About this role
Job summary
Redhills Crisis House, Exeter provides a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis who require a short period of intensive support away from their home setting.
The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. As such, this role requires flexibility to work a range of shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and public holidays.
Our primary aim is to support service users in managing and resolving their crisis through comprehensive assessment and treatment, delivered within a homely and therapeutic environment
Main duties of the job
The Support Worker will provide direct therapeutic engagement to service users experiencing a crisis, offering person-centred support in a co-produced manner. The aim is to assist individuals in moving away from the point of crisis and towards the achievement of their identified goals, with a focus on solution-building and recovery.
As part of the Crisis House Team, the post holder will develop and maintain strong links with carers, families, and wider support networks. This will enable the development of a co-produced management plan that supports the individual in containing their current crisis, while building on existing strengths, skills, and community connections to promote ongoing wellbeing and future resilience.
The Support Worker will also contribute to the day-to-day running of the Crisis House, ensuring a safe, structured, and supportive environment. This includes supporting service users to maintain their activities of daily living and promoting independence wherever possible.
The post holder will be supervised by the House Manager and will receive additional support, as required, from the Home Treatment Team, particularly in relation to risk management and responding to any deterioration in a service users mental state.
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
Communication and Working Relationship Skills
To communicate effectively with people using services, using tact and empathy 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 crisis house team meetings and discussions.Analytical and Judgemental Skills
Take part in the constant assessment of risk and management of risk in conjunction with the Home Treatment Team 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.Planning and Organisational Skills
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 adhering to individuals plan of care; escalating concerns to the Home Manager or the Home Treatment Team. Participate in flexible shift system, which requires you to work days, evening, nights, weekends and public holiday's dependant on the needs of the crisis house. 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 House Manager.Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy
To be fully aware of each individuals recovery care plan and be involved in clinical formulation and delivery of individuals recovery care plans. Supporting service users to maintain their activities of daily living needs and where required supporting the provision of food, fluids and basic care needs. 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. To provide support with daily living skills. Be able to recognise signs of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns. To work with carers and families in the development of support plans and onward care and to advocate for the views of both the service users and carers in support planning. To observe, report and record any changes in the service users physical/mental health and behaviour and to effectively escalate concerns as appropriate. To be aware of community resources and facilitate the appropriate referral of service users to those best able to help them and to assist in updating team knowledge of community resources. Provide 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. To assist individuals to gain access to resources including benefits and welfare rights. Participating in Crisis House Team meetings and discussions. Keep accurate records of interventions and care provided as identified in patient care plans. Promptly report any difficulties encountered whilst implementing agreed care plans to the House Manager / Home Treatment Team and be able to report both verbally and in written form against progress of care plans.Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation
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 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 and 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 crisis house
Person Specification
Experience Essential
1. Previous employment / experience of working with people in a caring situation or previous experience working in a different role within mental health services 2. Previous care experience with people who have Mental Health difficulties. 3. Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations. 4. Awareness of safeguarding principles
Communication and Working Relationship Skills Essential
1. Demonstrate an ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships 2. Good communication and listening skills 3. Ability to work with people in a group and individual basis 4. Good written communication. 5. Able to work in a team effectively 6. Demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries
Qualifications Essential
1. NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification. 2. 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.
Employer details Employer name Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Address Redhills Crisis House
Exwick Road
Exeter
Devon
EX4 2DA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)