Community Support Worker

The role will include managing your own caseload in short interventions that support recovery and promote well being in the community. These interventions will be overseen by registered professionals within the team. The successful applicant will also support with group work, assisting in memory assessments at the Devon Memory Service and escorting patients to receive ECT.

You will be expected to undertake training specific to working within the NHS and undertaking supervision., Under the daily supervision of mental health practitioners, the post holder will work as part of the multi-disciplinary team to support the delivery of recovery care plans for clients with a range of mental health presentations in the community and facilitating discharges from hospital. A further key role will be for the post holder to be part of the team supporting our wards to enable safe administration of ECT This will involve linking with inpatient wards and working across agencies e.g. Primary Care, Complex Care Teams and Third sector organisations.

The post holder will work intensively with people to support them in their home, preventing hospital admission and facilitating hospital discharge. They will also have part of their time planned for specific activities which may include linking with a ward to support patients to go out whilst they are an inpatient, supporting the assessment of carers as part of a Devon Memory Service assessment, and supporting the OPMH functional wards to ensure safe transfer and administration of ECT to patients whilst they are inpatients.

Whether seeing patients in the community or as part of another role, the post holder will be expected to work to a clearly defined personal recovery plan outlining the role for the post holder with that client and the range of interventions required.

Duties and 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 work with manager to plan their diary to ensure all allocated tasks are completed.


• To maintain timely accurate records of all activity.


• To liaise appropriately with other Agencies as part of supporting the delivery of care.


• To attend team business 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
  
  We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.


We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.,
• Basic Education


• If equivalent qualification is not already obtained, to complete QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care within 12 months of commencing employment.


• To complete Care Certificate training within the first 3 months of joining unless already obtained., 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., Previous employment / experience of working with people in a caring situation or previous experience working in a different role within mental health services, Previous care experience with people who have Mental Health difficulties.


Knowledge, Skills, experience and organisational skills,
• Awareness of safeguarding principles


• IT skills


• Demonstrate an ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships


• Good communication and listening skills


• Ability to work with people in a group and individual basis


• Good written communication.


• Able to work in a team effectively


• Demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries


• Able to plan work, time management, completing records and recording observations etc.


• To take leadership and direction from qualified staff.


• To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties


• Mobility throughout the area covered by the trust


• To be self-motivated.


• Able to work changing shift patterns as required


• To be maintain confidentiality, empathy, compassion and patience, towards individuals with mental health illness.


• To maintain professionalism at all times.


• To be patient and tolerant in challenging situations.


• An Enhanced DBS Check will be required for this role., Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations.


• Problem solving skills
  
  Our professional responsibility is to reduce the risk of infection to others as far as possible. Getting vaccinated against diseases that can be passed person-to-person in healthcare settings is part of this responsibility. The Trust will provide advice, guidance and support on vaccinations and access to vaccinations where requested., About Devon Partnership Trust


We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do