Healthcare Support Worker

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Wathwood is a purpose-built 78 bed adult male medium secure Hospital. Located in its own grounds and surrounded by open countryside and woods, it caters for those aged over 18 years who require assessment and treatment of mental health difficulties in a secure environment. Wathwood is part of Nottinghamshire Healthcare, which is one of the country's leading mental health and learning disability service providers, employing over 6000 staff to provide these services over more than 100 sites.
The four wards allow a gradual progression so patients can develop their life skills and become better prepared for life in a less restrictive environment.
Wathwood promotes multidisciplinary teamwork, and you will be expected to communicate and review individual patient's care with members of the MDT.
Other benefits include substantial NHS pension scheme, free parking and use of the multi-gym, sports hall and swimming pool.
You will participate as a member of the nursing team in delivering, monitoring and contribute towards evaluating individual care/treatment plans and collaborate with other disciplines as required.
In support of a registered nurse, you will participate in the development and maintenance of a high quality of care within a secure environment, through involvement in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care. You will act as a role model to Band 2 Care Assistants. You will monitor and supervisor the work of junior grades as directed by the Nurse in Charge, subject to Trust policy and procedure.
Support registered nurses in maintaining general and specific patient observations and record all relevant information countersigned by a registered nurse.
Demonstrate, by example, an understanding of the responsibilities in relation to patient property and valuables, respecting cultural values.
Actively promote a responsible caring attitude at all times treating patients with dignity and respect.
Always act in a manner that ensures no patient is the subject of any form of abuse.
To report any incident of patient abuse which you become aware of to an appropriate person.
Always act in a manner as to promote and safeguard the interests and wellbeing of patients.
Participate and assist in coordinating in the escorting of patients as per hospital procedures.
Accompany patients, liaise and participate as needed, in recreational activities.
Maintain good order and cleanliness on the ward.
To provide support and supervision to Band 2 Care Assistants on areas allocated by qualified nursing staff.
To act as a role model for Band 2 Care Assistants participating in induction and "buddying" arrangements.
Please note that this post does not meet the pay level required for a Skilled worker visa.
Successful applicants with no prior NHS experience would normally be placed at the bottom of the band in line with Agenda for Change. This salary is below the minimum salary required for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa. In these circumstances the Trust would not, therefore, be able to sponsor for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa.
Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker Visa can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship against the relevant criteria here https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Person specification

Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria

• Demonstrate that they act in line with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Values: Trust Honesty Respect Compassion Teamwork
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and how it applies to their role. The Trust's expectations are highlighted within our EDI Policy, and associated EDI and Human Rights legislation

Physical requirements

Essential criteria

• Management of violence and aggression, restraint of patients
• Manual handling which may include manoeuvring of wheelchairs/trolleys/beds etc. as necessary

Qualifications/Academic/Professional

Essential criteria

• NVQ III in Health and Social Care, Care Certificate or equivalent or equivalent experience

Training

Essential criteria

• Willingness to undertake training that will enhance service delivery

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience of working in a Healthcare setting

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working within a mental health and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities setting or equivalent

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• To have a basic understanding of mental health difficulties, intellectual and developmental disability presentation and maintain an understanding and caring approach to patients

Skills

Essential criteria

• Ability to work as part of a team
• Good written/oral communication skills
• Diplomatic, caring & sympathetic
• Ability to be flexible
• Developed observations skills with the ability to record and report physical/mental health changes or any other concerns/observations of incidents or events and behaviours in an accurate and timely manner
• Standard keyboard skills

Contractual

Essential criteria

• Ability to work to meet the needs of the service
• A full UK driving licence and vehicle for business use is required for this post; however reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled individuals in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Additional Information

• The closing date given is a guide. We reserve the right to close the post early once we have received a sufficient number of applicants, so we advise you to submit your application early to prevent disappointment.
• We will be requesting references by email. Please ensure you include email addresses and contact numbers for your referees to avoid delay in the recruitment process.
• The Trust believes in treating everyone with dignity and respect and encourages applications from all sectors of the community. We guarantee an interview to candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum essential criteria.
• Communication regarding your application will be sent via email therefore, please ensure you regularly check your spam/junk folder.
• In submitting an application form, you authorise Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to confirm from your previous or current NHS employer and other prior employers; previous NHS service details and personal data held about you. This data will be transferred using NHS Electronic Staff Record and third party systems via an automated process and only used for the purposes of obtaining and maintaining accurate employment records, should you be appointed to the post. Should you require any further information please refer our Privacy Policy shown on the Trust website, please click here for more information.
• For eligible posts, DBS disclosures are mandatory before commencement of employment. If you are in a position that is deemed a regulated adult and/or child care role, you will not be able to start your employment until we have received a satisfactory DBS Disclosure. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Convictions which would otherwise be considered as 'spent' will also be checked as part of an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

• Healthcare Support Assistant JD including PS (PDF, 584.5KB)
• Colleague Benefits (PDF, 16.1MB)
• About Nottinghamshire Healthcare (PDF, 1.5MB)
• Colleague Benefits (PDF, 16.2MB)