Healthcare Assistant (Developmental Post B2-3) inIvybridge inIvybridge PUBLISHED THU 14 NOV 2024

Are you looking for a change in career or just starting out on your career journey and do you have a passion and interest for working in the mental health care sector? If the answer is YES, then we have the perfect opportunity for you!

An exciting position has become available at Lee Mill Low Secure Hospital for a Band 2-3 developmental healthcare assistant, this is a part time position of 30 hours a week. The successful candidate will be supported through Healthcare Assistant competencies to gain the knowledge and skills required to develop into a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant role.

"please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility"

Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity.

JOB PURPOSE

The role of the Health Care Assistant is to assist the trained registered nurse in delivering physical, social, and psychological care to people the patient / client with mental health problems / illness, admitted to the Unit within provisions of low security.

The post holder will be required to work both within the ward unit or community setting and with people or clients in the community. This will involve contact with relatives, carers and other agencies. They will carry out interventions as part of the care plans and record information using the CPA process on electronic patients notes.

The post holder will be directed to undertake tasks once adequate instruction has been given by the registered trained nurse and both parties are confident that the task can be fulfilled competently. However, the registered trained nurse is required to carry the responsibility for decision making and direction.

Develop and maintain a good working relationship with people or clients through regular contact and ensure their safety and well-being.

All Livewell Southwest staff are expected to able and willing to work across a 7 day service.

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About us

2. JOB PURPOSE

The role of the Health Care Assistant is to assist the trained registered nurse in delivering physical, social, and psychological care to people the patient / client with mental health problems / illness, admitted to the Unit within provisions of low security.

The post holder will be required to work both within the ward unit or community setting and with people or clients in the community. This will involve contact with relatives, carers and other agencies. They will carry out interventions as part of the care plans and record information using the CPA process on electronic patients notes.

The post holder will be directed to undertake tasks once adequate instruction has been given by the registered trained nurse and both parties are confident that the task can be fulfilled competently. However, the registered trained nurse is required to carry the responsibility for decision making and direction.

Develop and maintain a good working relationship with people or clients through regular contact and ensure their safety and well-being.

3. DEPARTMENTAL POSITION

4. SCOPE AND RANGE

To work under the direction of a registered member of nursing staff, but at times will not have direct supervision.

To carry out efficiently and effectively task and instructions assigned by the trained Registered nurse

To undertake only those tasks for which she / he has had instruction and is competent to fulfil.

To provide a high standard of care under the direction and supervision of more senior staff

To assist the multi-disciplinary team in the delivery and evaluation of patient care.

To always ensure the adherence to Health and Safety and Infection Prevention and Control Care guidelines.

5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide and maintain a high standard of care.

Carry out assigned tasks under the direction of a qualified nurse or the supervision of a more senior grade nursing assistant. This includes assisting the patients in all aspects of personal care and life skills within all Mental Health areas.

Be conversant with and carry out the Livewell Southwests policies and procedures in the delivery of care and service.

Be familiar with the ward or community-based routines and programmes and carry them out effectively.

To always ensure the confidentially of patients and clinical documents at all times.

Report any complaints, untoward events, or incidents to qualified nursing staff, and where appropriate under their supervision, complete the appropriate records.

Use all available resources safely and economically, seeking guidance where necessary.

Participate in training sessions designed to develop knowledge and skills, and attend in-service training as agreed by your manager.

Be conversant with and to carry out Livewell Southwests policies and procedures in the delivery of care and services.

To respect the dignity, privacy and independence of patients at all times.

To report changes, observations and relevant information to qualified staff.

Be involved in discussion on the development of patient centred programmes

To be aware of limitation/competences.

Be aware of patients on Mental Health Act restrictions and record/report accordingly to qualified staff.

Promote the work of the ward or community area settings for Livewell Southwest at all times.

To respond to emergency calls under the guidance of qualified staff. This will include Personal alarms, Fire and Cardiac arrest (appropriate training to be undertaken).

6. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

To act as an ambassador for Livewell with external agencies and partner organisations.

