Healthcare Assistant

Job summary

We are seeking a Band 3 Health Care Assistant to join our Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at The Junipers in Exeter.

You will quickly become part of a friendly and supportive multi-disciplinary team where You will be using your skills and experience to deliver a package of care to people on our psychiatric intensive care ward that helps them on their road to recovery. We passionately believe that with our help, people can improve their mental health to recover independence and return to their local community.

About PICU

The Junipers is a state-of-the art, 10 bed psychiatric intensive care unit based in the beautiful grounds of Wonford House in Exeter. Junipers provides care for men and women with severe mental health needs.

About you

Were looking for a Health Care Assistant, you may already be working in a psychiatric intensive care setting or have an interest in working in this area. Above all, you will be passionate about providing the highest level of care to the people who use our service.

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team will mean you will need excellent communication skills.

As you will be based on a ward that operates 24/7, you will be comfortable with working on a shift basis for which you will qualify for unsocial enhancements in addition to your basic pay.

Please submit your application at the earliest opportunity as we will be regularly reviewing applications and interviewing whilst the vacancy remains open.

Main duties of the job

To assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using services. The care provided will encompass social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the individuals. Be responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

To assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using services. The care provided will encompass social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the individuals. Be responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

Communication & Working Relationships

To communicate effectively with people using services taking into account any communication difficulties they may have and responding appropriately. To form and maintain therapeutic relationships with individuals and other professionals and agencies. To maintain accurate and complete records consistent with legislation, policies and procedures. To communicate in a professional manner that is consistent with relevant legislation, policies and procedures. Taking, recording and reporting telephone messages. Providing and receiving routine information to assist in undertaking the role. Participate in ward / team meetings and discussions.

Planning & Organisation

To be involved in the assessment and implementation of individual treatment programmes and the persons recovery care plan under the supervision of qualified staff. To prioritise tasks and manage the shift workload in discussion with the Nurse-in-Charge. Participate in flexible shift system, which requires you to work days, evening, nights, weekends and public holiday's dependant on the needs of the ward. In order to provide comprehensive and quality services to individuals, the post holder will if necessary be required to work in other areas of the service as directed by the Line Manager / Nurse-in-Charge.

Responsibility for Judgement & Analysis

The post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, and competencies. Take part in the constant assessment of risk and management of risk in conjunction with the qualified staff. Take part and be aware of Health and Safety matters as appropriate. Be punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with Trust Policies.

Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment & Therapy

To be fully aware of each individuals recovery care plan and be involved in clinical formulation and delivery of allocated individuals recovery care plans. To participate fully in the allocated /associate nurse role. Participation in the delivery of therapeutic interventions, - assisting / facilitating in the running of group and individual 1-1 activities, offering time in positive activity and engagement. Participate in procedures involving intensive engagement and care of individuals who are distressed and / or verbally or physically aggressive. To provide support with daily living skills. Assist in all aspects of physical nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse. Be able to recognise signs of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns. Provide regular and practical support to individuals and their carers. To maintain the dignity and well being of individuals and their carers at all times. Assisting in the monitoring of patient nutritional needs. Escorting individuals under direction of Nurse-in-Charge. To assist individuals gain access to resources including benefits and welfare rights. Participating in ward / team Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings and discussions. Keep accurate records of interventions and care provided as indentified in patient care plans as directed by the Nurse-in-Charge and ensure all entries are validated on the electronic records system. Promptly report any difficulties encountered whilst implementing agreed care plans to the Nurse-in-Charge, and be able to report both verbally and in written form against progress of care plans

Policy, Service, Research, Innovation & Improvement

To complete all core training requirements and other appropriate training courses, to maintain individual professional development. To comply with all DPT policies, protocols, procedures relevant to the role. Report any observed incidence of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences or faulty equipment to the Nurse-in-charge or Line Manager. To participate professionally in service development and proposed service changes. To take part in any audit processes as required. Comply with universal Infection Control precautions and procedures.

Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources

Assist in maintaining safety and security of the environment. Helping to maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the environment (including equipment). To have knowledge and understanding of counter fraud. To ensure Trust policies and legislation are followed regarding patient's property and monies. To ensure accurate documentation and record keeping. To participate in the monitoring, ordering and receipts of stock and non-stock supplies of the ward.

Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management

To actively participate in regular supervision and an annual staff appraisal which includes service objectives and individual learning and development needs in accordance with Trust policy. To participate in and support students learning along with other members of the team.

Information Resources & Administrative Duties

To effectively use the Trust's IT systems (RiO), off duty (E-roster), learning and development (E-learning), online and any other IT systems either current or in the future as commensurate with the role. Maintaining confidentiality of information being aware of Trust policies and local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.

Freedom to Act

Works within the standard operational procedures of the team. Uses own initiative in delivering patient care whilst receiving supervision from the team.

Any Other Specific Tasks Required

To contribute to the provision of a safe therapeutic environment for individuals, staff and visitors to the unit. To take on responsibility for duties assigned by Line Manager. The post holder should ensure their fitness to undertake the post they should be able to demonstrate they are able to undertake the level of general training and personal safety training appropriate to their role and work area, and keep this training up-to-date. If the ability to perform Physical Intervention Techniques or Prevention of Violence, Management is a requirement of the role, the post holder must declare physical fitness to undertake such a role. The post holder should act quickly to protect the safety of individuals if they have reason to believe that they or a colleague may not be fit to undertake the duties within their job role. Act within competency. Person Specification

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Awareness of safeguarding principles IT skills Demonstrate an ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships Good communication and listening skills Ability to work with people in a group and individual basis Good written communication. Able to work in a team effectively Demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries Able to plan work, time management, completing records and recording observations etc. To take leadership and direction from qualified staff. To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties To demonstrate an ability to provide practical support with daily living activities, and physically perform nursing duties. To be able to respond promptly to physical and mental health emergencies, be able to think quickly and deal with situations in a calm and sensible manner. To be maintain confidentiality, empathy, compassion and patience, towards individuals with mental health illness. To be patient and tolerant in challenging situations.

Desirable

Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations Problem solving skills

Experience

Essential

Previous employment / experience of working with people in a caring situation or previous experience working in a different role within mental health services

Desirable

Previous care experience with people who have Mental Health difficulties.

Qualifications

Essential

Basic Education To complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of employment unless already obtained or evidence of equivalent agreed and signed off by the appointing manager at interview. If not, this will be a trainee position until successful completion

Desirable

NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification. Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.

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