About this role
Job summary
We are looking for dynamic and enthusiastic people to join our Hospital Division In-Patient Mental Health Services as Clinical Support Workers at our entry level (AfC Band 3) for mental health NHS careers.
These roles involve direct, face to face patient care to acutely unwell service users who have been admitted to an in-patient psychiatric ward.
The candidate will be passionate about working with women with an understanding of trauma informed care.
The role requires passion and dedication as it is a fast past and demanding role. The candidate will have excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong therapeutic relationships whilst being adaptable to the changing environment.
Main duties of the job
Clinical Support Workers are the backbone of our Nursing and Health Care workforce - they are based on our wards and work as part of our Nursing teams working alongside our Occupational Therapists, Nurses, Psychologists and Psychiatrists caring and supporting services users through the most challenging part of their mental health crises.
Successful candidates will be expected to undertake focussed one to one therapeutic conversations with service users who are in hospital, some of whom may be detained under the Mental Health Act. At times this might involve enhanced observations, environmental safety checks and physical observations. The role is diverse but the focus is always on maintaining a strong physical presence within the ward environment - collaborating with the individual service users in relation to their care plans.
Good written and verbal communication is key alongside a 'can do...will do' positive and compassionate approach and attitude and the ability to work as part of a team is essential.
You will be expected to undertake day and night shifts across a 7 day working pattern and be required to complete training on the prevention of management and violence (PMVA) and basic life support (BLS).
About us
North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is committed to improving mental health care across North London to deliver excellent services to our local people.
Our Five-Year Strategy:
We will provide consistently high-quality care closer to home. With our partners in North London and each borough we will ensure equity of outcome for all We will offer great places to work, providing staff with supportive environment to deliver outstanding care Why NLFT?
We develop and retain our staff through leadership behaviours and managers programme and many more opportunities. We promote flexible working and support staff with a range of health and wellbeing initiatives. NHS Discounts, generous annual leave and NHS pension scheme Excellent internal staff network
Job description Job responsibilities
The role of the Clinical Support Worker on an Women's acute/PICU Ward can be demanding but is rewarding as you support the service user to recovery and readiness for discharge during their stay.
Experience with care and understanding of mental health is essential. The Care Certificate although not essential is desirable, if you do not currently have a Care Certificate you must be willing to work towards achieving it.
We aim to support service users and their carers/family during their in-patient admissions so as a Clinical Support Worker your feedback and close involvement with service users whilst they are in hospital is key to their achieving a successful and well-planned discharge.
Person Specification
Education Qualifications Essential
NVQ level 3 in Mental Health or Certificate in Mental Health or Current experience within a Mental Health or Substance Misuse Team. Educated to GCSE level or equivalent (with a minimum of 5 A - E qualifications - which must include Maths and English)
Desirable
Additional Courses related to Mental Health Care or equivalent
Skills and Ability Essential
Good verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrate an understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems. Demonstrate well developed interpersonal skills. Demonstrate passion for working in a PICU/Acute Mental Health Women's environment
Desirable
Awareness of patient / service user care within the wider context of the organisation.
Experience Essential
Previous experience of working in a Health or Social Care setting in a paid or voluntary position. To be able to demonstrate awareness of a range of factors that contribute to mental ill health or addiction.
Desirable
Demonstrate skills in undertaking a range of physically observation ie BP, Pulse, respiration rate, urinalysis Demonstrate awareness of the Mental Health Act and its implications/ Demonstrate awareness of Health and Social Care or Substance Abuse legislation relevant to role Currently working in a care delivery role in either mental health; acute or community setting
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name North London NHS Foundation Trust
Address Highgate West Mental Health Centre
Dartmouth Park Hill
London
N19 5NX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.northlondonmentalhealth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)