the individuals.
• Be responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.

The Band 3 Healthcare Assistant job often serves as a stepping stone for those seeking to enter the healthcare industry. Every day is different and varied and there's nothing better than getting feedback from the people who use our services about the difference you've made to their lives.

With opportunities for career development and progression, individuals in these roles can acquire valuable hands-on experience and may choose to pursue further education and specialisation in healthcare.

About us

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification which will provide further information on this role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Basic Education
• To complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of employment unless already obtained or evidence of equivalent agreed and signed off by the appointing manager at interview. If not, this will be a trainee position until successful completion.
• NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care.
• Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate an ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships
• Good communication and listening skills
• Ability to work with people in a group and individual basis
• Able to work in a team effectively
• Demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries
• Able to plan work, time management, completing records and recording observations etc.
• To take leadership and direction from qualified staff.
• To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties
• To demonstrate an ability to provide practical support with daily living activities, and physically perform nursing duties.
• To be able to respond promptly to physical and mental health emergencies, be able to think quickly and deal with situations in a calm and sensible manner.
• To be self motivated.
• Able to work changing shift patterns as required
• To be maintain confidentiality, empathy, compassion and patience, towards individuals with mental health illness.
• To maintain professionalism at all times.
• To be patient and tolerant in challenging situations.

Experience

• Previous employment / experience of working with people in a caring situation or previous experience working in a different role within mental health services
• Awareness of safeguarding principles
• Previous care experience with people who have Mental Health difficulties.
• Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.