Security Support Worker inExeter inExeter PUBLISHED FRI 1 NOV 2024

Are you passionate about security and helping others? Do you thrive in dynamic environments where you can have a real impact? If so, we have an exciting new opportunity to join Devon Partnership NHS Trust as a Security Support Worker.

As a Security Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for patients, staff and visitors across the Wonford House Hospital site. The role is not only about ensuring a secure environment, it's also about embodying the core values of the trust - Compassion, respect, dignity and empathy. Your contribution will directly effect the quality of care we are able to provide and help create an environment where therapy and recovery can thrive.

Devon Partnership Trust value their employees and invest in their development. You will have access to comprehensive training programs and opportunities for career advancement within the Trust.

You will enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave entitlements and pension contributions, which are all benefits for working within an NHS Trust.

Apply now and take the first steps towards a rewarding career within Devon Partnership NHS Trust.

As a Security Support Worker for Devon Partnership NHS Trust, you will have several crucial responsibilities, ensuring a safe and secure environment for patients, staff and visitors. These would typically include:

Maintaining safety - Regular patrols and surveillance will ensure the safety and security of the facilities across the inpatient site.

Incident Response - Responding to personal alarms/radio requests promptly, with the ability to manage violent and challenging behaviour from patients.

De-Escalation - Using verbal de-escalation as your primary tool to manage and diffuse potentially volatile situations safely.

MDT - Be part of a multi-disciplinary team and work closely with other healthcare staff to support the delivery of care, especially with high risk situations.

Record Keeping - Accurate accounts must be documented of incidents, observations or any planned tasks carried out.

Compliance - Ensuring you remain up to date with relevant training, adhering to legal and regulatory security standards.

About us

This role will involve being part of the security team, carrying out security tasks on and across the inpatient environment. They are to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff and ensure the service meets the needs of all service users. Daily tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Support staff under the instruction of Nurse in charge/Ward manager/On call manager when in a clinical environment
• Carrying out alarm checks
• Assist with room search/communal area searched on allocated wards
• Assist with patient personal searches on the wards or when returning from leave
• Assist wards in admitting new patients ensure property is accurate and adhering to policy
• Act as escort/driver for any necessary appointments (Hospital/Transfer/Court etc.)
• Responding to the wards in case of emergency (and be part of a physical intervention team, as a last resort if all other forms of de-escalation are unsuccessful)
• Carry out security and environmental audits
• Complete site perimeter checks
• Provide key inductions to new staff and visitors to the site and escorting when required
• Provide training alongside Security Manager to staff - handcuff/softcuff, security awareness and search training
• Assisting in site wide security improvements
• Assisting wards with key and radio distribution and maintaining the relevant records
• Review and submit CCTV footage where appropriate, under direction from the Security Manager, ensuring all records are maintained and policies adhered to
• Liaise with the security manager to formulate or review security documents with the ASMS
• Entries into Seclusion/ECA under instruction from Nurse in charge for food, fluids, medication or patient safety
• Assist the Home Treatment Team with potentially high risk service users
• Being responsible for ensuring a safe environment for people, property, information and reputation within services on the Wonford site
• Carrying out perimeter checks across site, including wards reporting any security concerns or damage
• Provide support for all clinical teams across the Wonford site

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 day to day security tasks on the wards, secure areas and general site
• Assessment and implementation of security audits and reviews
• To prioritise tasks and manage the shift workload in discussion with the Security Manager.
• 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.

Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment & Therapy

• To be fully aware of each individuals recovery care plan in relation to their security and safety.
• Participation in the delivery of therapeutic interventions, under the guidance of the ward staff.
• Participate in procedures involving intensive engagement and care of individuals who are distressed and / or verbally or physically aggressive.
• 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 on safety and security matters
• To maintain the dignity and well-being of individuals and their carers at all times.
• Escorting individuals under direction of Nurse-in-Charge.
• Participating in ward / team Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings and discussions as and when required.
• As required keep accurate records of interventions 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.

Fitness to Practice and to Undertake Job Role

• 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.

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 (SystmOne), off duty (HealthRoster), learning and development (DEVELOP), 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.

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.

For the full job description, please reference the file uploaded to 'Supporting Documents'.