About this role
Job summary
Join Us in Making a Real Difference
This is an exciting role within the South Hams and West Devon Older Peoples Mental Health team. We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Dementia Support Worker to join our well-established, supportive team based in Totnes.
The Devon Dementia Strategy is moving from planning into action. You will play a vital role, alongside staturory and voluntoray sector partners, in improving the lives of people with dementia supporting individuals following their diagnosis and throughout their journey, empowering them to live well, and offering meaningful support to their carers.
Were seeking someone with:
Experience in a health or social care role, ideally within a community setting Experience working with people newly diagnosed with dementia and an understanding of the emotional and practical support they need Insight into the challenges faced by carers, with a commitment to offering empathy and effective support Strong communication skills, a flexible approach, and a genuine passion for improving lives The Older Peoples Mental Health directorate is a friendly and welcoming team, committed to supporting you in all aspects of your role. We offer:
Comprehensive induction and ongoing training A nurturing and inclusive team environment Opportunities for career progression Access to staff wellbeing resources and NHS benefits
Main duties of the job
As a Dementia Support Worker:
You will work with a caseload of people and support them and their carers after receiving a diagnosis of dementia. This could mean helping them receive all the appropriate information and services available to themYou will provide support to people living with dementia in their own homes.You will work closely with individuals and their families to promote independence, wellbeing, and quality of life
You will offer tailored support and guidance to carers, recognising the challenges they face
You will collaborate with clinicians, care providers, and community partners to ensure consistent, person-centred care
You will be a visible and trusted source of help for people at all stages of their dementia journey
This is a community-based role and requires the ability to travel around the South Hams and West Devon area.
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
If you require a certificate of sponsorship to work in the UK you are advised to review the "Coming to work in the UK Visa Information" link in the supporting links section to ensure this role and your current circumstances meet the requirements for sponsorship
If you would like to discuss the certificate of sponsorship and whether your current circumstances meet the requirement for sponsorship email [email protected] for further advice
Please refer to the full Job Description and Person specification attached to this advert which will provide further information on this role.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Experience of working in a health or social care role in the community Experience with people newly diagnosed with dementia Experience of the challenges faced by carers
Desirable
Working with people with challenging behaviour and complex health needs.
Qualifications Essential
QCF Level 4 or equivalent level of knowledge or substantial knowledge from experience in a caring role. GCSE in Maths and English (Grade C or above) OR Level 2 Key Skills / Functional Skills in Maths and English.
Physical Skills Essential
Ability to be mobile across a geographical area in a timely manner and in accordance with service need.
Knowledge & Skills Essential
Knowledge of Dementia and person-centred care. An understanding of physical health problems which can impact a persons mental health and monitoring of the same. Knowledge of safeguarding principles and appropriate action to take Excellent verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate sensitive information to patients, carers and colleagues. Ability to assess risk (to self, service user and/or family/carers) and to take appropriate action.
Desirable
Awareness of the Code of conduct for Health Care Support Workers in England
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 South Hams and West Devon OPMH team
Totnes Community Hospital
Coronation Road
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 5GH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)