Health Care Assistant - Mental Health Services
This is an exciting opportunity for a healthcare assistant to be part of a team, working collaboratively with the GP practices across East Kent, to improve the implementation of physical health checks within GP practices for patients on the Severe Mental Illness (SMI) register. You will work with team colleagues to develop working relationships to promote physical health and improve physical health outcomes for the SMI population.
The successful candidates will be able to use their skills in physical health monitoring and communication skills, interacting well with patients to ensure effective and improved outcomes.
This service is provided across various locations within East Kent. Travelling to different locations will be an essential part of the role. However, we will support successful applicants to work more locally to their home or work base, where possible.
Main duties of the job
1. Establishing good working relationships with GP practices which will be essential in the implementation of this service, and the delivery of virtual and in-person physical health monitoring.
2. Working closely with staff within the GP practices and the Primary Care Mental Health Service (PCMHS) team to increase the completion and evidencing of physical health checks for SMI patients.
3. Recognising and observing changes in patients' physical health, mental health, and behaviour which must be reported, recorded, and acted on.
4. Being part of a team providing this physical health checks service. Responsibilities will include delivery of standard physical health checks within the GP practices and the effective recording and communication of these results within healthcare systems.
About us
We are a non-profit company, with a passion for delivering high quality primary care. We have a wide range of services such as hub-based GP services, GP surgeries, a Community Primary Care mental health service, GP staff training service, and Urgent Care Centres in partnership with other local healthcare providers. With the changing needs of our communities, the list and range of services is growing all the time.
Formed by a federation of General Practitioners working in Canterbury and South Kent Coast areas of East Kent, our aim is to provide accessible, high quality services for local people by collaborating with other established organisations in the health and social care community.
Job responsibilities
The postholder will work collaboratively with the GP practices across East Kent to support and provide physical health checks for their patients. The successful candidate will be able to use their own initiative to work both independently and as part of the PCMHS team to provide holistic treatment and care.
The postholder will support patients on an individual basis and as part of a clinic, utilising their skills and experience in providing physical health monitoring to patients within primary care.
Key Responsibilities
* Working alongside members of the GP practices and PCMHS team to provide patient care (including health and social support).
* Undertaking and recording physical health checks including the following:
o Measurement of height and weight
o Measurement of blood pressure, temperature, and pulse, pulse oximeter
o Peak flow measurements
o Recording of ECGs
o Venepuncture
o Blood glucose testing
* Recognising and observing changes in patients' physical, mental health, and behaviour which must be reported, recorded, and acted on.
* Providing necessary support to people who use primary care services to help them maintain their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
* Working effectively and flexibly as part of a wider PCMHS team across East Kent.
* Being aware of and working to the principles of the Mental Health Act (MHA).
* Interacting with patients and colleagues in a professional manner as well as creating and maintaining professional relationships with external organisations.
Please refer to JD for full details on the role and responsibilities.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 or Kaspac
* Valid driver's licence with business car insurance
* Appropriately recognised phlebotomy training
* A good standard of education
* Undertaken training in spirometry, ECGs, and venepuncture.
* Training in the use of assessment tools
Skills and Competencies
* Good clinical skills in conducting physical health checks
* Good interpersonal skills
* Self-motivated
* Able to work to strict infection control standards
* Able to work to strict deadlines
* Ability to cope with the physical demands of the job
* Experience of clinical systems such as EMIS
* Observes good health & safety practices
Experience
* Previous experience in a primary care setting
* Physical health monitoring experience in a clinical setting
* Previous knowledge of infection control procedures
* Experience in the community
Disposition
* Flexible and caring
* Good team player
* Calm under pressure
* Good levels of concentration
* Confidence to escalate issues and concerns to senior medical team
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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