Bank Health Care Assistant, Mental Health

Somerset Foundation Trust are looking for Mental Health Healthcare Assistants to join our Bank team.

Are you looking to develop your career in healthcare, a flexible approach to working and a rewarding job role with satisfaction guaranteed.

Working in our Bank team could be the perfect fit for you

We' re looking for confident and approachable team players. Can you deliver empathy, outstanding care and are able to be non-judgemental and deliver fantastic patient care.

Our aim is to deliver a challenging, rewarding career where a sense of value and support is our priority.

We will provide a full corporate and local induction on appointment. In addition to which you will have training and development opportunities which will further enhance your career in healthcare.

This role includes listening and talking to patients, relatives & carers, observing patients behaviour, providing close observation to ensure patient safety (one to one), encouraging them with eating, drinking & personal hygiene.

Involving them in diversional activities including escorting patients out of the unit, dealing with anger (explanations, negotiation and de-escalation), assisting in the management of violent episodes & helping in the administration of medication.

Communicating within the immediate clinical team, with the unit’s medical staff, and liaising with a wide range of professionals involved in care.

As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, continuing professional development and regular informal conversations around career progression, annual recognition awards to celebrate and recognise our colleagues achievements throughout the year and not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.

We work hard to make sure that inclusion is part of everything we do. We know that true inclusion means we’re able to provide the best care for our patients and provide a fulfilling career for all our colleagues.

The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone’s throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London - there is truly something for everyone

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable.

We have six active and impactful colleague networks. These networks provide a safe space for colleagues to share their experiences and learn from one another, but also influence change across our trust:

- Multicultural Network
- Women’s Network
- Armed Forces’ Network
- LGBTQ+ Network
- Lived Experience Network, for colleagues living with disabilities
- Autistic Colleague Network

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Health Care Assistant/Activity Support Worker is a member of the clinical team and plays a contributory role in facilitating the health and well-being of the patients which may include:
1.Recognising the individuality of the patient and help to meet his or her social, emotional and intellectual needs.
2.Will be involved in the delivery and coordination of ward activities
3.Ensuring that basic physical needs are met, such as adequate diet, hygiene, warmth, comfort and safety.
4.Assisting in planned treatments in accordance with the multi-disciplinary team approach.
5.Providing and receiving routine information to assist in undertaking own job.
Health Care and Activity duties required to be undertaken under the direction and/or supervision of a qualified nurse/Occupational Therapist in line with care plans.
1. Performing procedures only after instruction.
2.Developing communication skills with patients/carers and relatives.
3.Maintaining open communication with staff and other professionals.
4. Encouraging and assisting patients to participate in group and individual therapeutic activities.
5.Accompanying patients on therapeutic activities both on and off the unit.
6.Assisting in the promotion of comfort and hygiene.
7.Maintaining patient privacy, by use of appropriate available aids, e.g. screens, curtains etc.
8.Assisting in the running of groups and activities.
9.Assisting new staff by example and experience.
10.Assist with management of challenging behaviour (verbal and physical aggression) under supervision from trained member of staff. This may require the restraint of patients once suitably trained.
11.Work as co-key worker and participate in reviewing and carrying out planned programmes of care.
12.Assist in the administration of medication and treatments.
13.Carry out observations in accordance with Trust Policy - frequent requirement for concentration.

GENERAL DUTIES
1. Taking part in ward/team meetings and discussions.
2.Assisting in the admission and transfer of patients.
3.Receiving visitors.
4.Recording of information on c