Band 3: £24,071 to £25,674 a year pro rata
PERMANENT GOOD SALARY
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT MENTAL HEALTH MULTI-DISCIPLINARY NHS NIGHTS WEEKEND
Devon Partnership NHS Trust rQSZNtRl
Opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art facility specializing in psychiatric care, enhancing skills and experience.
Be part of a friendly and supportive multi-disciplinary team focused on improving mental health and aiding recovery.
Engage in meaningful work that directly contributes to individuals' recovery and their return to the community.
Gain experience in a variety of care techniques and therapeutic interventions while working under the supervision of qualified staff.
Receive additional pay for unsocial hours, providing financial benefits for those willing to work shifts.
Participate in ongoing professional development and training to enhance personal and professional skills.
Contribute to a safe and therapeutic environment, making a positive impact on both patients and colleagues.
The Devon Partnership NHS Trust is hiring Band 3 Healthcare Assistants for a role in their Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) located at The Junipers in Exeter. This position involves joining a supportive multi-disciplinary team to deliver comprehensive care to individuals with severe mental health needs. Responsibilities include assisting in the implementation of personalized recovery care plans, engaging with patients through therapeutic activities, and maintaining effective communication with both patients and team members. The role requires working on a flexible shift basis, which may include nights and weekends, and involves undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.
Candidates should have a passion for providing high-quality care, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to work collaboratively within a team. The role also encompasses responsibilities for patient safety, documentation, and participation in service development and training. Adherence to health and safety standards, compliance with Trust policies, and active engagement in continuous professional development are essential components of this position.
Candidates should have a passion for providing high-quality care, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to work collaboratively within a team. The role also encompasses responsibilities for patient safety, documentation, and participation in service development and training. Adherence to health and safety standards, compliance with Trust policies, and active engagement in continuous professional development are essential components of this position.
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
Were 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.
- 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.
About us
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 holiday's dependant 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 individuals 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 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 indentified 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
Policy, Service, Research, Innovation & Improvement
- 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.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment & Other Resources
- Assist in maintaining safety and security of the environment.
- Helping to maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the environment (including equipment).
- To have knowledge and understanding of counter fraud.
- To ensure Trust policies and legislation are followed regarding patient's property and monies.
- To ensure accurate documentation and record keeping.
- To participate in the monitoring, ordering and receipts of stock and non-stock supplies of the ward.
Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management
- To actively participate in regular supervision and an annual staff appraisal which includes service objectives and individual learning and development needs in accordance with Trust policy.
- To participate in and support students learning along with other members of the team.
Information Resources & Administrative Duties
- To effectively use the Trust's IT systems (RiO), off duty (E-roster), learning and development (E-learning), online and any other IT systems either current or in the future as commensurate with the role.
- Maintaining confidentiality of information being aware of Trust policies and local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.
Freedom to Act
- Works within the standard operational procedures of the team. Uses own initiative in delivering patient care whilst receiving supervision from the team.
Any Other Specific Tasks Required
- To contribute to the provision of a safe therapeutic environment for individuals, staff and visitors to the unit.
- To take on responsibility for duties assigned by Line Manager.
- The post holder should ensure their fitness to undertake the post they should be able to demonstrate they are able to undertake the level of general training and personal safety training appropriate to their role and work area, and keep this training up-to-date.
- If the ability to perform Physical Intervention Techniques or Prevention of Violence, Management is a requirement of the role, the post holder must declare physical fitness to undertake such a role.
- The post holder should act quickly to protect the safety of individuals if they have reason to believe that they or a colleague may not be fit to undertake the duties within their job role.
- Act within competency.
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More about the NHS
The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of healthcare in the United Kingdom, established in 1948 with the simple yet profound principle of providing healthcare to all citizens, free at the point of use. This revolutionary system aimed to ensure that access to medical services would not depend on an individual’s financial situation, a concept that has since become fundamental to British societal values. Learn more...
More about MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health has emerged as a critical issue in the United Kingdom, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis highlighted the fragility of mental well-being across different demographics, from children and adolescents to adults and the elderly. It has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of mental health care, accessibility, and the stigmas often associated with mental illnesses. Learn more...
Useful skills for a Healthcare Assistant:
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To work as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) in the UK, you need a combination of practical skills, personal qualities, and a basic understanding of healthcare principles. While specific requirements might vary depending on the employer or the care setting, here are the key skills and attributes typically required:
Essential Skills:
1. Communication Skills:
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
- Good listening skills to understand patients' needs and concerns.
2. Empathy and Compassion:
- Understanding and sensitivity to the feelings of patients.
- Ability to provide emotional support and reassurance.
3. Basic Clinical Skills:
- Understanding of basic health and hygiene standards.
- Ability to assist with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, feeding, etc.).
- Monitoring vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse) can also be necessary.
4. Teamwork:
- Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.
- Being a supportive team player.
5. Time Management:
- Ability to prioritize tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Managing time effectively to ensure all patients receive appropriate care.
6. Attention to Detail:
- Being meticulous in following care plans and documenting changes in patients’ conditions.
- Paying close attention to patient safety.
7. Problem Solving Skills:
- Ability to respond to a variety of situations and challenges quickly and effectively.
- Competence in recognizing changes in a patient's condition and taking appropriate action.
8. Physical Stamina:
- Capability to perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting and moving patients.
- Maintaining energy and stamina for long shifts.
Personal Qualities:
- Patience: Working in healthcare can be challenging; patience is crucial when dealing with patients who may be distressed or unwell.
- Reliability: Being dependable and trustworthy is essential for providing good patient care.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to handle varying work environments and situations.
- Respectfulness: Maintaining dignity for patients and treating them respectfully.
Training and Qualifications:
While formal qualifications may not always be required, having a relevant qualification, such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, can be beneficial. Some employers provide on-the-job training, and courses in first aid, safeguarding, or infection control may also be useful.
Experience:
Any previous experience in healthcare, customer service, or caring environments can greatly enhance your application. Volunteering in hospitals, care homes, or community services can provide valuable experience and skills.
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