Healthcare Support Worker

Job overview

*** Healthcare support worker within the low secure Forensic directorate***

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Specialist Low Secure Forensic Service on Yew ward based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Yew ward is a low secure 12 bedded male acute unit.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated and innovative individual, who can support men on the unit in their mental health recovery.

Your role will aim to build a therapeutic relationship with service users on the ward and support them in all tasks of daily life to improve their health and wellbeing and quality of life.

Due to the nature of the unit, successful candidates will be professional and be able to care for someone in a non judgemental approach. Both wards are forensic units, therefore risk assessing in a big part of the role to ensure safety of service users and staff. A big part of the role includes balancing risk and least restrictive practice.

Some tasks will include 1 to 1 working, supporting nurses, support service users to keep active and therapeutic observations of service users.

Increasing service user engagement is a big part of the role. Here on Yew, individualised care in paramount to ensure they get the right care.

Band 2 or Band 3 depending upon experience

Main duties of the job

The post holder will support the nurses on the ward within a close team to ensure safe running of the ward and patient centred care at all times. The post holder will have opportunity to work closely with service users and contribute to the wider multi-disciplinary team, This role requires the post holder to be able to document in an accurate and timely fashion.

Due to the nature of forensic mental health working, the post holder will be offered both managerial and clinical supervision and regular support from the team.

This is an opportunity for the post holder to work within a specialist team including a variety of disciplines with a wide range of knowledge and expertise.

Healthcare support workers are required to work a regular rotation of night shifts, long days, alternative weekend working and working bank holidays – including Christmas and new year.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For full job description and person specification please refer to the attached documents. In summary;

• Supporting the nurses in a team to safely run the ward.
• Facilitate activities and support service users on section 17 leave.
• Facilitate 1 to 1 sessions and build a rapport with our service users.
• Involvement in both staff meetings and workers meetings.
• Supporting service users with self care and limited personal care.
• Support service users to build on their skills and promote quality of life.
• Keeping up to date on mandatory and essential training.
• Support service users with their physical health and giving advice on healthier living.

Completing supportive and therapeutic observations.