We are seeking Band 3 Health Care Assistants to join our Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at The Junipers in Exeter.
You will quickly become part of a friendly and supportive multi-disciplinary team where you will be using your skills and experience to deliver a package of care to people on our psychiatric intensive care ward that helps them on their road to recovery. We passionately believe that with our help, people can improve their mental health to recover independence and return to their local community.
About PICU
The Junipers is a state-of-the-art, 10 bed psychiatric intensive care unit based in the beautiful grounds of Wonford House in Exeter. Junipers provides care for men and women with severe mental health needs.
About you
We're looking for a Health Care Assistant; you may already be working in a psychiatric intensive care setting or have an interest in working in this area. Above all, you will be passionate about providing the highest level of care to the people who use our service.
Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team will mean you will need excellent communication skills.
As you will be based on a ward that operates 24/7, you will be comfortable with working on a shift basis for which you will qualify for unsocial enhancements in addition to your basic pay.
Main duties of the job
* To assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using services. The care provided will encompass social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the individuals.
* Be responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.
Job responsibilities
Job Purpose
* To assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using services. The care provided will encompass social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the individuals.
* Be responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.
Duties and Responsibilities
Communication & Working Relationships
* To communicate effectively with people using services 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 ward / team meetings and discussions.
Planning & Organisation
* 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 in discussion with the Nurse-in-Charge.
* Participate in flexible shift system, which requires you to work days, evening, nights, weekends and public holidays depending on the needs of the ward.
* 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 Line Manager / Nurse-in-Charge.
Responsibility for Judgement & Analysis
* The post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits and competencies.
* Take part in the constant assessment of risk and management of risk in conjunction with the qualified staff.
* 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.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment & Therapy
* To be fully aware of each individual's recovery care plan and be involved in clinical formulation and delivery of allocated individuals recovery care plans.
* To participate fully in the allocated /associate nurse role.
* 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.
* Participate in procedures involving intensive engagement and care of individuals who are distressed and/or verbally or physically aggressive.
* To provide support with daily living skills.
* Assist in all aspects of physical nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse.
* Be able to recognise signs of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns.
* Provide regular and 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.
* Escorting individuals under the direction of Nurse-in-Charge.
* To assist individuals gain access to resources including benefits and welfare rights.
* Participating in ward/team Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings and discussions.
* Keep accurate records of interventions and care provided as identified in patient care plans as directed by the Nurse-in-Charge and ensure all entries are validated on the electronic records system.
* Promptly report any difficulties encountered whilst implementing agreed care plans to the Nurse-in-Charge, and be able to report both verbally and in written form against progress of care plans.
* 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 Nurse-in-charge or 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.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Skills
* Awareness of safeguarding principles
* Demonstrate an ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships
* Good communication and listening skills
* Ability to work with people in a group and individual basis
* Able to work in a team effectively
* Demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries
* Able to plan work, time management, completing records and recording observations etc.
* To take leadership and direction from qualified staff.
* To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties
* To demonstrate an ability to provide practical support with daily living activities, and physically perform nursing duties.
* To be able to respond promptly to physical and mental health emergencies, be able to think quickly and deal with situations in a calm and sensible manner.
* To maintain confidentiality, empathy, compassion and patience towards individuals with mental health illness.
* To be patient and tolerant in challenging situations.
* Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations
Experience
* Previous employment/experience of working with people in a caring situation or previous experience working in a different role within mental health services
* Previous care experience with people who have Mental Health difficulties.
Qualifications
* To complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of employment unless already obtained or evidence of equivalent agreed and signed off by the appointing manager at interview. If not, this will be a trainee position until successful completion
* NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.
* 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.
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