About this role
Job summary
Belvedere Ward is a 14-bed Older Persons Mental Health Assessment Unit specialising in the assessment, treatment and care of people living with dementia and other organic mental health conditions. Carers play a vital role in supporting our patients and are key partners in assessment, care planning, decision-making and discharge planning.
To strengthen carer involvement and enhance the therapeutic environment on the ward, we are seeking a Carers Champion and Activities Link Worker. This dedicated role will work alongside the ward's existing Carer Link Champions to promote meaningful engagement with carers and ensure their voices are heard and valued throughout a patient's admission.
The post holder will act as a key point of contact for carers and families, providing information, support and signposting, and supporting the implementation of the Triangle of Care principles. They will also work closely with the Activities Coordinator and multidisciplinary team to support the planning and delivery of meaningful therapeutic activities that promote wellbeing, social inclusion, cognitive stimulation and quality of life for patients.
In addition, the post holder will fulfil the responsibilities of a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant, providing high-quality, person-centred care and contributing to the safe and effective running of the ward. The role will also support safer staffing arrangements by providing clinical support during periods of short-term staffing need.
Main duties of the job
Act as the ward Carers Champion, promoting carer involvement in assessment, care planning, reviews and discharge planning. Provide information, advice and signposting to carers, support implementation of the Triangle of Care, maintain links with local support services and assist with carers' meetings and feedback opportunities.
Support the planning and delivery of therapeutic, recreational and social activities in partnership with the Activities Coordinator and wider multidisciplinary team. Facilitate individual and group activities that promote recovery, independence, wellbeing and meaningful occupation. Adapt activities to meet individual patient needs and encourage engagement and participation.
Provide high-quality, person-centred care under the supervision of registered staff. Support patients with personal care, nutrition, hydration, mobility and activities of daily living, maintaining dignity, choice and independence at all times.
Observe and report changes in patients' physical health, mental state or behaviour and contribute to risk assessment, care planning and therapeutic interventions. Undertake delegated physical healthcare tasks in line with training and competence.
Maintain accurate electronic patient records and communicate effectively with patients, carers and colleagues. Attend handovers, ward meetings.
Work in accordance with Trust policies, confidentiality requirements and professional standards. Participate in supervision, training, audit, service improvement.
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
Job Purpose
The Carers Champion and Activities Link Worker will play a key role in promoting carer involvement and delivering meaningful therapeutic activity within the ward environment.
The post holder will act as a dedicated point of contact for carers and families, helping to ensure that carers are welcomed, informed, involved, and supported throughout a patient's admission in line with the Triangle of Care principles.
The post holder will also support the planning and delivery of individual and group therapeutic activities that promote wellbeing, recovery, social inclusion, cognitive stimulation, and meaningful occupation for patients.
Alongside these specialist responsibilities, the post holder will undertake the duties of a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant and will contribute to the overall safe and effective running of the ward.
The post holder will work under the supervision of registered staff and as an active member of the multidisciplinary team.
Key Responsibilities Carer Engagement and Support
- Act as the ward's designated Carers Champion.
- Promote the involvement of carers and families in care planning and decision-making where appropriate.
- Provide carers with information regarding ward processes, available support services, benefits, advocacy and community resources.
- Ensure the views and needs of carers are represented within care planning and review processes.
- Support implementation of the Triangle of Care standards.
- Establish positive working relationships with carers and family members whilst maintaining professional boundaries.
- Organise and facilitate regular carers' groups and feedback opportunities.
- Maintain links with local carers' organisations and support agencies.
- Ensure carers' information resources remain up to date and accessible.
Therapeutic Activities
- Support the planning, organisation and delivery of a varied programme of therapeutic and social activities.
- Work collaboratively with the Activities Coordinator, Occupational Therapy team and wider MDT.
- Facilitate individual and group-based activities appropriate to patients with dementia, cognitive impairment and mental health needs.
- Encourage participation and engagement in therapeutic activity.
- Adapt activities to meet the differing abilities and needs of patients.
- Promote recovery, independence, wellbeing and social inclusion through meaningful occupation.
- Assist with community-based activities and outings where appropriate.
Clinical and Patient Care Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality, person-centred care under the supervision of registered practitioners.
- Assist patients with activities of daily living.
- Support patients with maintaining dignity, independence and wellbeing.
- Observe and report changes in physical or mental health presentation.
- Contribute to risk assessment and risk management processes.
- Participate in the delivery of therapeutic interventions.
- Assist with physical healthcare monitoring and interventions as delegated.
- Support nutritional monitoring and hydration needs.
- Participate in observation levels and engagement plans as directed.
- Maintain accurate and timely electronic patient records.
Communication
- Communicate effectively with patients, carers and colleagues.
- Provide and receive routine information in a professional and compassionate manner.
- Attend MDT meetings, handovers and ward meetings.
- Maintain accurate written and electronic records.
- Escalate concerns appropriately to registered staff.
Professional Responsibilities
- Work within Trust policies, procedures and professional boundaries.
- Participate in supervision, appraisal and personal development reviews.
- Complete all mandatory and role-specific training.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Identify and report safeguarding concerns.
- Contribute to audits, quality improvement initiatives and service development projects.
- Support the promotion of a positive ward culture that values recovery, dignity and carer involvement.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Care Certificate or willingness to complete within probationary period.
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent experience.
- Literacy and numeracy skills appropriate to the role.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development.
Desirable
- Qualification in dementia care, mental health care or therapeutic activities.
- Training relating to carers' support or family interventions.
- PMVA/physical intervention training.
Knowlegde,Skills and Ablities
Essential
- Understanding of person-centred care.
- Understanding of dementia and older people's mental health needs.
- Understanding of the role and importance of carers within mental health services.
- Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively
- Ability to facilitate meaningful activities for individuals and groups.
Desirable
- Knowledge of the Triangle of Care framework.
- Understanding of meaningful activity and therapeutic engagement.
- Knowledge of local carers' support services and voluntary sector organisations.
- Experience supporting service development initiatives.
Personal Qualities and Other Requirements
Essential
- Commitment to supporting carers as partners in care.
- Resilient and emotionally aware.
- Enthusiastic and motivated.
- Ability to undertake the physical demands of the role.
- Ability to respond to emergency situations.
Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a health, social care or mental health setting.
- Experience supporting vulnerable adults.
- Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience maintaining accurate records and documentation.
Desirable
- Experience working within dementia or older people's mental health services.
- Experience supporting carers and families.
- Experience facilitating group activities.
- Experience working on an inpatient ward.
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
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Belvedere Ward, Franklyn Hospital
Franklyn Drive
Exeter
Devon
EX2 9HS
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)