Healthcare Assistant

Job summary

hours per week

We are looking for an enthusiastic HealthcareAssistant to join our multi-disciplinary CAMHS Inpatient Adolescent Team.

PlymBridge House is a 12 bed, regional Tier 4 inpatient unit. We accept youngpeople from Devon and Cornwall, aged between 12 and 18 years, with severe andcomplex mental health disorders such as PTSD, psychotic states, anorexianervosa and severe depression/anxiety conditions.

We have an experienced therapy team comprisingof occupational therapy, clinical psychology and family therapy. This isalongside a large nursing team, medical and education teams.

Underthe supervision of Registered Nurses the post holder will be expected to usetechnical/creative skills to assist in the provision of a flexible,client-centred programme of therapeutic activities for individuals and groupsof young people at Plym Bridge House.

This is an exciting opportunity to join arespected team who engage in rewarding and intensive work with the most complexand challenging presentations. The service is part of the broader PlymouthCAMHS and the newly created south west provider collaborative.

The role including working weekends and nights on a rotational basis.

"Please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility"

Main duties of the job

The role of the Senior NursingAssistant is to assist the trained nurse in delivering physical, social, andpsychological care to the patient / client with mental health problems /illness, admitted to the Unit or within the community.

The post holder will berequired to work both within the ward unit and with clients in thecommunity. This will involve contactwith relatives, carers and other agencies.They will carry out interventions as part of the care plans and record informationusing the CPA process on electronic patients notes.

The postholder will be directed to undertake tasks once adequate instruction has beengiven by the trained nurse and both parties are confident that the task can befulfilled competently. The post holderwill provide line management and mentorship to junior staff.

However,the trained nurse is required to carry the responsibility for decision makingand direction.

About us

Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise providing integrated health & social care services for people across Plymouth, South Hams & West Devon, as well as some specialist services for people living in parts of Devon & Cornwall. With teams in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, health & wellbeing hubs.

As an organisation with a strong social conscience, we always value being kind, respectful, inclusive, ambitious, responsible and collaborative. Transforming services to make them sustainable, ensuring that we value, support & empower each other.

We are committed to involving the people we care for, families & carers in everything that we do, working towards co-production where we can. Helping us to deliver the right care for people, in the right place & at the right time. By putting people at the centre of what we do, we ensure to support people to lead, healthy independent lives & be the very best at helping people to live well.

Valuing our employees making an investment in their development a priority. We offer:

Protected CPD time for registered staff

Various development pathways and ongoing regular training packages for all staff

Leadership & mentoring programmes

Access & funding for training including Care Certificate, Assistant Practitioners Course & Scholarship Into Nurse Training

A Robust Preceptorship

A bespoke induction programme

Existing members of the NHS Pension Scheme can continue their membership when they join the organisation.

Job description

Job responsibilities

SCOPE AND RANGE

To work under the direction of a registered member of nursing staff, but at times will not have direct supervision (as in a community setting).

To work within a team supporting and assisting qualified staff in the implementation of patient care, that includes personal hygiene, toileting, undressing and dressing of patients, moving and handling and assisting with mobilisation.

To undertake a range of competencies which may include service specific training appropriate to the role/service.

To undertake a range of observations and ensure they are communicated and recorded appropriately.

To use clinical decision-making tools to inform care, such as, Waterlow, MUST etc and be able to highlight significant results to senior staff

Once assessed as competent, perform simple wound care, blood sugar monitoring, venepuncture, temperature, blood pressures, pulse oximetry and other clinical responsibilities as delegated by the registered nursing staff.

To provide self-directed, individual activities for specified patients both in all healthcare settings working within risk management guidelines, as this may include working alone in the unit for periods of time under the guidance of a registered nurse

To be able to identify when there may be a safeguarding risk for any patient or carer and know the process to follow

Participate in the unit wide response team which responds to any untoward incident to ensure safety in the wards and to be fully trained in Physical Intervention (which will be in date).

To carry out efficiently and effectively task and instructions assigned by the registered nurse

To undertake only those tasks for which she / he has had instruction and is competent to fulfil as a senior healthcare assistant.

To provide mentorship and support to junior staff or students

To engage with audits, quality improvement projects and service changes as directed by the ward manager.

To provide a high standard of care under the direction and supervision of more senior staff

To assist the multi-disciplinary team in the delivery and evaluation of patient care.

To liaise across inpatient and community colleagues in the statutory and non-statutory services as appropriate.

To provide professional influence, direction, clarification and support for new and existing staff, nursing, occupational therapy, students, volunteers, and carers as appropriate as part of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT).

To ensure the adherence to Health and Safety and Infection Prevention and Control guidelines at all times.

MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibility for People Management

To be involved in the continued development of the Senior Health Care Assistant role and other Health Care Assistants

To provide guidance and support to junior staff or students

To provide line management to Health Care Assistants

To receive line management support and supervision

Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources

The post holder will have no direct responsibility for finances; however they will adhere to the relevant trust policies on financial issues

The post holder will use Livewell Southwest resources responsibly

Responsibility for administration

To ensure competencies in record keeping

Report any changes in the patients condition or care needs to the supervising trained nurse and / or relevant therapist and document accordingly.

Maintain accurate and complete patient records in accordance with organisational guidelines.

Maintain confidentiality of information being aware of Livewells policies and local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes

To access email and other information through Livewell Southwest intranet

Responsibility for people who use our services

Support peoples care through provision of key skills including emotional and spiritual care, positioning, communication, tissue viability, oral and personal hygiene, and nutritional awareness

Assist people to achieve there optimal level in their physical health care maintaining their comfort and dignity at all times.

To support patients to identify and overcome fears within a relationship of empathy and trust.

