Community Support Worker

Clinical Responsibilities, Patient Contact, maintains safety, privacy and dignity of all patients in the delivery of patient centred care, recognising and respecting differences including spiritual and cultural beliefs. Responsible for recognising the signs of patient harm, abuse or neglect, and follows correct safeguarding policies. Undertakes delegated activities within level of own competency, and with due regard to risk assessment, to assist with the implementation of intervention plans as part of the multidisciplinary team. Completes patient assessment tools and accurately summarises within patient care records. Identifies changes in patients' presentation and acts, reports and records appropriately.

Regularly accompanies and provides support to patients in a variety of community settings, as delegated and dependent on current risk assessment. This includes social inclusion/community integration/transfer to and from appropriate areas e.g. acute hospitals, dentist etc. Assists in the provision of health education and advice on health promotion to patients and their carers. Demonstrates safe breakaway techniques in the management of violence and aggression as required. Demonstrates safe moving and handling of patients using equipment as required. Where appropriate and with authorisation, acts as an advocate for patients/carers. To promote at all times a positive image of people with mental ill health.

This post is not open to trainees. The successful candidate must have completed the Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 2 or equivalent. Candidates must also have Literacy and Numeracy level 2 or equivalent and must complete the Trust Healthcare Assistant competencies within their probationary period (first 6 months in role).

Please refer to the job description and person specification for further detailed information to ensure that you meet the role criteria before applying.

Due to the nature of the role it is essential that applicants are able to travel independently across the locality and have access to a suitable vehicle for business purposes. If necessary, adjustments can be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

This job advert may close early if a high volume of applications have been received. If interested, please apply for this post as soon as possible.

We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.

From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care --our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.

We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.

We're committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.

We won't rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.

Essential: - Diploma in Health and Social Care level 2 or equivalent; - Care Certificate; - Key skills in Literacy and Numeracy level 2; - Successful completion of Trust's full HCA Framework within 6-month probationary period

Essential: - Previous experience as a Band 2/3 HCA or equivalent in a care environment

Desirable: - Previous experience of working with people with mental/social health needs or learning disabilities.

Essential: - Effective verbal and written communication skills; - Competency in record keeping; - Time management and ability to prioritise effectively

Desirable: - Competency in venepuncture; - Competency in ECGs