Healthcare AssistantNHS

Job summary

37.5 hours per week

Lee Mill Low Secure Unit is a 12-bed male inpatient ward set in the small village of Lee Mill just outside of Plymouth. We provide specialist mental health care for men who have often been involved in the legal system due to their mental health needs. The staff at Lee Mill are passionate about providing the highest level of patient centred care to an often challenging and disadvantaged patient group.

The Lee Mill team receives regular positive feedback celebrating our dedication to promote recovery and work collaboratively with our patient group and the kindness and respect demonstrated by the team, our most recent review was rated as good and outstanding.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, passionate and committed HCA to join our highly motivated team. You will provide day to day support and care under the supervision of the nurse in charge which will make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable people from the South West region. It is an exciting time to join us as Lee Mill is involved in a variety of projects including the focus on Reducing Restrictive Practice and the Culture of Care.

We will offer access to further training, including essential training for staff working within secure services, and there are good promotional prospects within the team.

Main duties of the job

The role of the Health Care Assistant is to assist the team in delivering physical, social and psychological care to the service user with mental health problems admitted to the Unit and requiring conditions of security.

This may involve contact with relatives, carers and other agencies. They will carry out interventions as part of the care plans and record information using the CPA process.

The post holder will be directed to undertake tasks once adequate instruction has been given by the trained nurse and both parties are confident that the task can be fulfilled competently. This will be a ward based role with a recovery focus and an opportunity to accompany service users into the community with the supervision of other staff.

Due to the nature of the role, all staff are required to attend a physical interventions training session to ensure we can meet the needs of our patients and remain effective in maintaining the safety and wellbeing of all. This post covers a 24/7 shift pattern inclusive of nights.

Please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline.

All staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service.

Job description

1. To work under the direction of a registered member of nursing staff, but at times will not have direct supervision with in the unit.

2. To carry out efficiently and effectively task and instructions assigned by the trained nurse.

3. To undertake only those tasks for which she / he has had instruction and is competent to fulfill.

4. To maintain confidentiality in respect of the patient / client at all times.

5. To be aware of Health and Safety at Work Act and the implications for the work environment.

6. To know how to report accidents and untoward incidents and to do so promptly.

7. To obtain knowledge of Livewell policies, procedures and practices and carry out duties in accordance with them this will include adherence to Uniform & Dress Code Policy.

8. To be aware of legal issues and have an understanding of the Mental Health Act.

9. To support community activities in small groups outside of the unit.

10. To be an active member of the provision of care to the patient / client.

11. Co-facilitate groups with qualified staff and support the therapeutic programme.

12. To receive reports on patient care and be able to report back with observations to the nurse in charge within his / her competency.

13. Participate in the safe delivery of physical intervention and respond to any untoward incident and undertake associated training. To be proficient in the use of seclusion and have a sound knowledge of policy relating to this.

14. To be willing to participate actively in appropriate in-service training programmes which the manager believes to be of benefit to the individual. To assume co-responsibility for maintaining skills and knowledge levels.

15. To assist the registered nurse to carry out, under direction, tasks which fulfill the patients / clients physical and psychological need, as identified in the Care Plan / Assessment.

16. Escort patients to other wards / departments or other areas designated by trained staff, which may include the community with other members of the team.

17. Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating care to service users. This to include participation in case review and assessment for admission / discharge process.

18. Make appropriate records in the electronic record system, which will then be counter signed by a registered nurse.

19. To assist the patients personal care and record patients observations in accordance with the Care Plan.

20. Record and manage patients property and money

21. Undertake specific responsibilities designated by the Ward Manager/unit coordinator.

22. To undertake mandatory and other training as directed by the Organisation.

23. To participate in continuing role / personal development using the appraisal system.

24. To receive line management support and supervision.

25. To contribute to any audit process.

26. To behave in a manner which does not bring the Organization into disrepute

This job description is not exhaustive and may change as the post develops, but such change will not take place without consultation between the post holder and his / her manager.

This job will be reviewed within the appraisal process on an annual basis.

The post holder is required to conform to Livewell policies on Health, Safety, Fire procedures and confidentiality.

About us

Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.

As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values, kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.

We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.

We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.

Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.