Health Care Support Worker

Job overview

We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and compassionate individuals to join our teams working with adults with acute mental health needs on Pavilion Ward (Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit) at Mill View Hospital.

Pavilion Ward provides a comprehensive induction period that will support you to develop in to a knowledgeable and skilled healthcare assistant. There is a wealth of career development opportunities available to all of our colleagues, and you will be supported to undertake comprehensive training in specialist skills such as The Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) and Immediate Life Support (ILS).

The ideal candidate will have a passion for supporting people in crisis and breaking down the stigma of mental illness. You will be working alongside a multi disciplinary team to deliver person centred, evidenced based care.

Pavilion Ward is a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit supporting ten male patients. We are passionate about least restrictive practice and nurse-led activities. We are an energetic and motivated team and you will supported in implementing positive changes in practice for patients.

Main duties of the job

In your role as a healthcare assistant, you will report to the nurse in charge and your main duties will involve completing observations to maintain patient safety, supporting patients with regular, therapeutic engagements. You will act as an escort to patients, whether to accompany them on therapeutic community leave or for conveyance to another healthcare setting. You will contribute to and follow each patients care plan to engage them in therapeutic interventions, and will be encouraged to share your views and expertise in developing person-centred plans for care and treatment.

We are currently recruiting for full time (37.5 hour) healthcare assistants to work a variety of shifts. Many of our colleagues across the hospital work flexibly, and this can be discussed with the interviewing manager if your application is successful.

Mill View Hospital is a fast paced and dynamic place to work, and no two days are the same. You will be supported in regular supervision by your line manager or other members of the management team, where you can discuss any concerns or ideas you may have to develop the service we provide.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

As a Healthcare Assistant on Pavilion Ward, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, person-centred care to individuals experiencing acute mental health needs within a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will provide therapeutic support to patients, helping to promote recovery, maintain safety, and enhance their wellbeing throughout their admission.

You will build positive and professional relationships with patients, supporting them to engage in meaningful activities, maintain daily living skills, and achieve their individual recovery goals. You will undertake and record clinical observations, monitor patients' mental and physical wellbeing, and promptly escalate any concerns to the nursing team.

The role requires you to support the management of risk through the delivery of enhanced observations, therapeutic engagement, and the use of de-escalation techniques where appropriate. You will contribute to maintaining a safe, secure, and therapeutic ward environment, supporting patients who may present with complex mental health needs, distress, aggression, or challenging behaviours.

You will assist patients with attending appointments, activities, and Section 17 leave, and work collaboratively with families, carers, and partner agencies to support care delivery. Accurate record keeping, effective communication, and adherence to Trust policies and procedures are essential aspects of the role.

As a Healthcare Assistant, you will be expected to uphold the values of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, demonstrate compassion and respect in all interactions, and contribute positively to the ongoing development of the service. You will participate in mandatory training, supervision, reflective practice, and quality improvement initiatives to ensure the highest standards of care are maintained.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about mental health care, committed to supporting people through periods of acute illness, and motivated to make a meaningful difference to patients and their recovery journey.