Physical Health Support Worker

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 92,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Christchurch seeks a Physical Health Support Worker to enhance physical health for individuals with serious mental illness. Responsibilities include conducting health assessments, building relationships with patients, and collaborating with mental health teams. Ideal candidates will have NVQ Level 3 in care or equivalent, alongside strong communication skills and a desire to improve health outcomes.

Benefits

High-quality training programs

Protected time for training and supervision

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Ability to drive and travel using own vehicle for Trust business.
• Willingness to undertake Continuing Personal Development.
• Experience of working with clients and understanding NHS.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with people for health checks.
• Provide physical health assessments in various settings.
• Support individuals in accessing care and developing health goals.

Skills

Effective interpersonal skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Good coordination and organisation skills

Knowledge of physical/mental health conditions

Education

NVQ Level 3 in care, or equivalent qualification

Job description

Go back Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Physical Health Support Worker

The closing date is 16 October 2025

You will be required to build relationships with people who may struggle to access support for their health needs, proactively inviting people for an annual physical health check.

We are looking for an individual who is passionate in making a positive contribution to improving the physical health for people living with SMI within primary and secondary services, supporting them in accessing appropriate level of care.

You will be required to have strong organisational skills and be able to work independently within the boundaries of your role whilst being able to seek support and guidance from senior colleagues and other professionals.

We offer a high-quality training covering core mental health awareness, physical health promotion and behaviour change for people living with SMI. You will have protected time to access relevant training and appropriate supervision & reflective practice as well as access to multidisciplinary team structures as part of continued development.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be working closely with the existing teams in Primary and Secondary care to enhance the provision by providing comprehensive physical health assessments (in both clinic and home settings), signpost individuals to services to improve their physical health and set goals with individuals to help improve their physical health.

You will be working closely with, and managed by, Christchurch Community Mental Health Team but embedded within Primary Care GP Surgeries to provide the physical health care needs for people within primary and secondary care services.

You will be working with individuals and relevant staff through the process to develop physical health care goals and plans to promote and encourage self-management of physical health. Develop and promote individuals to develop supportive relationships with key partner organisations and communities to support sustainability.

To provide a comprehensive physical health monitoring, assessment and annual review appointments for people diagnosed with a serious mental illness in a clinical setting, seeking to reduce the health inequality and mortality gap these individuals face and promoting positive lifestyle choices.

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 be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare is working in partnership with The Princes Trust to support people getting into work, as part of this partnership, we are offering an employability service to support individuals between 16-30 years old with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support please do contact [e-mail]

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

Person Specification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND TRAINING

• NVQ Level 3 in care, or equivalent qualification or level of experience
• Willingness to undertake Continuing Personal Development
• Willingness to complete relevant physical health checks and interventions training

JOB SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE

• Experience of working with clients, the public or both
• Experience of working as part of a team towards a common goal
• Basic understanding of the NHS and its independencies
• Experience of mental health (as worker, carer or own experience)
• Experience of working in physical health care settings
• Knowledge of physical/mental health conditions and/or the NHS Long Term Plan for health inequalities

Other

• Ability to drive o Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.

PERSONAL QUALITIES/ATTRIBUTES

• Effective interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good I.T and care record/data entry skills
• Good coordination and organisation skill
• Awareness of local services and the ability to promote close working relationships with outside agencies
• A desire to make a positive contribution to improving the physical health for people with mental health issues
• Existing skills in physical health i.e. phlebotomy or promoting health change i.e. motivational interviewing or coaching (formal or non-formal)

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.

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust