Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Health Care Assistant at Charlton Lane Hospital. The Charlton Lane Hospital provides inpatient assessment and care for mental health service users requiring hospital admission for treatment across 3 in-patient wards: Chestnut Ward, is a 14 bedded ward for Older age Adults that have a functional mental illness; Mulberry Ward, is an 18 bedded ward for older age adults that have a functional mental illness; and Willow Ward, is a 16 bedded ward for predominantly older adults with an organic mental illness.
It would be desirable for the post holder to have experience in caring for elderly, facilitation of positive engagement and activities with people with dementia. The successful candidate would be supported by the unit manager in taking mandatory, statutory and dementia training. Upon commencing your post, you will participate in a comprehensive trust and unit induction which ensures that you feel skilled and supported to undertake this challenging job.
The posts are funded at 37.5 hours per week (full time) and could involve a rotational shift system. 'Flexible' working arrangements will be considered. Any request will be set against genuine operational requirements and limitations and it is not obligatory for a manager to accede to the request.
Main duties of the job
As a Health Care Assistant/Support Worker you will be responsible for participating and assisting in the delivery of care/services to patients and service users as part of a Mental Health and Social Care Health Service. Health Care Assistants and other Healthcare Support Workers employed by the Trust are required to follow the guidance set out in the Code of Conduct for Health Care Assistants/Health Care Support Workers to provide safe and compassionate care of a high standard, and to challenge others who are not. You will receive direct supervision and partake in reflective practice/training on a regular basis and be required to meet the Care Certificate standards. All successful applicants will also have the opportunity to discuss the prospect of undertaking a Level 3 Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship alongside their substantive post. This apprenticeship would include the Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare.
Job responsibilities
* To treat all patients, carers, and staff with dignity and respect.
* Assist qualified staff in the provision of care as detailed in the individual care plans.
* Undertake tasks that facilitate the smooth running of the ward as directed by qualified staff.
* Liaise with other departments to ensure the ward environment is safe and welcoming.
* Assist with the giving of medication and medical dressings.
* Hold the pagers for first response; prepare for admissions; escort and driving duties.
* Identify and provide the necessary physical care to patients to help them complete daily living activities.
* Initiate, coordinate, and run ward and community-based social and recreational activities for ward patients.
* Undertake and accurately record physical observations.
* Collect fluid, sputum, and faecal samples as required.
* Ensure a range of social and recreational activities are always available in the unit/ward for patients.
* Develop rapport with patients to enable them to balance periods of activity, socialization, and rest.
* Liaise effectively with nursing staff, multi-disciplinary teams, and other allied health professionals.
* Participate in team handovers, providing verbal reports as required.
* Use interpersonal and communication skills to de-escalate and reduce aggressive behavior.
* Assist patients to utilize the banking facilities within the Patients Services Department following Trust Guidelines.
* Implement agreed standards of care provision in line with local Ward/Unit and Trust policies.
* Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
* Make appropriate objective written entries in patient records.
* Adhere to all legal requirements and Trust Policies and Procedures.
* Participate in the induction of new staff.
* Seek feedback from patients to inform development of services.
* Be aware of own limitations, seek support if needed.
* Undertake all statutory and mandatory training required for the role.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS
* NVQ level 3 or equivalent level of competency based training in a relevant health or social care area.
* European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL).
LENGTH AND / OR NATURE OF EXPERIENCE
* Significant experience of working in a mental health or social care setting.
* Significant experience of working in a team and independently.
* Experience in the assessment of patients.
* Experience of lone working and decision making.
* Experience of providing social and recreational activities.
PROFESSIONAL / MANAGERIAL / SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE
* Knowledge of mental illness or learning disabilities and its impact on the individual.
* Knowledge of how mental illness impacts motivation, social skills, and activities.
* Knowledge and understanding of risk assessment and management.
* Knowledge and understanding of the Care Pathway Approach (CPA).
* Awareness of issues surrounding diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.
* Understanding of the basic principles of Infection Control.
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.
Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
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