Health Care Support Worker

To support the provision of psychologically informed healthcare with clients experiencing mental ill health within the context of a multi-disciplinary primary care service and support the delivery of evidence based mental health care to clients in Ysbyty Cwm Cynon and Keir Hardie Health Park.

The post holder will be required to work without direct supervision.

The post holder will be expected to assist with the organisation and facilitation of the therapeutic groups.

**The role will involve**:

- Working 1:1 with patients providing emotional support and relaxation techniques.
- Facilitating and assisting in the setting up and running of psycho -education courses and groups.
- Mental Health promotion involving the development of effective relationships between primary care and local communities and other services in the voluntary and statutory sector.
- Any other duties as delegated by registered practitioners, in line with the job description.

We are looking for a Band 3 Health care support worker to work in our ambitious Primary Care Mental Health Services. The post will cover two locations - Ysbyty Cwm Cynon, Mountain Ash with occasional work in Kier Hardie Health Park, Merthyr Tydfil.

Do you have a genuine interest in working with people who are experiencing mental health difficulties within the primary care setting?
Do you work well with individuals on a 1-1 basis and in group situations? Are you forward thinking, and highly organised?

1. Communications and Relationships skills
- Observe and report the effects of all interventions to the primary care practitioners, assistant practitioners and therapists through individual discussions, team meetings and clinical reviews.
- Use a range of methods to promote effective communication both verbally and written methods including electronic systems, telephone calls, case recordings, etc.
- Overcome barriers to communication such as lack of motivation and distress as a consequence of mental illness.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of all contact with services uses/ carers and other clinical contacts.
- Work closely with a range of agencies, including Primary Care, Local Authorities, Voluntary organisations and Housing providers.
- Ensure all incidents which may compromise Health and Safety are reported in an appropriate and timely manner.

1. Knowledge, Training and Experience

**The post holder will**:

- Must have experience of delivering direct patient care in a Health or Social care setting.
- Must posses an NVQ level 3 qualification or equivalent level of competency assessed training.
- Have an appreciation and understanding of the challenges faced by people with mental ill health.
- Have a basic understanding of the mental health act
- Be required to attend relevant training including mandatory and statutory training.

1. Analytical and Judgmental Skills

**The post holder will**:

- Be required to work within your level of competence and discuss any concerns with your line manager. At no time should you work outside your level of competence.
- Provide written and verbal reports based on facts and observations.

1. Planning and Organisational Skills
- With guidance from a registered practitioner be responsible for prioritising and organising day to day workload and activities.
- Be required to attend relevant meetings, training and supervision as indicated by Primary Care Practitioners.
- Organisation and facilitation of clinics and other group based activities with support of the Multidisciplinary Team.
- Setting appointments, booking ambulances and transport and facilitating the running of the therapeutic groups in accordance with planned care.

1. Physical Skills
- Provide a range of interventions required to support service users meeting their personal care needs.
- Physical dexterity to carry out and record observations such as blood pressure and temperature etc.
- Safe Breakaway techniques

1. Patient/Client Care Responsibilities
- Will demonstrate a positive attitude towards service users’ recovery which is based on commitment, hope and optimism.
- Develop rapport based upon a working relationship which maintains appropriate boundaries at all times.
- Work closely with service users to meet the needs and achieve the goals identified in their individual care plans.
- Be aware of documented relapse indicators as identified in the care plan monitoring for early signs of relapse reporting progress, level of functioning and mental state to the Primary Care Practitioners.
- Provide practical support to service users and their carers to meet activities of daily living and to maintain independent living. Being mindful to promote skill-development and independence as far as possible.
- Provide information on health promotion and healthy lifestyle programmes.
- Enable and support service users to access a wide range of community resources based upon individual need.
- Participate in meaningful educational and leisure activities with service use