Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an additional EAP practitioner to join the well established Engagement, Activity and Physical Health team (EAP) and wider multidisciplinary team on Montpellier unit.
Montpellier is a 12 bedded male recovery unit within Wotton Lawn Hospital. The unit serves the population within Gloucestershire and works closely with NHS England. The successful applicant will join a friendly, well established service whom lead upon the recovery focused agenda within the unit.
The successful candidate will hold a keen interest in improving the lives of individuals whom experience mental ill health and will hold experience working within a mental health/ residential setting.
Informal visits to our setting are welcomed and encouraged; to organise please contact Victoria Woodruff, EAP Team Leader/ Occupational Therapist via telephone 0300 421 4805.
A valid UK driving licence plus the use of own transport for business purposes is desirable. This post does require the post holder to be fully able to undertake all statutory and mandatory training; physical interventions including PMVA. Fitness for physical intervention will be assessed by Occupational Health.
Wotton Lawn Hospital tour - YouTube
Main duties of the job
1. To aid the team in providing initial and ongoing assessment and intervention to up to 12 service users whom experience severe and enduring mental illness.
2. To aid in planning, implementing and developing a programme of activity to service users on low secure environment based on promoting recovery, developing skills, increasing social outlets, and addressing vocational needs.
3. To liaise and effectively work alongside the wider MDT to ensure an individualised care planned approach is provided for each service user.
4. To work with patients within Montpellier unit and within the community as requested.
5. To support the work of all professionally registered staff within the unit, including undertaking tasks as requested by allied health professionals.
6. To attend and participate in meetings, identified training, supervision and the staff appraisal process
The qualification, training & experience requirements for the role are underlined in the Job Description/Person Specification.
About us
We have in excess of 5000 staff working over 50 sites, providing a diverse range of services. We strive to support an organisational culture that is welcoming, builds and celebrates inclusivity and diversity and provides a sense of belonging and trust.
The annual NHS Staff Surveygives our people the opportunity to tell us about their experience working at the Trust. For the 2023 survey just over 2800 colleagues gave us their views ( It was great to see from the results that colleagues are saying that:
7. believe they are making a positive difference to patients/service users;
8. would recommend the organisation as a place to work;
9. agree that care of patients and service users is the organisations priority;
10. would be happy with the standard of care for a friend or relative
Our results put us as 5th nationally as a Community, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities NHS Employer of Choice and 1st equal amongst all NHS Provider Trusts in the South West. However, we know we have more to do and will continue to drive forward our commitment to making GHC a Great Place to Work.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. To utilise evidence based assessment to establish the interest and activities of each patient at Montpellier Unit and to work with the wider MDT team to plan and implement these activities to promote recovery.
2. To develop therapeutic relationships with individuals ensuring service user choice, development and the promotion of independence at all times.
3. To explore and introduce a broad range of activities social, recreational, vocational and physical activities outside of the mental health service to promote social inclusion and to negotiate activities with individuals and groups.
4. To liaise with other wards, departments and community based organisations including accommodation providers as requested.
5. To create and maintain partnerships with leisure and recreational providers within the local and wider community.
6. To maintain a current activity programme providing activities to patients over the 7 day wee between the hours of 9am and 9pm.
7. To plan and execute the escorting of service users within in the community setting all of which will be in subject to sectioning under the mental health act. This involves spending frequent long periods of time away from the unit and without the direct supervision of trained staff.
8. To work on a sessional basis with individuals and groups.
9. To promote a healthy lifestyle by facilitating physical health activities such as; swimming and walking groups.
10. To support service users in completion of activities of daily living as required self care, budgeting and shopping.
11. To work with individuals to develop kitchen based skills including cooking for themselves and for others as part of the ward communal meal programme.
12. To give feedback on an individuals participation and presentation to the care team.
13. To chair community meetings on a weekly basis ensuring patients are fully involved and that minutes are recorded and produced.
14. To escort service users to engage in courses/specific activities until they are confident enough to do so independently.
15. To frequently assess, appropriately respond to, and manage risk whilst working with service users.
16. To work effectively with the Multi disciplinary Team.
17. To meet regularly with the Activity forum and provide a comprehensive overview of the service Montpellier are delivering.
18. To work within a delegated activities budget from within the unit.
19. To secure funding for activities from outside of the unit Charities and Trusts.
20. To support service users to successfully achieve discharge including escorting service users to view accommodation, develop community based routines and apply for benefits etc as directed by MDT.
21. To promote wider members of the staff team the value of occupation and healthy living.
22. Knowledge of the MHA especially pertaining to Section 17 Leave.
23. To assist with the audit and recording of activities.
24. To promote the standards associated with Starwards and other quality initiatives aimed at improving the service user experience.
25. Keep accurate electronic records of activity and other performance indicators.
26. After training provide support and supervision to other non registered staff and volunteers
27. To liaise with future care providers to facilitate the transfer/discharge of a patient into community based living.
28. To provide planned outreach interventions for patients on long-term section 17 leave.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
11. Significant experience in a mental health inpatient setting (NHS or private provider), Crisis Home Treatment Team which demonstrates work and competencies at NVQ level 3 or equivalent
Desirable
12. Experience of working within a low secure environment
Experience
Essential
13. Experience working with people with severe and enduring mental health problems in an acute or secure mental health setting.
14. Experience of working with people detained under the Mental Health Act.
Desirable
15. Experience of working with people with substance misuse issues and/or a dual diagnosis