About this role
Job summary
Up to 37.5 hours per week.
Are you highly motivated with a can do attitude? Do you thrive on delivering best patient care? If so there maybe be an exciting opportunity waiting for you in Devon. Livewell South West in Devon has created new Healthcare Assistant posts which provide enhanced care to individuals who require support.
The role of the Healthcare Assistant is to assist the trained nurses in delivering physical, social and psychological care to the patient / client with mental health problems / illness, admitted to a Livewell South West (LWSW) MH unit. The primary function of this role is to support patients during their acute illness to prevent them being sent out of area. The aim is to support individuals to receive the best care close to home. You will need to have experience in working within Mental Health and providing 1:1 care to individuals with complex needs, including eating disorders, dementia and acute mental illness.
The successful candidate will be highly motivated, enthusiastic, creative, compassionate, flexible and resourceful at supporting patients during their admission. The successful candidates will have skills and knowledge in supporting patients during the acute phase of their illness.
If this role sounds exciting, and you are an energetic and motivated nursing assistant keen to work within and develop an established and supportive team, we encourage you to apply for this position.
Main duties of the job
The role of the health care assistant is to assist the trained nurse in delivering physical, social and psychological care to the patient / client with mental health problems / illness, admitted to a Livewell South West (LWSW) MH unit. The primary function of this role is to support patients during their acute illness. The aim is to support individuals to receive the best care close to home.
The post holder will be responsive to the needs of the patients across the hospital sites. As directed by the senior nurse, this requires the ability to travel at short notice from base.
The post holder will be required to work within all the specified Mental health wards of LWSW. This will involve contact with relatives, carers, and other agencies. They will carry out interventions as part of the care plans and record information using the CPA process on electronic patients notes under the supervision of the registered nurse
The post holder will be based within the adult acute service (Harford and Bridford) for managerial support and line management.
This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route; please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility.
Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline.
All Livewell staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service.
About us
Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.
As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values, kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.
We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.
We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.
Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.
Job description Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibility for People Management
To be involved in the continued development of the Health Care Assistant role and other Health Care Assistants
To provide guidance and support to junior staff or students
To provide supervision/mentorship to Health Care Assistants as required
To receive line management support
Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources
The post holder will have no direct responsibility for finances; however they will adhere to the relevant trust policies on financial issues
The post holder will use Livewell Southwest resources responsibly
Responsibility for administration
To ensure competencies in record keeping
Report any changes in the patients condition or care needs to the supervising trained nurse and / or relevant therapist and document accordingly.
Maintain accurate and complete patient records in accordance with organisational guidelines.
Maintain confidentiality of information being aware of Livewells policies and local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes
To access email and other information through Livewell Southwest intranet
Responsibility for people who use our services
Support peoples care through provision of key skills including emotional and spiritual care, positioning, communication, tissue viability, oral and personal hygiene, and nutritional awareness.
Assist people to achieve there optimal level in their physical health care maintaining their comfort and dignity at all times.
To support patients to identify and overcome fears within a relationship of empathy and trust.
To monitor mental health of service users and report changes to qualified staff so that the care plan can be kept fully up to date. Be aware of fluctuations in mental health.
To work with patients and carers to work towards recovery
The post holder will promote better mental health by acting as a suitable role model
The post holder is required to comply with all infection prevention and control policies and guidance, attend relevant updates and report issues of concern to their immediate line manager (if no action or explanation received, then it is the individuals responsibility to escalate to Director of Operations/Chief Executive Office.
Be able to respond effectively to any concerns of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns.
To participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned activity programmes to improve the persons quality of life. To record contacts, interventions and observations on the electronic record systems.
Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating care to patients. This to include participation in case review and assessment for admission / discharge process
Escort patients to other wards / departments or other areas designated by trained staff, which may include the community settings.
Record and manage patients property.
Responsibility for implementation of policy and/or service developments
To comply with Livewell southwest policies and procedures relevant to the role.
This will include adherence to Uniform & Dress Code Policy when worn.
To report any observed incident of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences, or faulty equipment.
To participate professionally in service development and proposed service changes
Comply with universal infection control precautions and procedures.
To behave in a manner which does not bring Livewell Southwest into disrepute
To complete all Mandatory training and other training pertinent to the role, as agreed by line manager.
Other Responsibilities
The post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, and competencies
Be punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with Livewell southwest policies
To participate in induction and support programmes in relation to new staff and volunteers as directed by the nurse
To actively engage in clinical supervision both as a supervisor and supervisee if appropriate. In line with local guidelines review, reflect and develop own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal.