Always address staff, patients and members of the public in a polite and respectful manner either in person or on the telephone.

Be conversant with and comply with all relevant organisational protocols and policies and have valid organisational IT access.

Compassionate, caring and kind in their practice.

De-escalation skills

To support the team in promoting a recovery orientated environment by identifying recovery focused activities and imparting information and education as required.

7. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

The post holder will be competent in computer skills

The post holder may be exposed to some working conditions including exposure to vomit, sputum, and body fluids.

To agree to undertake Physical Intervention Training (in ward-based areas) and breakaway training for community areas and become competent. (This will be part of the training in order to progress to Senior Healthcare Assistant band 3)

Shift work including night shifts (inpatient wards only)

Emotional and mental resilience

8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ALL POSTS

The post holder is required to comply with all relevant policies and procedures pertinent to their post. In addition, the post holder will complete the Care Certificate in order to underpin their role. Current versions can be found on the intranet or via your manager. The areas listed below are those Livewell Southwest currently places particular emphasis on. Failure to follow correct policies and procedures may result in disciplinary action.

8.1 Risk Management

In accordance with the Risk Management Strategy, employees will participate, whenever required, with the risk management process. They will support line managers by attending mandatory and statutory training, completing incident/accident forms for every adverse event or near miss that occurs, report all defects and complaints, and communicate any dangerous situation to individuals potentially at risk.

8.2 Health and Safety at Work

You must co-operate with those in authority and others in meeting the statutory requirements and in following policies and procedures. A copy of the Health and Safety Policy is available from the intranet or from the Risk Management Department.

You are reminded that in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 you have a duty to take reasonable care to avoid injury to yourself and to others affected by your work activities.

You will be notified where your post carries a requirement for immunisation.

You may be required to be able to undertake Basic Life Support (BLS).

8.3 Infection Control

Livewell Southwest is determined to eradicate healthcare-acquired infection and puts a great deal of emphasis on the responsibility of all staff to ensure their own personal and others compliance with Infection Control (including Hand Washing) Policies. All staff must comply with infection control policies and guidance, attend relevant updates and report issues of concern to their immediate line manager (if no action or explanation received, then it is the individuals responsibility to escalate their concerns to the Director of Operations or Chief Executives Office).

8.4 Safeguarding Children and Adults

All employees have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults and are required to act in such a way that at all times safeguards their health and wellbeing. Familiarisation with and adherence to national and local safeguarding adults and children policies is an essential requirement upon all employees. Livewell Southwest has specific safeguarding policies and in addition, employees also have a responsibility to practice and work within the multi-agency policy developed by the Safeguarding Adults Board and the Safeguarding Children Board. Staff are also required to participate in related mandatory/statutory training.

8.5 Research

For clinical posts at bands 5 and 6, there is an expectation that engagement in research will be part of this role. Therefore, an awareness of the value and relevance of research is expected and the post holder should either support existing research within their specialty area as appropriate or identify opportunities to raise awareness of research possibilities. For clinical posts at band 7 and above, the post holder will be required to actively participate in complex audits using research methodology, or participate as required in clinical trials or equipment testing, and will demonstrate high level involvement in local ongoing research projects.

8.6 Sustainability and climate change

All staff are expected to take responsibility for the reduction of carbon emissions within their area of the organisation. In particular this may relate to reducing energy consumption, making low carbon travel choices, consideration of goods and services being purchased, and waste reduction.

8.7 Other

This Job Description is not exhaustive and may change as the post develops, but such change will not take place without consultation between the post holder and their manager. Job descriptions should be reviewed at least annually at the appraisal meeting.

The Working Time Regulations apply to all employees of Livewell Southwest. In particular, Livewell Southwest will not permit staff in all employments to work in excess of 48 hours in any one week except where there are exceptional service needs where an absolute limit of averaging over a reference period of 17 weeks would apply.

Livewell Southwest has adopted NO SMOKING and NO ALCOHOL policies for staff, which applies to all posts. Details of the policy are available on request and will be included in the statement of main terms and conditions of service of staff appointed.