Support Worker

Job overview

Forest Lodge is a 22 bedded Low Secure Forensic Service , which aims to deliver high quality, assessment,  treatment, effective rehabilitation and recovery to individuals who require care in a secure environment . We are looking for a dynamic and motivated support worker to join the team. The focus of the unit will be on the treatment and care of people with major and complex mental health  and physical health needs. We aim to

• Empower people to make informed choices regarding their individual process of recovery, within a structured secure  environment.
• Provides personalised intensive optimistic therapeutic programs based on the principles of the Recovery model and trauma informed care.
• Actively encourages patients to self manage their own health needs as far as possible with appropriate help & support.
• Utilise  Collaborative Care Planning.
• We are a 24-hour service and require a high degree of flexibility regarding rotation between day and night shifts, including weekends
• Please only apply if a full time position can be worked.
• Please be advised we may close the vacancy early if a high number of applications are received.

Main duties of the job

The successful applicant will be expected to implement identified plans of care for service users under the direction/supervision of qualified staff to meet the needs of the individual’s identified care plans.  They will also be responsible for documenting details of the patient’s participation in the care plan.

Another key element of the role is to empower service users as much as possible in decision making and involve them in a wide range of appropriate activities using local facilities. You will accompany the service user on Section 17 leave in the community and and other arranged visits.

We are a trauma informed service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Support Worker  Band 3 - based at Forest Lodge

Job purpose:           Under the direction of the qualified member of staff, to provide appropriate levels of care and support as outlined in the relevant care plan. Will regularly work under guidance but without the direct supervision of a qualified staff.

Responsible to:      Matron/Ward Manager

Minimum Qualifications:      Maths and English GCSE or equivalent or a willingness to achieve.    Achieved or have a desire to work towards NVQ level 2/ Care Certificate

Key result areas:    To implement identified plans of care for assigned patients under the direction/supervision of a qualified staff to meet the needs of the individual’s identified care needs.

To report actions and/or observations on patient care of behaviour to a qualified nurse so that a thorough evaluation of care can take place.

To report untoward occurrences immediately to a qualified nurse so that a reassessment of care needs can be undertaken.

To undertake general duties assigned by a qualified nurse so that high standards of service delivery can be maintained.

In conjunction with the patients to plan appropriate menus, and assist with purchasing and catering to the extent that this is required by the ability of the individual patient.

To be able to demonstrate the approach needed to involve individual patients in activities and explain the reasons for this.

To develop a group activity relevant to the area with patients and monitor and evaluate its effectiveness. This will be under the guidance of qualified staff but not directly supervised. The post holder will produce written aims and objectives of their chosen group activity prior to the commencement of the group and provide regular updates and evaluation reports to the ward manager and/or supervisor.

The post holder will be responsible for documenting details of the patient’s participation in the care plan.

To involve patients in a wide range of appropriate activities using local facilities where available.

To involve the patients as much as possible in day to day decision making, bearing in mind the principles of advocacy and self-advocacy.

To enable the patient to maintain contact with friends and relatives by encouraging visits and assisting with letter writing. Experience has shown that staff who have low expressed emotion engage more effectively with clients.

To accompany the patient on outings and other arranged visits.

All employees are expected to observe the Trust’s policies relating to risk

Management, in particular staff should: -

• Be aware of the principles of risk management
• Adopt appropriate practice to reduce risk to themselves and others

There is a requirement that the postholder will undergo regular supervision and annual appraisal.

All employees are expected to observe the trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy in their behaviour to the public and fellow employees.

In fulfilling these tasks the potholder will be expected to be familiar with the local policies and procedures especially in respect of Health and Safety, Confidentiality and Fire.

This job profile is presented in general terms and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The post holder will be expected to regularly review this with their line manager.

Other Duties

The main focus of the role is to respond to and satisfy the above requirements and needs.  If in addition to this it is considered appropriate, other duties may be undertaken by the post-holder consistent with the Band of the post

You should be comfortable in the use of computer technology, have basic keyboard skills and have the ability to use email. Daily use of a car is essential.