Health Care Support Worker

Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity to improve the physical health and wellbeing of people living with mental health conditions. The post holder will undertake holistic assessments of social, physical, and mental health needs, recognising the strong links between physical health, social circumstances, and mental wellbeing. Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, they will support the delivery of person-centred care, promote healthier outcomes, and help reduce health inequalities.

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people living with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) by improving their physical health and overall wellbeing.

The post holder will support the delivery of nurse-led Physical Health, Clozapine and Depot Clinics, undertaking physical health monitoring, venepuncture and holistic assessments of physical, mental health and social care needs. They will work collaboratively with service users to promote healthier lifestyles, provide health education, support personalised goal setting and improve access to physical healthcare services.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the post holder will contribute to coordinated, person-centred care through clinic-based and community-based interventions, including home visits where appropriate. They will help identify and address health inequalities, support the achievement of physical health targets and contribute to service development, audit and quality improvement initiatives.

The role requires excellent communication and organisational skills, a commitment to high standards of clinical record keeping, and a passion for improving outcomes for people with complex mental health needs.

Essential Requirement

• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel independently across the Trust, including between service locations and service user visits, as required by the role (unless prevented from doing so by a disability as defined under the Equality Act 2010).

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking community mental health service and play a key role in improving the physical health and wellbeing of people living with Severe Mental Illness (SMI). Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the post holder will support the delivery and ongoing development of nurse-led Physical Health, Clozapine and Depot Clinics across Watford ACMHS.

The post holder will undertake a range of clinical and non-clinical duties that contribute to the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care. This will include carrying out physical health assessments, venepuncture, physiological observations, health promotion interventions and holistic assessments of service users' physical, mental health and social care needs. The role will focus on identifying health risks, reducing health inequalities and supporting individuals to achieve positive and sustainable health outcomes.

The post holder will work collaboratively with service users, carers, primary care services, community mental health teams and partner organisations to ensure that physical health, mental health and social care needs are recognised and addressed through a coordinated approach to care. They will support service users to identify personal health goals, improve health literacy and access appropriate services and interventions.

A significant element of the role involves supporting the effective delivery of clinics and community-based interventions for a large cohort of service users attending Watford ACMHS. This includes undertaking clinic appointments and home visits, monitoring service user wellbeing, recognising deterioration or emerging risks, and escalating concerns appropriately within the multidisciplinary team.

The post holder will be responsible for maintaining accurate clinical records and physical health documentation using Trust electronic systems, ensuring that information is recorded, communicated and shared in accordance with Trust policies and professional standards.

The role will contribute to the achievement of key physical health performance indicators, service audits, quality improvement initiatives and service development projects. The post holder will actively participate in training, supervision and ongoing professional development, while also supporting the induction and development of colleagues where appropriate.

This position offers the opportunity to be part of an innovative service that is committed to improving health outcomes, promoting recovery and reducing the significant health inequalities experienced by people living with severe mental illness. Through compassionate, holistic and proactive care, the post holder will make a meaningful difference to the lives of service users and contribute to the continued success and development of physical health services within Watford ACMHS.

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.