Jobs at Avon in United States

Description of the duties

To make evidence based assessment of the interest and activities of each service user within Secure Services and to work with the named nurse to plan and implement these activities, which promote recovery.

To develop therapeutic relationships with individuals ensuring service users choice, development and independence.

To explore and introduce a broad range of activities i.e. social, recreational, vocational and physical activities outside of the mental health service to promote social inclusion and to negotiate activities with individuals and groups.

To liaise with other wards and departments to facilitate transfer back to the locality ward. To create and maintain partnerships with leisure and recreational providers within the local and wider community.

To maintain and assist with development of current activity programme demonstrating activities with service users. To plan and execute escorting service users in the community, some of whom may be on a Section of the Mental Health Act. This involves spending frequent long periods of time away from the unit and without the direct supervision of trained staff

To work on a sessional basis with individuals and groups.

To promote a healthy lifestyle by running swimming and walking groups

To support service users in activities of daily living as required i.e. Hygiene, budgeting and dressing To work with individuals in food purchase preparation and cooking.

To give feedback on an individual’s participation in activities to the care team To chair the community meeting on a weekly basis ensuring service users are fully involved and that minutes are recorded and produced.

To escort service users on courses/specific activities until they are confident enough to do so independently To frequently assess and manage risk whilst working with service users.

To work effectively with the Multi-disciplinary Team. To promote activities within Secure Services. To meet regularly with the OT Department, activity forum and discuss activities and Service User progress To work within a delegated activities budget from within the unit. To secure funding for activities from outside of the unit i.e. Charities and Trusts.

To promote wider members of the Staff team involvement in activities. Knowledge of the MHA especially pertaining to Section 17 Leave.

To assist with the audit and recording of activities. To promote the standards associated with ‘Safewards’ and other quality initiatives aimed at improving the service user experience

• Completion of the Health Care Assistants Development Programme or equivalent e.g NVQ 3, National Diploma

• Associate Nurse Practitioner training

• Experience of working with people with severe and enduring mental health problems in an acute mental health setting
• Experience of working alone in the community with service users
• Experience of working with people detained under the Mental Health Act
• Knowledge of commonly used medications/treatments

• Experience of working with people with substance misuse issues and/or a dual