Job summary
Do you want to make a difference to people with mental health needs? Are you a caring and compassionate person with excellent communication skills? If so, we want YOU!
This is an exciting opportunity to work within the South Bucks Older Adult Mental Health Team (CMHT) based at the newly refurbished South Bucks mental health hub based in High Wycombe as a Support Time and Recovery (STR) Worker.
We are a supportive, dynamic and integrated team which, although busy, has many rewards. We care deeply about our patients and their families and carers. We believe in listening and responding as a team, piloting new models, supporting each other and developing and using new care approaches. We aim to improve patient care provided as well increase staff satisfaction and sense of achievement.
Main duties of the job
As a Support Worker you will be instrumental in our services and deliver recovery focused interventions (emotional and practical support) to service users in their own place of residence under the guidance and support of qualified mental health Clinicians and Team Leaders. You will need to be a dedicated, patient focused and highly motivated individual, who has some experience of mental health and support work working effectively as part of the wider multi-disciplinary team.
Regular supervision will be provided, and you will be encouraged and supported to undertake any training relevant to your interests and personal development.
Accessibility, responsiveness and excellence in customer service with the highest regard for service user experience will be at the heart of the service and Support Workers will use their skills and personal qualities to make this a reality.
As a Support Worker you must be able to demonstrate Trust values in delivering care to others. The successful candidate will be able to follow and initiate plans of care flexibly and dynamically in challenging and changing circumstances. Support Workers must have the skills and aptitude to work creatively and proactively with our third sector partners such as MIND and the Alzheimer's association.
About us
The team is highly supportive and committed to delivering a high quality patient and carer journey.
You will be offered opportunities for professional development and opportunities to influence and contribute to service development. You will be provided with regular supervision, appraisal and support.
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust provides physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset.
Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible
Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive:"Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"
Our values are:"Caring, safe and excellent"
At Oxford Health we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
- Excellent opportunities for career progression
- Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
- 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
- NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
- Competitive pension scheme
- Lease car scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists may apply)
- Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team
Job description
Job responsibilities
Holding a Full drivers license and having access to a vehicle for business use is essential for this role.
This role will require you to travel between rural community bases across Buckinghamshire on a daily basis where you will typically attend to up to 10 different patients per day in their home setting. You must therefore be comfortable with driving for work purposes and able to travel freely within the hours of the role. Applicants must have a full valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work. Adjustments can be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010 where required.
The CMHT teams provide an assessment and treatment function. The successful candidate will be expected to work 9-5 Monday to Friday with the main base at Saffron House.
Please Note:
- New starters have a 6 month probationary period. This, together with the induction process aims to create a positive supportive working environment allowing new employees to learn key elements of their role over a reasonable timescale.
- Candidates not currently employed by the Trust who attend an interview for non-qualified Band 1-5 posts are required to undertake numeracy and literacy assessments.
- Appointment to this post is subject to the trust receiving satisfactory references covering 3 years of employment or study. Please ask your referees to respond promptly to reference requests.
- Employees are expected to undertake mandatory and statutory training related to their role.
- We positively encourage applications from all areas of the community, regardless of gender, race, faith, disability, age or sexual orientation and we encourage applications from users of mental health services. This is part of our commitment to equality and reflecting the diversity of our population.
- Oxford Health is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people in the community
- Experience of working with vulnerable people.
- Experience of working in a team
Desirable
- Experience of working in a health care setting
- Experience of mental health services (as a worker or service user / carer
Qualifications
Essential
- The post holder will be expected to attend and fully complete a nationally agreed induction programme and undertake an on-going training to achieve a minimum of NVQ2 / VRQ
Desirable
- NVQ level 2 or 3 or other relevant qualifications
Skills
Essential
- Ability to form positive working relationships with service users,
- Ability to make a positive contribution to improving the quality of life for people with mental health problems
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing at all levels
- Empathy and sensitivity to the needs of people with mental health needs
Other
Essential
- Able to travel within the geographical work area in an effective manner
- Ability to access a range of settings including visiting people at home Able to work weekends/evenings as appropriate
- Be committed to continuous development of job related knowledge and skills, including essential IT skills
Desirable
- Word processing and other IT skills.
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
Oxford Health NHS Trust
Address
Saffron House
Easton Street
High Wycombe
HP11 1NH