HCSW (Bank Staffing)

Job overview

People who use our services are from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of needs which may include mental health, learning disabilities or dementia.

As a support worker you will be working closely with individuals, enabling them to live their lives with support from a Multi-Disciplinary team of nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers and doctors.

We will offer an induction in to SHSC and there will be a local induction into the area you will be supporting. Training which will enhance your skills to feel confident in your role, will continue throughout your employment.

To do this role you need to have good communication skills,  an understanding of patient centred care and motivation to support people with dementia, learning disability and mental health. You must have previous experience of  working as a support worker within a healthcare setting.

You will be part of a multi- disciplinary team and will be expected to support individuals with all aspects of care, including personal care and supporting in providing nutritional intake.

You need to be able to work flexibly to support the 24 hour service, as we operate a shift rota system including weekends and bank holidays, which will vary across the organisation.

Main duties of the job

Working within the services requires a person who shares the trust values but is someone who is dedicated, hardworking,  responsive,  good at communicating and someone that wants to be challenged. You will work under the supervision of registered nurses, though interactions with patients you will maintain compassionate and professional attitude. Our wider MDT consists of Doctors, Nurses, Occupational therapists. Physiotherapists, Psychologists.

The Trust where staff are forward thinking, have new ideas and initiatives are continually being implemented, reviewed and refined all with the purpose of making care and treatment effective. We are a team that embraces change and always put ourselves forward when new ways of working are being explored.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To be aware of the Trusts’ philosophy of care and the contribution the Support Worker is expected to make to ensure the continuation of high standards of care.

To communicate effectively with other members of the Team in respect of patient presentations, progress against their recovery plan and general concerns.

To ensure positive approaches to patient engagement. Where undertaking specific observations of patients, to do so in line with the available policies and guidelines.

To implement elements of the patients plan of care as delegated by the named nurse or nurse in charge.

To contribute to the ongoing risk assessment progress in relation to monitoring, observing and engaging with patients, communicating outcomes and conclusions with the rest of the Team and the nurse in charge.

To take a positive approach to responding to patients in acute distress, adopting principles of diffusion and de-escalation. Where physical interventions or restraint are required, to approach in line with available guidance and approved techniques, providing for the safety and dignity of the patient(s).

To take a positive approach in supporting patients with their medication regimes, in terms of encouragement and the provision of relevant information Assist patients with their daily activities of living, if identified in the patients’ plan of care, to ensure that all personal needs are met

Following suitable assessments by the nurse in charge, to escort patients on leave from the Ward, overseeing their safety and wellbeing until their return. As a member of the Team, to contribute to providing a quality environment for patients in relation to safety, dignity, comfort and day to day activities.

To participate in supervision and annual personal development reviews (PDR To undertake necessary essential training, over a period of time, in relation to suitable issues relevant to the role, which could include, for example and dependent on tier of entry.

Basic/Advanced Life Support RESPECT Training

Cavendish Care Certificate

To be aware of the Trusts’ Personal Safety Plan and apply in day to day practice. Take active and positive approaches to support and encourage patients meet their dietary needs, over the 24 hour period

To observe confidentiality regarding patients at all times. Document patients’ presentation, progress and any significant events in Nursing Notes and ensure that these entries are counter-signed by a Registered Nurse as appropriate.

Assist medical staff with routine examinations. Assist in the collection of specimens that require either ward or laboratory examination.

To respond to spillages of waste or bodily fluids in line with health and safety guidelines and control of infection guideline.

Assist in the stripping, cleaning and making of beds and the safe disposal of soiled linen in the absence of housekeepers.

Undertake a range of practical tasks and duties in support of the Ward Team and patient need.

Assist in the response to a missing patient as directed by the nurse in charge and available policies.

To use relevant information in support of patient care and care planning, including available electronic information systems.