Older Persons Community Support Worker

Dorset Healthcare University Nhs Foundation Trust; Wimborne Minster; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust seeks a Support Worker to join the Community Mental Health Team for Older People in Dorset. You will support older adults with mental health conditions in the community, working alongside a multidisciplinary team to deliver recovery-focused, person-centred care.

This role is part-time with flexible patterns, salary band 3 (£22,668–£24,178 per year under Agenda for Change). DBS check required, right to work in the UK, and sponsorship not available.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Compassionate, person-centred approach to care.
• Ability to build positive therapeutic relationships.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and professional boundaries.
• Commitment to supporting older adults experiencing mental illness.

Responsibilities

• Support older adults with functional and organic mental health conditions within the community.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
• Assist clinicians in implementing care plans and recovery-focused interventions.
• Visit service users in their own homes, community settings and inpatient units.
• Monitor mental health and wellbeing, reporting any concerns or changes to the clinical team.
• Develop therapeutic relationships with service users, carers and families.
• Promote independence, social inclusion and recovery.
• Liaise with GPs, community services, voluntary organisations, social care, and other agencies to provide holistic support.
• Contribute to effective multidisciplinary working and care coordination.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in line with Trust policies.
• Participate in risk assessment, safeguarding, and risk management processes.
• Work independently in the community while seeking support and guidance from the wider team when required.
• Work flexibly across the Wimborne, Purbeck, and, when necessary, Ferndown and West Moors localities.

Skills

Communication

Compassionate care

Therapeutic relationships

Time management

Independence & teamwork

Confidentiality & safeguarding

Elder care commitment

Job description

Job summary

Community Mental Health Team for Older People (CMHTOP), Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

As a Support Worker, you will be a valued member of the Community Mental Health Team for Older People, supporting older adults with a range of mental health conditions, including dementia, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and other functional or organic mental health illnesses.

You will work alongside nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and support staff to provide recovery-focused, person-centred care within the community. The role involves supporting individuals to maintain independence, improve wellbeing, and achieve their personal recovery goals while living in their own homes or residential settings.

Skills and Qualities Required

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Compassionate and person-centred approach to care.
• Ability to build positive therapeutic relationships.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, and professional boundaries.
• Commitment to supporting older adults experiencing mental illness.

Main duties of the job

• Support older adults with functional and organic mental health conditions within the community.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
• Assist clinicians in implementing care plans and recovery-focused interventions.
• Visit service users in their own homes, community settings, and inpatient units.
• Monitor mental health and wellbeing, reporting any concerns or changes to the clinical team.
• Develop therapeutic relationships with service users, cars, and families.
• Promote independence, social inclusion, and recovery.
• Liaise with GPs, community services, voluntary organisations, social care, and other agencies to provide holistic support.
• Contribute to effective multidisciplinary working and care coordination.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in line with Trust policies.
• Participate in risk assessment, safeguarding, and risk management processes.
• Work independently in the community while seeking support and guidance from the wider team when required.
• Work flexibly across the Wimborne, Purbeck, and, when necessary, Ferndown and West Moors localities.

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

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of.

About us

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 create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

Details

Date posted: 15 October 2026

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 3

Salary: £22,668 to £24,178 a year p.a

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number: 152-M251.26A

Please note: the closing date is 29 October 2026.