Community Health Care Support Worker

Rapid Response is a new service, based on the success of Blue Light Triage team who successfully worked with both police and ambulance colleagues to meet the needs of those in mental health crisis which, with very few exceptions has been in their own homes, therefore avoiding a conveyance to A&E and the use of S136 within its operational hours.

Due to the development of this service we are looking for community support workers who will be willing to work flexibly across sites, but primarily based in Crawley. The role is to assist the mental health professionals to carry out their duties and the functions of the team. The mental health professionals role is to carry out person centred interventions and assessments and develop care plans that can address a mental health crisis, including a self-defined crisis. This could be on the telephone, virtually or 'at scene'. The role of the support worker will be to drive the mental health professional to the location required if they are required 'on scene'. To be able to provide basic first aid if required and assist the mental health professional by providing support to carers. Prior to, and following an intervention support the mental health professional with administrative tasks.

The Rapid Response will operate every day of the week between midday and midnight, with staff working a long day shift. Rapid Response Teams will also work in partnership with Blue Light Line who provide a single point of access to Paramedics and Police giving information and clinical advice to ensure that patients achieve the best outcomes and reduce the need for conveyance to A&E and alternatives to the use of S136

Main duties of the job

• To be an active team member supporting the Rapid Response Practitioner to fulfil the requirements of their role.
• To be confident in communicating with Police and Paramedics and to accurately record messages and conversations.
• Support carers and loved ones at scene if required, enabling the Rapid Response practitioner to focus on their assessment/intervention.
• To assist the Rapid Response Practitioner with administrative tasks including data entry, care note requirements and clinical entries.
• To contribute to improving access to supportive services for persons in mental health crisis

Working in Sussex:

• Travel easily between coast and countryside, with a blend of picturesque villages and seaside towns
• Embrace the city life with great access to visit Brighton and London
• With easy access to Gatwick and Heathrow and excellent railway links across the UK there is plenty of opportunity for adventure

We'd love you to join our organisation that is rated 'good' overall and 'outstanding' for caring by the CQC. Our staff agree, in our recent staff survey 82% told us that they recognise that care for patients is our top priority.

In order to be a successful member in our team you will be:

• Experience working in mental health services or a care setting and willing to enhance your skills
• Knowledgeable of factors which can impact on safety and service user experience
• Knowledgeable of factors which can impact on safety for emergency service colleagues.

Shifts are long days and evenings over 7 days but we will consider flexible working. The shift requirements ensure this post has generous enhancements attached to it.

It is essential you have:

• Either experience in an Urgent Care setting, ideally a CRHT or psychiatric liaison
• Or experience of crisis assessment in any setting that provides a safety care plan.

See attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.