Senior Healthcare Assistant inPlymouth inPlymouth PUBLISHED 12 NOV 2024

37.5 hours per week.

Bridford Ward is offering an exciting job opportunity for the role of Senior HealthCare Assistant. The HealthCare Assistant post is an integral part of the Multi Disciplinary Team on the Ward that provides both physical, social and psychological care to the patients that are admitted to Bridford Ward. We are looking for the right person with an aspiration to provide compassionate care and support to people admitted to the Unit who are acutely mentally unwell and in crisis. This post is a rewarding role with career development opportunities for the successful individual.

The Glenbourne Unit is an acute mental health inpatient service provided by Livewell Southwest. The Unit consist of one female 19 bedded acute ward which is Bridford Ward and a male 19 bedded acute ward which is Harford Ward. We are currently rated outstanding by the CQC with the ward providing a wide range of support and treatment available to those experiencing deteriorating mental health; to support and enable their recovery. The Unit is an integral element of our Acute Care Pathway with links with the citywide Home Treatment Team and Community Mental Health Services.

"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"

The role of the Nursing Assistant is to assist the trained nurse in delivering physical, social and psychological care to the patient / client with mental health problems / illness, admitted to the Unit.

The post holder will be required to work both within Glenbourne and with 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 our electronic patients notes.

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

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.

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

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Job responsibilities

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 nurse.

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

To maintain confidentiality in respect of the patient / client at all times.

To be aware of Health and Safety at Work Act and the implications for the work environment.

To know how to report accidents and untoward incidents and to do so promptly.

To ensure understanding of the patients needs and risks. To obtain knowledge of Trust policies, procedures and practices and carry out duties in accordance with them.

To be aware of legal issues and have an understanding of the Mental Health Act.

To support community activities either on a 1:1 basis or in small groups.

To be an active member of the provision of care to the patient / client.

Co-facilitate groups with qualified staff.

To receive reports on patient care and be able to report back with observations to the nurse in charge within his / her competency.

To be willing to participate actively in appropriate in-service training programmes which the manager believes to be of benefit to the individual.

To assume co-responsibility for maintaining skills and knowledge levels.

To assist the registered nurse to carry out, under direction, tasks which fulfill the patients / clients physical and psychological need, as identified in the Care Plan / Assessment.

Escort patients to other wards / departments or other areas designated by trained staff, which may include the community.

Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating care to patients.

This to include participation in case review and assessment for admission / discharge process.

Make appropriate records in the multi-disciplinary patient file / electronic records, which will then be counter signed by a registered nurse.

To assist the patients personal care and record patients observations in accordance with the Care Plan.

Record and manage patients property.

Undertake specific responsibilities designated by the Ward Manager.

To undertake mandatory and other training as directed by the Trust.

To participate in continuing role / personal development using the appraisal system.

To receive line management support and supervision.

To contribute to any audit process.

To behave in a manner which does not bring the Trust into disrepute.

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 his / her manager.

This job will be reviewed within the appraisal process on an annual basis.

The post holder is required to conform to Livewell South West policies on Health, Safety, Fire procedures, record keeping and confidentiality.

To undertake annual competency assessment appropriate to the role