Healthcare Assistant

We are seeking Band 3 Health Care Assistants (HCA) to join our teams on Salus Ward based in Torquay.

You will become part of a friendly and supportive multi-disciplinary team where you'll be using your skills and experience to deliver a package of care to people on our wards that helps them on their road to recovery.

We passionately believe that with our help, people can improve their mental health to recover independence and return to their local community.

About you We're looking for a HCAs, you may already be working in a care setting or have an interest in working in this area. Above all, you will be passionate about providing the highest level of care to people who use our service.

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team means you will need excellent communication skills.

As you will be based on a ward that operates 24/7, you will be comfortable with working on a shift basis for which you will qualify for unsocial enhancements in addition to your basic pay.

If you require a certificate of sponsorship to work in the UK you are advised to review the "Coming to work in the UK Visa Information" link in the supporting links section to ensure this role and your current circumstances meet the requirements for sponsorship

If you would like to discuss the certificate of sponsorship and whether your current circumstances meet the requirement for sponsorship email for further advice

Main duties of the job

• Salus is a 16 bedded ward based in the grounds of Torbay Hospital and provides care for men and women with severe mental health needs.

Main duties across these roles include

• To assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using services. The care provided will encompass social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the individuals.
• Be responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.
• To communicate in a professional manner that is consistent with relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• Providing and receiving routine information to assist in undertaking the role.
• Participate in ward / team meetings and discussions.
• Healthcare Assistants will also responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff and will be supported to enhance and develop their skills clinically. This will be continually supported and any desires to further skills within Nursing can also be supported, through several options within Devon Partnership Trust.

About us We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

Our values

We not only recruit employees based on their qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess and demonstrate the behaviours which underpin the core values of our organisation. These values include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health & learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader Employer.

Job responsibilities The role of the Health Care Assistant is to assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using services. The care provided will encompass social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the individuals.

The Health Care Assistant will be responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.

Communication and Working Relationship Skills

• To communicate effectively with people using services taking into account any communication difficulties they may have and responding appropriately.
• To maintain appropriate therapeutic boundaries with people using services.
• 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.
• Act at all times in safeguarding the integrity, confidentiality and availability of sensitive information relating to both staff, carers and people who use services.
• Providing and receiving routine information to assist in undertaking the role.
• Participate in ward / team meetings and discussions.
• Treat colleagues and people using services with respect at all times.

Analytical and Judgemental Skills

• The post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, and competencies.
• Take part in the constant assessment of risk and management of risk in conjunction with the qualified staff.
• Contribute to the monitoring of the physical environment ensuring that it is safe and conducive to the therapeutic work of the ward, whilst being able to accurately monitor and feedback concerns to registered practitioners.
• Take part and be aware of Health and Safety matters as appropriate.
• Be punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with Trust Policies.

Planning and Organisational Skills

• To be involved in the assessment and implementation of individual treatment programmes and the persons recovery care plan under the supervision of qualified staff.
• To prioritise tasks and manage the shift workload in discussion with the Nurse-in-Charge.
• Participate in flexible shift system, which requires you to work days, evening, nights, weekends and public holiday's dependant on the needs of the ward.
• 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 / Nurse-in-Charge.

Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy

• To be fully aware of each individuals recovery care plan and be involved in clinical formulation and delivery of allocated individuals recovery care plans.
• Participation in the delivery of therapeutic interventions, - assisting / facilitating in the running of group and individual 1-1 activities, offering time in positive activity and engagement.
• Participate in procedures involving intensive engagement and care of individuals who are distressed and / or verbally or physically aggressive.
• To provide support with daily living skills.
• Assist in all aspects of physical nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse.
• Be able to recognise signs of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to elevate their concerns.
• Provide regular and practical support to individuals and their carers.
• To maintain the dignity and well-being of individuals and their carers at all times.
• To have a basic understanding of the principles of infection control and the importance of dietary and fluid requirements.
• Escorting individuals under direction of Nurse-in-Charge.
• To assist individuals gain access to resources including benefits and welfare rights.
• Participating in ward / team Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings and discussions.
• Keep accurate records of interventions and care provided as identified 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.
• To recognise and promote all aspects of cultural diversity, devising care plans as guided by a registered practitioner ,that respond positively to ethnic awareness with sensitivity.
• To promote good physical health and recognise, respond to a deteriorating individual, reporting all concerns to the registered practitioner.

Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation

• 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.
• Comply with universal Infection Control precautions and procedures.

Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources

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