Physical Health Support Worker

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Physical Health Support Worker position within the South Community Mental Health Team based at East Glade.

The successful post holder will work with individuals receiving care from Sheffield Community Mental Health Services, providing support and regular contact to promote recovery, improve wellbeing, and address physical health needs.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, the post holder will receive support and supervision from the Clinical Team Manager, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, and Physician Associate. They will work autonomously within the community, managing a caseload of service users and delivering care in line with agreed care plans.

Please note that applications for this vacancy will close automatically once the maximum number of applications has been received. Early submission is therefore encouraged, as the advert may close before the stated closing date

Main duties of the job

Undertake physical health assessments and monitoring for service users, including venepuncture, blood sampling, ECGs, and routine physical health observations such as blood pressure, pulse, height, weight, and BMI. This will include monitoring associated with clozapine and lithium treatment, as well as individuals prescribed antipsychotic medication, including high-dose antipsychotic therapy. The post holder will also complete QRISK3 assessments where appropriate.

Communicate the outcomes of physical health screenings and assessments to GPs and Primary Care Networks (PCNs).

Provide health promotion interventions, including advice on healthy lifestyles, nutrition, physical activity, smoking cessation, and general wellbeing.

Ensure that appointments and follow-up reviews are arranged within NICE guideline recommendations and according to clinical need, while maintaining sensitivity to issues of consent, confidentiality, and individual choice.

Recognise, monitor, and report changes in an individual's physical or mental health, including the identification of early warning signs of relapse, and escalate concerns in a timely manner.

Contribute to the safe and effective management of clinical environments by maintaining adequate stock levels, coordinating the ordering of supplies.

Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to support the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care that promotes recovery, physical wellbeing, and positive health outcomes.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Undertake routine physical health interventions and monitoring, including venepuncture, blood sampling, ECGs, Clozapine Assays, and the recording of physical health observations such as blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight. The post holder will not be responsible for the interpretation of blood test or ECG results.

Deliver health promotion and wellbeing interventions, providing advice and support relating to healthy eating, physical activity, smoking cessation, and substance misuse. Facilitate referrals to appropriate services and agencies in partnership with service users.

Ensure that follow-up appointments and reviews are arranged promptly and in accordance with NICE guidance, local protocols, and individual clinical need.

Communicate the outcomes of physical health screening and monitoring to GPs and Primary Care Networks (PCNs), highlighting any concerns and escalating issues appropriately when required.

Contribute to the safe and effective management of clinical environments by maintaining stock levels, coordinating the ordering of supplies, ensuring the safe disposal of sharps and clinical waste, undertaking equipment checks (including defibrillators), and supporting the maintenance and calibration of physical health equipment. Signpost service users to appropriate services, including Primary Care Mental Health Teams (PCMHT) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations.

Develop and maintain positive therapeutic relationships with service users while working within professional boundaries.

Encourage and support service users to actively engage in their agreed care plans and access relevant health, social care, and community-based services.

Implement agreed programmes of care in collaboration with service users and carers, under the guidance and supervision of an identified healthcare professional.

Monitor service users' progress, functioning, and mental state, recognising and reporting early warning signs of relapse or deterioration to the appropriate members of the care team.

Participate in the evaluation and review of care delivered, contributing to continuous improvements in service quality and outcomes.

Recognise and respond to the needs of carers, providing information, support, and signposting as appropriate.

Promote physical health and wellbeing as part of a holistic approach to recovery and person-centred care.

Support the planning, facilitation, and delivery of therapeutic, social, and recovery-focused group activities that enhance engagement, wellbeing, and social inclusion.

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.