Job description

Job responsibilities

Communication and Working Relationship Skills

• To communicate effectively with people using services taking into account any communication difficulties they may have and responding appropriately.
• To participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned activity programmes to improve the quality of life and mental state of the person using services.
• To offer emotional support, advice, information and education where appropriate to people using services, carers and their family including signposting them to other services.
• To foster and maintain good working relations with members of other community teams, health and social care workers and inpatient services. Receiving and sharing information from GPs, carers and other agencies.
• Giving information and assistance to people using services and their carers so that they are aware of their rights, entitlements and the contents of their recovery care plan.
• To communicate any changes in the persons presentation to the care co-ordinator or appropriate professional in a timely manner.

Analytical and Judgemental Skills

• The post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, and competencies.
• Take part in the constant assessment of risk and management of risk in conjunction with the qualified staff.
• Take part and be aware of Health and Safety matters as appropriate.
• Be punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with Trust Policies.
• Use community resources appropriate to the needs of people using services.

Planning and Organisational Skills

• To plan own diary and maintain accurate records of all activity.
• To liaise appropriately with other Agencies as part of supporting the delivery of care.
• To attend meetings and any other formal/informal communication events linked to the work of the team, as directed by the team leader.

Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy

• To independently or jointly monitor a persons mental health to ensure safety. . This may require intensive input and /or regular monitoring as directed by the mental health practitioners within the team and in accordance with the recovery care plan.
• Monitor mental health through observations and report changes to qualified staff so that the care plan can be kept fully up to date. Be aware of fluctuations in mental health.
• Monitor basic health e.g. diet, hygiene and sleep and assist in addressing identified needs.
• Work with people using services and their carers to achieve the objectives of the care plan.
• Encourage social/physical activities as identified within the care plan.
• Promote independence and recovery
• Be able to recognise signs of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns.
• To participate in, support and maintain positive interventions and planned activity programmes to improve the persons quality of life. To record contacts, interventions and observations on the electronic care record and seek appropriate professional validation.
• To keep up to date with clinical knowledge pertaining to the role, relevant to the sphere of mental health and in accordance with practice developments.

Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation

• To comply with all DPT policies, protocols, procedures relevant to the role.
• Report any observed incidence of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences or faulty equipment.
• To participate professionally in service development and proposed service changes.
• To take part in any audit processes as required.
• Comply with universal Infection Control precautions and procedures.
• To complete all core training requirements and other appropriate training courses pertinent to the role, as agreed by the team leader.

Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources

• Assist in maintaining safety and security of the environment.
• Helping to maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the environment (including equipment).
• To have knowledge and understanding of counter fraud.
• The post holder will have no direct responsibility for finance, but they will need to adhere to relevant Trust policies on financial issues.

Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management

• To work (with daily supervision from an identified mental health practitioner) on their own with people in their own homes and other settings in the community or as part of another role.
• To actively participate in regular supervision from a mental health practitioner and an annual appraisal in accordance with Trust policy.
• To participate in and support students learning along with other members of the team

Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties

• Maintain up to date electronic records in a timely and accurate manner.
• To regularly access email and other information through the Trusts intranet.
• Maintain confidentiality of information being aware of Trust policies and local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.
• Work in accordance with lone working policy.

Responsibility for Research and Development

• To attend appropriate training courses pertinent to the role, as agreed by the team leader.

Freedom to Act

• Works within the standard operational procedures of the team. Uses own initiative in delivering patient care whilst receiving supervision from the team.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Previous employment / experience of working with people in a caring situation or previous experience working in a different role within mental health services
• Awareness of safeguarding principles
• IT skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations.
• Previous care experience with people who have Mental Health difficulties.

Qualifications

Essential

• Basic Education
• To complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of employment unless already obtained or evidence of equivalent agreed and signed off by the appointing manager at interview. If not, this will be a trainee position until successful completion

Desirable

• NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.
• Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Wonford House

Dryden Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5AF