Senior Health Care Assistant

NHS; Dartford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits for dedicated Healthcare Workers to join a passionate team at a leading NHS Trust. This role involves providing exceptional care to mothers facing acute perinatal mental health challenges, ensuring their well-being and that of their babies. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will deliver high-quality nursing care, support mothers in their daily activities, and contribute to a safe and nurturing environment. This position offers the chance to make a real difference in the lives of families while enjoying professional development in a supportive setting. If you are motivated and enthusiastic about mental health care, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in mental health ward environments and perinatal mental health.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver competent care under supervision based on care plans.
• Support mothers with personal hygiene and daily living skills.
• Maintain a safe and clean ward environment.

Skills

Communication Skills

Mental Health Awareness

Flexibility

Physical Health Monitoring

Education

Good General Education

Care Certificate or Willingness to Obtain

GCSE or Equivalent

Job description

Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust

There is an exciting permanent opportunity for two highly motivated and enthusiastic Healthcare Workers (full-time & part-time posts available) to join our experienced multi-disciplinary team on Rosewood Mother & Baby Unit (MBU).

The successful candidates will work within the MBU as valued members of the multi-disciplinary team, providing high-quality nursing care for mothers experiencing acute perinatal mental health issues and their babies.

The Senior Healthcare Worker is a key member of the care team with the following responsibilities:

• Deliver effective and competent care under limited supervision, based on the mothers' care plans.
• Supervise Healthcare Workers and Apprentice Healthcare Workers, providing guidance and training as needed.
• Be fully aware of the needs of the mother over a 24-hour period.
• Act as a role model to colleagues and mothers.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and secure workplace, adhering to relevant health and safety legislation and Trust policies.

This role involves shift work covering 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Main duties of the job

Record all care accurately in the electronic patient record system and validate entries.

Support mothers to maintain and improve independence through active participation in therapeutic activities.

Report and document care given and information required by the nurse in charge.

Provide physical health checks and care as instructed.

Support mothers with personal hygiene and appearance, offering advice and assistance.

Carry out therapeutic observation checks as required.

Maintain a clean ward environment and assist mothers with daily living skills.

Escort mothers to hospital appointments and Section 17 leave if requested.

Lead in specific ward areas such as Wellbeing, Health & Safety, or Patient Activity.

Serve food and drinks, encouraging mothers to eat and drink as appropriate.

Undertake relevant training, participate in supervision and appraisals.

Work various shifts, including nights, and at other Trust sites if needed.

About us

Join us in the Garden of England, where we offer professional development and a high quality of life.

We are Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT), providing mental health, learning disability, and specialist services to 1.8 million people in Kent and Medway, with some services in Sussex and Surrey. We are rated Good by the CQC.

Annually, we care for over 2,000 hospital patients and 54,000 community-based individuals.

Our diverse workforce of over 3,800 staff from 66 nationalities is committed to excellent care, with everyone playing a vital role.

Our mission: "We deliver brilliant care through brilliant people."

Our vision: "To provide outstanding care and work in partnership to deliver this in the right place, for every service user, every time."

Check out our recruitment videos on YouTube.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description for full details.

Job description

Please refer to the attached job description for full details.

****Previous applicants need not apply****

Person Specification

Training and Qualifications

• Good general education, literacy and numeracy skills, Care Certificate or willingness to work towards it, GCSE or equivalent.
• Education or experience in Health/Social Care.

Experience

• Experience working in a mental health ward environment.
• Previous experience in perinatal mental health.

Knowledge and Skills

• Awareness of mental health disorders/diagnoses.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written).
• Flexibility in work.
• Knowledge of physical health monitoring.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure check will be required.

Employer name

Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust

Salary: £25,883 to £26,958 per annum plus HCAS