Physical Health Support Worker - CAEDS

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A health service organization is seeking a Physical Health Support Worker to join their Eating Disorders service. The candidate will conduct essential health checks, support patients, and work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes. Applicants must have an Associate Practitioner qualification and strong communication skills. This role is located in Essex and offers flexibility in working arrangements.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Excellent pension contributions

Flexible working options

Staff discounts through Blue Light Card

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills with service users and carers.
• Experience in physical health monitoring and assessment.
• Understanding of different health checks and their implications.

Responsibilities

• Develop strong links with patients and their support networks.
• Conduct physical health checks including ECGs and blood monitoring.
• Support patients in crisis and encourage their wellbeing.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work autonomously

Experience in physical health monitoring

Experience with mental health conditions

Education

Associate Practitioner qualification

Trained in physical health assessments

Job description

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Physical Health Support Worker - CAEDS

The closing date is 15 October 2025. The successful candidate must have an Associate Practitioner qualification.

The Eating Disorders service is expanding its physical health remit and needs an appropriately qualified, enthusiastic and motivated individual to work within the team predominantly in Mid Essex, including the main towns of Chelmsford, Braintree and Maldon and the surrounding area. The post holder will undertake Physical Health Checks to include ECGs, phlebotomy, blood glucose monitoring, weight, height and other tests to monitor the health of patients under the service.

The Eating Disorders service operates across the county, with 2 office bases, one in Colchester and one in Basildon. Patients are seen in a variety of locations dependent on their level of need. The service works closely with other mental health teams, acute hospitals and GPs, as well as 3rd and voluntary sector organisations.

Please note this vacancy requires a face to face interview with the Recruiting Manager. Applicants that are unable to attend a face to face interview need not apply.

Main duties of the job

You will develop strong links with patients, carers, colleagues and all organisations promptly from the point of initial contact. You will support and encourage the patient to improve and maintain good physical health and work alongside the patients, their carers and clinical colleagues in the development of a co-produced care and support plan that allows them to further support their future management and wellbeing.

The physical health support worker will be supervised by a specialist Eating Disorders clinician and will be closely supported as necessary in the management of risks and the delivery of care by the team. The support worker will have clear pathways of escalation and will work within the bounds of existing EPUT policies and procedures as required.

In order to apply for the post you will need to be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills with service users, carers and organisations. You will be highly motivated and display a good ability to work autonomously where possible. You may also have existing experience in physical health monitoring and/or eating disorders services.

About us

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.
• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Job responsibilities

For detailed list of responsibilities, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification attached to this advert.

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications

• Has worked within the NHS in a primary or secondary care setting
• Knowledge of squat 2 stand tests
• Understanding the relevance of the different health checks and what a strong deviation from baseline could indicate
• Trained and recent experience in undertaking physical health assessments including Venepuncture/ Phlebotomy, ECG, Blood pressure, respiratory rate, side effect monitoring.

Knowledge

• Experience of working with people with mental health conditions
• Experience of liaising with a variety of medical professionals /organisations
• Experience of working effectively and constructively as part of a team and willing to undertake additional training
• Experience of working with people who are in crisis
• Personal Health and Wellbeing experience
• Experience of working with people with eating disorders

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.