Prison Mental Health Support Worker

NHS; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare trust in the UK is seeking a Mental Health Support Worker to join the mental health team at HMP Holme House. This role involves providing patient-centred care and working closely with a multidisciplinary team in a challenging yet rewarding environment. Candidates should have a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care and relevant experience. The position offers a full-time permanent contract with a salary range of £24,937 to £26,598 annually.

Qualifications

• Must have completed Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 2 or equivalent.
• Key skills in Literacy and Numeracy Level 2 are required.
• Previous experience in a care environment is essential.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety, privacy, and dignity of patients.
• Recognize and report signs of patient harm and neglect.
• Assist in implementation of intervention plans.

Skills

Patient-centred care

Communication

Risk assessment

Understanding of criminal justice system

Education

Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 2

Literacy and Numeracy Level 2

Care Certificate

Job description

Job Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Mental Health Support Worker to join our mental health team at HMP Holme House, a Category B men’s prison serving remand and sentenced prisoners. Prison environments are one of the most challenging, yet rewarding places for healthcare professionals to work. If you’re looking for a role where you can learn something new every day in an environment that never stands still, then this could be the opportunity for you.

Main duties of the job

• Maintains safety, privacy and dignity of all patients in the delivery of patient‑centred care, recognising and respecting differences including spiritual and cultural beliefs.
• Responsible for recognising the signs of patient harm, abuse or neglect, including poor clinical practice, identifying issues regarding the safeguarding of children who may be at risk and reporting all such concerns in accordance with Trust Safeguarding procedures.
• Undertakes delegated activities within own competency, and with due regard to risk assessment, to assist with the implementation of intervention plans as part of the multidisciplinary team.
• Completes patient assessment tools and accurately summarises within patient care records.
• Identifies changes in patients' presentation and acts, reports and records appropriately.
• Carries out ECG or venepuncture as required, if trained.
• Assists in the provision of health education and advice on health promotion to patients and their carers.
• Demonstrates safe breakaway techniques in the management of violence and aggression as required.
• Where appropriate and with authorisation, acts as an advocate for patients/carers.

About Us

This is an opportunity for an experienced support worker to join a busy team working in a rewarding environment where you will get to practise a full range of psychiatric nursing interventions. We would welcome candidate contact to arrange a visit to the prison or an informal discussion.

Details

Date posted: 30 December 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 3
Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 346‑FMH‑148‑25‑A
Job locations: HMP Holme House, Holme House Road, Stockton, TS18 2QU

Job Responsibilities

This post is not open to trainees; therefore the successful candidate must have completed the Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 2 or equivalent. Candidates must also have Literacy and Numeracy Level 2 or equivalent and must complete the Trust Healthcare Assistant competencies within their probationary period (first 6 months in role). Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Diploma in Health and Social Care level 2 or equivalent care certificate
• Key skills in Literacy and Numeracy level 2
• Care Certificate
• Successful completion of Trust's full HCA Framework within 6 month probationary period

Essential Experience

• Previous experience as a Band 2/3 HCA or equivalent in a care environment (Trainee post: no essential experience required).

Desirable

• Previous experience of working with people with mental, social health needs or learning disabilities.

Knowledge

Essential

• Basic understanding of key roles within the Criminal Justice System (within agreed timescale)
• Basic understanding of person‑centred care
• Basic understanding of risk assessment and management (within agreed timescale)
• Awareness of legal frameworks including mental health legislation (within agreed timescale)

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name: Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Address: HMP Holme House, Holme House Road, Stockton, TS18 2QU
Employer's website: https://www.tewv.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)