Healthcare AssistantNHS

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic Healthcare Assistant to join our multi-disciplinary CAMHS Inpatient Adolescent Team.

Plym Bridge House is a 12 bed, regional Tier 4 inpatient unit. We accept young people from Devon and across the southwest aged between 12 and 18 years, with severe and complex mental health disorders such as PTSD, psychosis, anorexia nervosa and severe depression/anxiety conditions.

We have an experienced team comprising of occupational therapy, clinical psychology, social workers, education and family therapy. This is alongside a large nursing team and medicial team.

Under the supervision of Registered Nurses the post holder will be expected to use technical/creative skills to assist in the provision of a flexible, client-centred programme of therapeutic activities for individuals and groups of young people at Plym Bridge House.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a respected team who engage in rewarding and intensive work with the most complex and challenging presentations. The service is part of the broader Plymouth CAMHS and the south west provider collaborative.

Main duties of the job

The role of the Senior 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 or within the community.

The post holder will be required to work both within the ward unit 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 the CPA process on 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. The post holder will provide line management and mentorship to junior staff.

However, the trained nurse is required to carry the responsibility for decision making and direction.

"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

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

Job Share(s) Considered

Job description

To work under the direction of a registered member of nursing staff, but at times will not have direct supervision (as in a community setting).

To work within a team supporting and assisting qualified staff in the implementation of patient care, that includes personal hygiene, toileting, undressing and dressing of patients, moving and handling and assisting with mobilisation.

To undertake a range of competencies which may include service specific training appropriate to the role/service.

To undertake a range of observations and ensure they are communicated and recorded appropriately.

To use clinical decision-making tools to inform care, such as, Waterlow, MUST etc and be able to highlight significant results to senior staff

Once assessed as competent, perform simple wound care, blood sugar monitoring, venepuncture, temperature, blood pressures, pulse oximetry and other clinical responsibilities as delegated by the registered nursing staff.

To provide self-directed, individual activities for specified patients both in all healthcare settings working within risk management guidelines, as this may include working alone in the unit for periods of time under the guidance of a registered nurse

To be able to identify when there may be a safeguarding risk for any patient or carer and know the process to follow

Participate in the unit wide response team which responds to any untoward incident to ensure safety in the wards and to be fully trained in Physical Intervention (which will be in date).

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

To undertake only those tasks for which she / he has had instruction and is competent to fulfil as a senior healthcare assistant.

To provide mentorship and support to junior staff or students

To engage with audits, quality improvement projects and service changes as directed by the ward manager.

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 liaise across inpatient and community colleagues in the statutory and non-statutory services as appropriate.

To provide professional influence, direction, clarification and support for new and existing staff, nursing, occupational therapy, students, volunteers, and carers as appropriate as part of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT).

To ensure the adherence to Health and Safety and Infection Prevention and Control guidelines at all times.

5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 Responsibility for People Management

To be involved in the continued development of the Senior Health Care Assistant role and other Health Care Assistants

To provide guidance and support to junior staff or students

To provide line management to Health Care Assistants

To receive line management support and supervision

5.2 Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources

The post holder will have no direct responsibility for finances; however they will adhere to the relevant trust policies on financial issues

The post holder will use Livewell Southwest resources responsibly

5.3 Responsibility for administration

• To ensure competencies in record keeping
• Report any changes in the patients condition or care needs to the supervising trained nurse and / or relevant therapist and document accordingly.
• Maintain accurate and complete patient records in accordance with organisational guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality of information being aware of Livewells policies and local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes
• To access email and other information through Livewell Southwest intranet

5.4 Responsibility for people who use our services

• Support peoples care through provision of key skills including emotional and spiritual care, positioning, communication, tissue viability, oral and personal hygiene, and nutritional awareness.
• Assist people to achieve there optimal level in their physical health care maintaining their comfort and dignity at all times.

To support patients to identify and overcome fears within a relationship of empathy and trust.

To monitor mental health of service users and report changes to qualified staff so that the care plan can be kept fully up to date. Be aware of fluctuations in mental health.

• To work with patients and carers to work towards recovery
• The post holder will promote better mental health by acting as a suitable role model
• The post holder is required to comply with all infection prevention and 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 to Director of Operations/Chief Executive Office.

Be able to respond effectively to any concerns of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns.

To participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned activity programmes to improve the persons quality of life. To record contacts, interventions and observations on the electronic record systems.

Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating care to patients. This to include participation in case review and assessment for admission / discharge process

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

Record and manage patients property.

5.5 Responsibility for implementation of policy and/or service developments

To comply with Livewell southwest policies and procedures relevant to the role.

This will include adherence to Uniform & Dress Code Policy when worn.

To report any observed incident of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences, or faulty equipment.

To participate professionally in service development and proposed service changes

Comply with universal infection control precautions and procedures.

To behave in a manner which does not bring Livewell Southwest into disrepute

To complete all Mandatory training and other training pertinent to the role, as agreed by line manager.

5.6 Other Responsibilities

The post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, and competencies

Be punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with Livewell southwest policies

To participate in induction and support programmes in relation to new staff and volunteers as directed by the nurse

To actively engage in clinical supervision both as a supervisor and supervisee if appropriate. In line with local guidelines review, reflect and develop own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision and appraisal.

To demonstrate ongoing personal and professional development through participation in internal and external development opportunities, reflecting and recording learning outcomes in a professional portfolio. This would include support groups and induction opportunities.

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

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.
• The post holder will be expected to travel around Plymouth in the course of their duties as appropriate whether working ward or community based.
• To undertake and be competent in physical intervention and breakaway training
• Shift work including night shifts if working in a ward-based scenario
• The post holder will be exposed to a working environment that is challenging because of systems and procedures that are in place to protect patients and staff. The post holder may be exposed to the risk of physical assault and injury and will have to carry an alarm with them at all times and work within the constraints of the safety procedures in the unit or community-based area (clients homes).
• The post holder may be exposed to emotionally distressing situations on a frequent basis as some people with mental illness have physical disabilities and complex health needs. These include challenging and unpredictable behaviour and learning disability issues. Also there is a need to develop rapport and effective therapeutic working in a pressured environment with a high turnover of patients whose needs are many and varied.
• Emotional and mental resilience

About us

Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.

As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values, kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.

We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.

We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.

Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.