Community Support Worker (Mental Health)
Job summary
37.5 hours per week. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced support worker with diverse skills to join our Functional Older Peoples Mental Health Team for a period of 12 months. Based at the Local Care Centre, the Older Peoples Mental Health (OPMH) Functional Community Team is a service for people over the age of 65 with a functional mental health problem.
The team comprises of mental health nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, a psychologist and support workers. Currently the service is available Monday Friday, 9am 5pm.
The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, and will demonstrate flexible problem-solving skills, working on their own initiative and with colleagues from the multi-disciplinary team. We are a small and friendly team who work closely together on a daily basis. Support is available from colleagues along with regular line management, training and appraisal.
Your role will be to support service users with the aim of helping to prevent hospital admissions or facilitating successful discharge from hospital. A recovery ethos is encouraged, as is the forging of useful links throughout the city. There will be a large lone working component and, because of this, you will be expected to work under your own initiative following a period of induction.
If you would like the opportunity to be part of our team, then we would like to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
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 post holder will work in the OPMH Functional Team as a Community Support Worker.
The post holder will have a caseload and will follow the relevant the CPA Care Plans/Statements of Care for their patients and assist the registered staff (nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology & medical) in the delivery of care to patients. This will include lone working with patients.
The post holder will also carry out roles as requested by the team leader, deputy team leader and occupational therapist to support the team as a whole e.g. attending ward rounds, supporting group work and helping collate data.
All Livewell Southwest staff are expected to able and willing to work across a 7 day service.
About us
Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise providing integrated health & social care services for people across Plymouth, South Hams & West Devon, as well as some specialist services for people living in parts of Devon & Cornwall. With teams in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, health & wellbeing hubs.
As an organisation with a strong social conscience, we always value being kind, respectful, inclusive, ambitious, responsible and collaborative. Transforming services to make them sustainable, ensuring that we value, support & empower each other.
We are committed to involving the people we care for, families & carers in everything that we do, working towards co-production where we can. Helping us to deliver the right care for people, in the right place & at the right time. By putting people at the centre of what we do, we ensure to support people to lead, healthy independent lives & be the very best at helping people to live well.
Valuing our employees making an investment in their development a priority. We offer:
Protected CPD time for registered staff
Various development pathways and ongoing regular training packages for all staff
Leadership & mentoring programmes
Access & funding for training including Care Certificate, Assistant Practitioners Course & Scholarship Into Nurse Training
A Robust Preceptorship
A bespoke induction programme
Existing members of the NHS Pension Scheme can continue their membership when they join the organisation.
Date posted
22 May 2023
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
£22,816 to £24,336 a year pa, pro-rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
Reference number
B9832-2023-NM-8487
Job locations
200 Mount Gould Road
Mount Gould
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 7PY
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post holder will work in the OPMH Functional Team as a Community Support Worker.
The post holder will have a caseload and will follow the relevant the CPA Care Plans/Statements of Care for their patients and assist the registered staff (nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology & medical) in the delivery of care to patients. This will include lone working with patients.
The post holder will also carry out roles as requested by the team leader, deputy team leader and occupational therapist to support the team as a whole e.g. copying relevant paperwork, attending ward rounds, support duty, supporting group work and helping collate data & maintaining tidy work areas such as the team bay & clinic
SCOPE AND RANGE
Working as part of the MDT
Supporting trained members of staff to complete initial assessments
Attending MDTs and ward rounds
Completing time limited pieces of work on a 1-1 basis in the community. Following a care plan provided by qualified members of the team such anxiety management, graded exposure, medication monitoring.
Supporting trained members of staff to complete community groups.
Supporting approx. 1 afternoon per week of duty (12:30-1700)
5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 Responsibility for People Management
To assist the training of students whilst they are undertaking placements within Livewell Southwest.
5.2 Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources
To play a role in making best use of available workforce and material resources and contributing to provision of best therapy possible.
5.3 Responsibility for administration
To participate with support in clinical
Responsible for ensuring records are kept up-to-date on Systm 1.
To maintain standards of record keeping and associated administration in accordance with Livewell Southwest Policy and professional guidelines. This will include the upkeep of contemporaneous, chronological and accurate mental health records in accordance with relevant Guidelines and policy.
To ensure up to date knowledge of patient care plan and risk.
5.4 Responsibility for people who use our services
To work under the supervision of a registered member of staff, but post holder will carry out majority number of tasks 1-1 basis in the community with patients. Post holder to know own personal and professional limitations of their role and seek advice and support when appropriate.
To carry out efficiently and effectively tasks and instructions assigned by the health professional.
