We love what we do and we think you will, too!
At Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust (GHC), we provide joined-up mental health, physical health and learning disability services to people of all ages across Gloucestershire. We run community hospitals and provide care and support in people’s own homes and in a range of other locations across the county.
We are on a mission to enable people to live the best life they can and we have a vision to work together to provide outstanding care. We put people at the heart of our services, focusing on personalised care by asking ‘what matters to you’.
We’re passionate about making sure that everyone can contribute to achieving our mission and we are continually working to support healthy and happy high-quality teams in all areas of the Trust.
Job overview
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 inpatient wards: Chestnut Ward, which is a 14-bedded ward for older age adults that have a functional mental illness; Mulberry Ward, which is an 18-bedded ward for older age adults that have a functional mental illness; and Willow Ward, which 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 the 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.
Detailed job description and main 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 and liaise with other departments to ensure the ward environment is safe and welcoming.
* 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.
* Accurately record physical observations.
* 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.
* Actively participate in team handovers, providing verbal reports as required.
* Use interpersonal and communication skills to de-escalate aggressive behavior.
* Implement agreed standards of care provision in line with local Ward/Unit and Trust policies.
* Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
* Adhere to all legal requirements and Trust Policies and Procedures.
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.
* Understanding of risk assessment and management.
* Awareness of issues surrounding diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.
* Understanding of the basic principles of Infection Control.
When joining us, we also offer:
* Free car parking at many of our sites.
* 27 days leave plus bank holidays, increasing up to 33 days with long service.
* A broad range of training and development opportunities.
* Generous NHS pension and enhanced pay for unsocial hours.
* Flexible, family-friendly, and agile working opportunities.
Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date. Good luck with your application.
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