Healthcare Assistant

Haringey GP Federation; Barnstaple; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job description

An exciting opportunity to join the rehabilitation inpatientteam on Ocean view has arisen for band 3 healthcare support workers/nursingassistants, to join an established team of nurses, occupational therapists anda full multi-disciplinary team. Ocean view is well equipped and has a lovelygarden and outside therapy area, a gym, art room and bespoke kitchen, purposebuilt to maximise patients recovery.

Ocean view is an 8 bedded ward for rehabilitation ofpatients with severe mental illness, primarily complex psychosis, and islocated at North Devon District hospital, Barnstaple. The role of the band 3covers assisting the registered nurses in the safe day to day running of theward. This includes physical health care and promotion, assisting with Acts ofDaily Living, providing patients escorts, helping them engage with physicalactivities, participating in groups, and completing full and accurate documentation.The role also requires facilitating activities such as home visits or escortingpatients to social and recreational activities within the local community.

The focus of the service will be to support recovery,provide hope and rehabilitation by delivering the intensive inpatient componentof the care pathway to people with complex severe mental illness. The band 3nursing assistant is an integral part of the team and plays a vital role inhelping patients achieve their full potential and progress towards a successfuldischarge.

Main duties of the job

A day for a band 3 nursing assistant may include thefollowing: safety checks on the ward and on the patients themselves. Helpingpatients to get up in good time to participate in ADLs- washing dressing,maintaining personal hygiene, eating healthily, and participation in groups,such as budgeting, relaxation, yoga. This may also involve escorting patientsoff the ward for physical activities, home visits, shopping or recreationalactivities.

The band 3 nursing assistant may help or prompt the patient to preparetheir own lunch, ensuring food safety standards are maintained. The roleincludes working alongside other professionals, such as Occupational therapistsand the ward psychiatrist.

The role is fulfilling, for example helping patientsto grow their own food and maintain a lovely garden, and is at timeschallenging, such as responding to emergency alarms and engaging in the safeand effective management of violence and aggression across the unit. We expectthe successful applicant to be flexible, resourceful, caring and responsive,and in turn they will be given the training and support to become confident andcompetent in the role.

About us

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 responsibilities

Job Purpose

To assist multi-disciplinary team members in thedelivery of care and treatment to people using services. The care provided willencompass social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of theindividuals.

Be responsible for undertaking practical proceduresunder the supervision of trained nursing staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

Communication & WorkingRelationships

• To communicate effectively with people using services taking intoaccount any communication difficulties they may have and respondingappropriately.
• To form and maintain therapeutic relationships with individuals andother 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 relevantlegislation, policies and procedures.
• Taking, recording and reporting telephone messages.
• Providing and receiving routine information to assist in undertaking therole.
• Participate in ward / team meetings and discussions.

Planning & Organisation

• To be involved in the assessment and implementation of individualtreatment programmes and the persons recovery care plan under the supervisionof qualified staff.
• To prioritise tasks and manage the shift workload in discussion with theNurse-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 theward.
• In order to provide comprehensive and quality services to individuals,the post holder will if necessary be required to work in other areas of theservice 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, andcompetencies.
• Take part in the constant assessment of risk and management of risk inconjunction 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 inaccordance with Trust Policies.

Responsibility for Patient/ClientCare, Treatment & Therapy

• To be fully aware of each individuals recovery care plan and be involvedin clinical formulation and delivery of allocated individuals recovery careplans.
• 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, offeringtime in positive activity and engagement.
• Participate in procedures involving intensive engagement and care ofindividuals 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 ofa registered nurse.
• Be able to recognise signs of abuse and know procedures they need tofollow 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 carersat 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 andwelfare rights.
• Participating in ward / team Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings anddiscussions.
• Keep accurate records of interventions and care provided as identifiedin patient care plans as directed by the Nurse-in-Charge and ensure all entriesare validated on the electronic records system.
• Promptly report any difficulties encountered whilst implementing agreedcare plans to the Nurse-in-Charge, and be able to report both verbally and inwritten form against progress of care plans.
• To complete all core training requirements and other appropriatetraining courses, to maintain individual professional development.
• To comply with all DPT policies, protocols, procedures relevant to therole.
• Report any observed incidence of unprofessional behaviour,accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences or faulty equipment to theNurse-in-charge or Line Manager.
• To participate professionally in service development and proposedservice changes.
• To take part in any audit processesas required.
• Comply with universal InfectionControl 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 regardingpatient's property and monies.
• To ensure accurate documentation and record keeping.
• To participate in the monitoring, ordering and receipts of stock andnon-stock supplies of the ward.

Responsibility for Supervision,Leadership & Management

• To actively participate in regular supervision and an annual staffappraisal which includes service objectives and individual learning anddevelopment needs in accordance with Trust policy.
• To participate in and support students learning along with other membersof 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 eithercurrent or in the future as commensurate with the role.
• Maintaining confidentiality of information being aware of Trust policiesand local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.

Freedom to Act

• Works within the standard operational procedures of the team. Uses owninitiative in delivering patient care whilst receiving supervision from theteam.

Any Other Specific Tasks Required

• To contribute to the provision of a safe therapeutic environment forindividuals, 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 theyshould be able to demonstrate they are able to undertake the level of generaltraining 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 Preventionof Violence, Management is a requirement of the role, the post holder mustdeclare physical fitness to undertake such a role.
• The post holder should act quickly to protect the safety of individualsif they have reason to believe that they or a colleague may not be fit toundertake the duties within their job role.
• Act within competency.

Person Specification

Experience

• Previous employment / experience of working with people in a caring situation or previous experience working in a different role within mental health services
• Previous care experience with people who have Mental Health difficulties.

Knowledge and skills

• Willingness to undertake training commensurate with role show interest in developing self
• 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 Demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries Problem solving skills 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 patient and tolerant in challenging situations.
• Show interest in developing self through further training
• Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations.

Qualifications

• Basic Education to a good standard.
• 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.
• 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.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

£24,937 to £26,598 a yearworking unsocial hours including nights, enhancements are payable