To monitor mental health of service users and report changes to qualified staff so that the care plan can be kept fully up to date. Be aware of fluctuations in mental health

To work with patients and carers to work towards recover

The post holder will promote better mental health by acting as a suitable role model

The post holder is required to comply with all infection prevention and control policies and guidance, attend relevant updates and report issues of concern to their immediate line manager (if no action or explanation received, then it is the individuals responsibility to escalate to Director of Operations/Chief Executive Office.

Be able to respond effectively to any concerns of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns

To participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned activity programmes to improve the persons quality of life. To record contacts, interventions and observations on the electronic record systems.

Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating care to patients. This to include participation in case review and assessment for admission / discharge process

Escort patients to other wards / departments or other areas designated by trained staff, which may include the community settings.

Record and manage patients property.

Responsibility for implementation of policy and/or service developments

To comply with Livewell southwest policies and procedures relevant to the role.

This will include adherence to Uniform & Dress Code Policy when worn.

To report any observed incident of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences, or faulty equipment.

To participate professionally in service development and proposed service changes

Comply with universal infection control precautions and procedures.

To behave in a manner which does not bring Livewell Southwest into disrepute

To complete all Mandatory training and other training pertinent to the role, as agreed by line manager

Other Responsibilities

The post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, and competencies

Be punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with Livewell southwest policies

To participate in induction and support programmes in relation to new staff and volunteers as directed by the nurse

To actively engage in clinical supervision both as a supervisor and supervisee if appropriate. In line with local guidelines review, reflect and develop own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal.

To demonstrate ongoing personal and professional development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, reflecting and recording learning outcomes in a professional portfolio. This would include support groups and induction opportunities.

To know how to report accidents and untoward incidents and to do so promptly.

COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

To act as an ambassador for Livewell with external agencies and partner organisations.

Always address staff, patients and members of the public in a politeand respectful manner either in person or on the telephone.

Be conversant with and comply with all relevant organisational protocols and policies and have valid organisational IT access.

Compassionate, caring and kind in their practice.

De-escalation skills

To support the team in promoting a recovery orientated environment by identifying recovery focused activities and imparting information and education as required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

The post holder will be competent in computer skills

The post holder may be exposed to some working conditions including exposure to vomit, sputum and body fluids.

The post holder will be expected to travel around Plymouth in the course of their duties as appropriate whether working ward or community based.

To undertake and be competent in physical intervention and breakaway training

Shift work including night shifts if working in a ward-based scenario

The post holder will be exposed to a working environment that is challenging because of systems and procedures that are in place to protect patients and staff. The post holder may be exposed to the risk of physical assault and injury and will have to carry an alarm with them at all times and work within the constraints of the safety procedures in the unit or community-based area (clients homes).The post holder may be exposed to emotionally distressing situations on a frequent basis as some people with mental illness have physical disabilities and complex health needs. These include challenging and unpredictable behaviour and learning disability issues. Also there is a need to develop rapport and effective therapeutic working in a pressured environment with a high turnover of patients whose needs are many and varied.

Emotional and mental resilience Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

NVQ level 3, QCF level 3 in Health and Social care or equivalent qualification. Care certificate. Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings. Ability to participate in activities with patients Ability to contribute to the process of and the delivery of high standard of care as planned in care programme

Desirable

Vocational Qualification Level II or able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and ability to work to that level Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.

knowledge and skills

Essential

Knowledge of mental health Knowledge of a range of therapeutic approaches and application to people with a learning disability/mental health problems Awareness of safeguarding principles Basic IT skills A basic understanding of physical health presentation Good communication and listening skills Continual assessment of patient Organisational skills Problem solving skills An awareness to maintain professional Boundaries Awareness of own limits and boundaries in relation to own job role Good written communication Sensitive understanding of diversity issues and ability to promote anti-discriminatory practice/ equal opportunities Resilience Willingness to positively share your own life experiences, personal experiences of your own ill health with service users and carers. Ability to problem solve and create innovative solutions to help empower patients and carers . Demonstrates an empathy of people Demonstrate effective communication skills with a range of people in various situations Ability to engage patients in activities off the Unit Ability to manage time and plan work. To complete clinical records To take leadership and direction from qualified staff To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties. Ability to work in a team effectively Should have ability to demonstrate basic IT skills Awareness of personal safety Able to work in challenging and unpredictable environmental conditions alone and with others effectively managing dynamic risks of our individual patient group. Physical Intervention in a ward environment Care plans and risk assessments Confidentiality De-escalation skills Motivated Compassionate Empathetic Reliable Confidence in dealing with patients Ability to work in stressful conditions Ability to work as part of a team

Desirable

Has the ability to provide line management / mentoring to junior staff Knowledge of government initiatives that shape mental health practice Willingness to undertake training in relation to required skills Knowledge of the triangle of care Knowledge of CPA Experience of variety of Mental Health settings Previous experience working in a multidisciplinary team. Working within an NHS setting Experience of actively supporting individuals to identify and work towards achieving personal goals in a related social care or health setting

Experience

Essential

Experience of one year in a Mental Health setting Band 2 level or equivalent Band 3 level or equivalent Awareness of vulnerable adult / protection issues and guidance Recent experience of working in a care setting Team working Clinical governance Ability to work with minimum of supervision To undertake baseline physical observations Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable

Experience of variety of Mental Health settings Previous experience working in a multidisciplinary team. Working within an NHS setting Experience of actively supporting individuals to identify and work towards achieving personal goals in a related social care or health setting

Specific skills

Essential

Friendly and caring manner Approachable An appreciation of working with a wide age group of clients Flexible approach To work rotational shift pattern over 24 hours

---