To undertake only those tasks for which she/he has had instruction and is competent to fulfil.
To maintain confidentiality in respect of the patient/client at all times.
To work in a way that maintains health and safety and complies with lone working policies.
Know how to report accidents and untoward incidents and to do so promptly.
To fully understand safeguarding procedures and policies
To obtain knowledge of Livewell Southwests policies, procedures and practices and carry out duties in accordance with them. To have an enhanced knowledge of policies pertinent to your area of work.
To be aware of legal issues and have an understanding of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding procedures.
To support community activities either on a 1:1 basis or in small groups.
To undertake any observations relating to the patients care and report appropriately to a registered member of staff.
To be willing to participate actively in appropriate in-service training programmes which are mandatory or the manager believes to be of benefit to the individual. To assume co-responsibility for maintaining skills and knowledge levels.
To keep records in accordance with Livewell Southwests policies and procedures.
To participate in continuing role/personal development via line management and caseload supervision, appraisal and practice supervision.
To understand CQC monitoring arrangements and how these impact upon the team.
To participate in audit and service improvement.
To behave in a manner which does not bring Livewell Southwest into disrepute, whilst on or off duty. To comply with all conditions within contract.
To participate in physical intervention when applicable.
To comply with lone worker policy.
To adhere to organisations dress code.
The post holder is required to comply with all 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 to the Director of Operations/Chief Executive Officer).
Work in a collaborative and cooperative manner with service users, their
families/carers and other health and social care professionals within the remit of confidentiality. Recognise and respect their involvement in the planning and delivery of care where appropriate.
Assist in the maintenance of appropriate therapeutic environment beneficial to the
needs of the service users, relatives carers and others.
Contribute to the team approach, providing accurate and relevant feedback to
registered staff: participate in team discussions and meetings regarding care of
service users.
Develop an appropriate therapeutic relationship with service users to encourage and maximise their interest and participation in therapeutic activity, to support patient to become independent and self-reliant.
Play a part in preparation of CPA.
The post holder has contact with patients as directed by qualified member of staff. This should be time limited and goal and recovery orientated. This contact should take place during work hours and in an appropriate therapeutic setting. Contact should remain within the confines of a therapeutic relationships and boundaries should be made clear and adhered to.
5.5 Responsibility for implementation of policy and/or service developments
The post holder will be involved in any MDT discussions and decision making.
5.6 Other Responsibilities
To ensure patient records are kept up to date as per policy
To ensure service have up to date records on community activities.
To maintain records and patient information, to ensure confidentiality.
6. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Voluntary organisations including Eldertree
Patients relatives, ensuring consent has been sought
Members of the public- ensure professional appearance and conduct.
Primary health care and liaison services at Derriford
7. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
The physical skills -requirements for speed and accuracy, keyboard, driving skills etc.
Manoeuvring of group materials to group setting.
Job responsibilities
The post holder will work in the OPMH Functional Team as a Community Support Worker.
The post holder will have a caseload and will follow the relevant the CPA Care Plans/Statements of Care for their patients and assist the registered staff (nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology & medical) in the delivery of care to patients. This will include lone working with patients.
The post holder will also carry out roles as requested by the team leader, deputy team leader and occupational therapist to support the team as a whole e.g. copying relevant paperwork, attending ward rounds, support duty, supporting group work and helping collate data & maintaining tidy work areas such as the team bay & clinic
SCOPE AND RANGE
Working as part of the MDT
Supporting trained members of staff to complete initial assessments
Attending MDTs and ward rounds
Completing time limited pieces of work on a 1-1 basis in the community. Following a care plan provided by qualified members of the team such anxiety management, graded exposure, medication monitoring.
Supporting trained members of staff to complete community groups.
Supporting approx. 1 afternoon per week of duty (12:30-1700)
5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 Responsibility for People Management
To assist the training of students whilst they are undertaking placements within Livewell Southwest.
5.2 Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources
To play a role in making best use of available workforce and material resources and contributing to provision of best therapy possible.
5.3 Responsibility for administration
To participate with support in clinical
Responsible for ensuring records are kept up-to-date on Systm 1.
To maintain standards of record keeping and associated administration in accordance with Livewell Southwest Policy and professional guidelines. This will include the upkeep of contemporaneous, chronological and accurate mental health records in accordance with relevant Guidelines and policy.
To ensure up to date knowledge of patient care plan and risk.
5.4 Responsibility for people who use our services
To work under the supervision of a registered member of staff, but post holder will carry out majority number of tasks 1-1 basis in the community with patients. Post holder to know own personal and professional limitations of their role and seek advice and support when appropriate.
