Clinical Assistant

Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a dynamic multidisciplinary team providing intensive community support to adults with learning disabilities who are experiencing mental health crises, behaviours that challenge, or increased risks that could lead to unnecessary hospital admission. Our aim is to provide timely, responsive interventions that promote recovery, improve quality of life, and support people to remain in their own homes wherever possible.

You will have experience working with people with learning disabilities, autism and/or mental health needs in a health or social care setting. You will demonstrate excellent communication skills, compassion and resilience, and be able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

You will also have:

• A relevant Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care (or equivalent ).
• Experience of supporting individuals with complex needs and behaviours that challenge.
• An understanding of person-centred care, positive behaviour support and risk management.
• Good organisational and IT skills with the ability to maintain accurate clinical records.
• A flexible approach to working across a seven-day service.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to travel independently across the Trust area, as community working is an essential part of the role.

Main duties of the job

As a Band 4 Clinical Assistant, you will work alongside learning disability nurses, Mental Health Nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and other health and social care professionals to deliver high-quality, evidence-based interventions in community settings.

The service operates 7 days a week between 8:00am and 8:00pm, and you will participate in a flexible rota that includes weekends and bank holidays.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, person-centred care and therapeutic interventions under the direction of registered practitioners.
• Support comprehensive assessments, care planning, risk management and the delivery of positive behaviour support strategies.
• Build trusting relationships with individuals, families, carers and support providers to promote independence, wellbeing and positive outcomes.
• Monitor and report changes in physical health, mental health and behavioural presentation, escalating concerns appropriately.
• Contribute to preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and supporting timely discharge from inpatient services.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation in accordance with Trust policies and professional standards.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to provide coordinated, holistic care.
• Promote safeguarding, dignity, equality, inclusion and the rights of people with learning disabilities.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate’s individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.