To demonstrate ongoing personal and professional development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, reflecting and recording learning outcomes in a professional portfolio. This would include support groups and induction opportunities.
To know how to report accidents and untoward incidents and to do so promptly.
COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
To act as an ambassador for Livewell with external agencies and partner organisations.
Always address staff, patients and members of the public in a polite and respectful manner either in person or on the telephone.
Be conversant with and comply with all relevant organisational protocols and policies and have valid organisational IT access.
Compassionate, caring and kind in their practice.
De-escalation skills
To support the team in promoting a recovery orientated environment by identifying recovery focused activities and imparting information and education as required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
The post holder will be competent in computer skills
The post holder may be exposed to some working conditions including exposure to vomit, sputum and body fluids.
The post holder will be expected to travel around Plymouth in the course of their duties as appropriate whether working ward or community based.
To undertake and be competent in physical intervention and breakaway training
Shift work including night shifts if working in a ward-based scenario
The post holder will be exposed to a working environment that is challenging because of systems and procedures that are in place to protect patients and staff. The post holder may be exposed to the risk of physical assault and injury and will have to carry an alarm with them at all times and work within the constraints of the safety procedures in the unit or community-based area (clients homes).
The post holder may be exposed to emotionally distressing situations on a frequent basis as some people with mental illness have physical disabilities and complex health needs. These include challenging and unpredictable behaviour and learning disability issues. Also there is a need to develop rapport and effective therapeutic working in a pressured environment with a high turnover of patients whose needs are many and varied.
Emotional and mental resilience
Person Specification
Specific Skills Essential
Demonstrate effective communication skills with a range of people in various situations where there may be barriers in understanding for clients/carers Ability to engage patients in activities off the Unit Ability to manage time and plan work. To complete clinical records To take leadership and direction from qualified staff To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties. Ability to work in a team effectively Should have ability to demonstrate basic IT skills Awareness of personal safety Able to work in challenging and unpredictable environmental conditions alone and with others effectively managing dynamic risks of our individual patient group. Physical Intervention in a ward environment Care plans and risk assessments Confidentiality De-escalation skills Motivated Compassionate Empathetic Reliable Confidence in dealing with patients Ability to work in stressful conditions Ability to work as part of a team
Desirable
Ability to frequently travel independently and in a timely manner between Livewell Southwest sites and community locations including areas not served by public transport. Flexible approach to working arrangements
Experience Essential
Experience of working within in a Mental Health setting Band 2 level or equivalent or Band 3 level or equivalent Awareness of vulnerable adult / protection issues and guidance Recent experience of working in a care setting Team working Clinical governance Ability to work with minimum of supervision To undertake baseline physical observations Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
Experience of variety of Mental Health settings Previous experience working in a multidisciplinary team. Working within an NHS setting Experience of actively supporting individuals to identify and work towards achieving personal goals in a related social care or health setting
Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of mental health Knowledge of a range of therapeutic approaches and application to people with a learning disability/mental health problems Awareness of safeguarding principles Basic IT skills A basic understanding of physical health presentation Good communication and listening skills Continual assessment of patient Organisational skills Problem solving skills An awareness to maintain professional Boundaries Awareness of own limits and boundaries in relation to own job role Good written communication Sensitive understanding of diversity issues and ability to promote anti-discriminatory practice/ equal opportunities Resilience Willingness to positively share your own life experiences, personal experiences of your own ill health with service users and carers. Ability to problem solve and create innovative solutions to help empower patients and carers . Demonstrates an empathy of people
Desirable
Has the ability to provide supervision / mentoring to junior staff Knowledge of government initiatives that shape mental health practice Willingness to undertake training in relation to required skills Knowledge of the triangle of care Knowledge of CPA
Additional Requirements Essential
Friendly and caring manner Approachable An appreciation of working with a wide age group of clients Flexible approach To work rotational shift pattern over 24 hours
Qualifications Essential
NVQ level 3, QCF level 3 in Health and Social care or equivalent experience or qualification. Care certificate Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings. Ability to participate in activities with patients Ability to contribute to the process of and the delivery of high standard of care as planned in care programme
Desirable
Vocational Qualification Level II or able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and ability to work to that level 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.
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 Livewell Southwest
Address Glenbourne Unit - Harford Ward
Morlaix Drive
Derriford
Plymouth
Devon
PL6 5AF
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)