To carry out efficiently and effectively tasks and instructions assigned by the health professional.
To undertake only those tasks for which she/he has had instruction and is competent to fulfil.
To maintain confidentiality in respect of the patient/client at all times.
To work in a way that maintains health and safety and complies with lone working policies.
Know how to report accidents and untoward incidents and to do so promptly.
To fully understand safeguarding procedures and policies
To obtain knowledge of Livewell Southwests policies, procedures and practices and carry out duties in accordance with them. To have an enhanced knowledge of policies pertinent to your area of work.
To be aware of legal issues and have an understanding of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding procedures.
To support community activities either on a 1:1 basis or in small groups.
To undertake any observations relating to the patients care and report appropriately to a registered member of staff.
To be willing to participate actively in appropriate in-service training programmes which are mandatory or the manager believes to be of benefit to the individual. To assume co-responsibility for maintaining skills and knowledge levels.
To keep records in accordance with Livewell Southwests policies and procedures.
To participate in continuing role/personal development via line management and caseload supervision, appraisal and practice supervision.
To understand CQC monitoring arrangements and how these impact upon the team.
To participate in audit and service improvement.
To behave in a manner which does not bring Livewell Southwest into disrepute, whilst on or off duty. To comply with all conditions within contract.
To participate in physical intervention when applicable.
To comply with lone worker policy.
To adhere to organisations dress code.
The post holder is required to comply with all 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 to the Director of Operations/Chief Executive Officer).
Work in a collaborative and cooperative manner with service users, their
families/carers and other health and social care professionals within the remit of confidentiality. Recognise and respect their involvement in the planning and delivery of care where appropriate.
Assist in the maintenance of appropriate therapeutic environment beneficial to the
needs of the service users, relatives carers and others.
Contribute to the team approach, providing accurate and relevant feedback to
registered staff: participate in team discussions and meetings regarding care of
service users.
Develop an appropriate therapeutic relationship with service users to encourage and maximise their interest and participation in therapeutic activity, to support patient to become independent and self-reliant.
Play a part in preparation of CPA.
The post holder has contact with patients as directed by qualified member of staff. This should be time limited and goal and recovery orientated. This contact should take place during work hours and in an appropriate therapeutic setting. Contact should remain within the confines of a therapeutic relationships and boundaries should be made clear and adhered to.
5.5 Responsibility for implementation of policy and/or service developments
The post holder will be involved in any MDT discussions and decision making.
5.6 Other Responsibilities
To ensure patient records are kept up to date as per policy
To ensure service have up to date records on community activities.
To maintain records and patient information, to ensure confidentiality.
6. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Voluntary organisations including Eldertree
Patients relatives, ensuring consent has been sought
Members of the public- ensure professional appearance and conduct.
Primary health care and liaison services at Derriford
7. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
The physical skills -requirements for speed and accuracy, keyboard, driving skills etc.
Manoeuvring of group materials to group setting.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Vocational Qualification Level III or equivalent skills, knowledge and experience Maths & English GCSE Grades 4 and above or equivalent Effective Communication Skills to be able to travel across city
Desirable
- Knowledge of CBT and anxiety management. Experience of group working Completion of carers certification
Experience
Essential
- 2 years experience of working with people with mental health needs
Knowledge
Essential
- Team working skills Ability to participate in activities with patients The importance of being kind, compassionate, empathic & genuine Effective Communication Skills
Qualifications
Essential
- Vocational Qualification Level III or equivalent skills, knowledge and experience Maths & English GCSE Grades 4 and above or equivalent Effective Communication Skills to be able to travel across city
Desirable
- Knowledge of CBT and anxiety management. Experience of group working Completion of carers certification
Experience
Essential
- 2 years experience of working with people with mental health needs
Knowledge
Essential
- Team working skills Ability to participate in activities with patients The importance of being kind, compassionate, empathic & genuine Effective Communication Skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Livewell Southwest
Address
200 Mount Gould Road
Mount Gould
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 7PY
Employer's website
https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Livewell Southwest
Address
200 Mount Gould Road
Mount Gould
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 7PY
Employer's website
https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
For questions about the job, contact:
Deputy Team Manager
Mark Smith
01752435365
Date posted
22 May 2023
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
£22,816 to £24,336 a year pa, pro-rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
Reference number
B9832-2023-NM-8487
Job locations
200 Mount Gould Road
Mount Gould
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 7PY
Supporting documents
Please view the full job description on NHS Jobs for attached documents.
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