Healthcare Assistant

The role of the health care

assistant is to assist the trained nurse in delivering physical, social and

psychological care to the patient / client with mental health problems /

illness, admitted to a Livewell South West (LWSW) MH unit. The primary function of this role is

to support patients during their acute illness. The aim is to support

individuals to receive the best care close to home.

The post holder will be responsive to the needs of the patients across the hospital sites.

As directed by the senior nurse, this requires the ability to travel at short

notice from base.

The post holder will be

required to work within all the specified Mental health wards of LWSW. This

will 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 on electronic

patients notes under the supervision of the registered nurse

The post holder will be based

within the adult acute service (Harford and Bridford) for managerial support

and line management.

This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route; please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility.

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

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

MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibility for

People Management

To be

involved in the continued development of the Health Care Assistant role and

other Health Care Assistants

To

provide guidance and support to junior staff or students

To provide supervision/mentorship

to Health Care Assistants as required

To receive line management support

Responsibility for

financial and/or physical resources

The post

holder will have no direct responsibility for finances; however they will

adhere to the relevant trust policies

on financial issues

The post

holder will use Livewell Southwest resources responsibly

Responsibility for administration

To

ensure competencies in record keeping

Report any changes in the patients condition or

care needs to the supervising trained nurse and / or relevant therapist and

document accordingly.

Maintain accurate and complete patient records in

accordance with organisational guidelines.

Maintain

confidentiality of information being aware of Livewells policies and local

protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes

To

access email and other information through Livewell Southwest intranet

Responsibility for

people who use our services

Support peoples care through provision of key skills

including emotional and spiritual care, positioning, communication, tissue

viability, oral and personal hygiene, and nutritional awareness.

Assist people to achieve there optimal level in

their physical health care maintaining their comfort and dignity at all times.

To support patients

to identify and overcome fears within a relationship of empathy and trust.

To monitor mental

health of service users 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.

To work with patients

and carers to work towards recovery

The

post holder will promote better mental health by acting as a suitable role

model

The post holder is required to comply with all

infection prevention and control policies and guidance, attend relevant updates

and report issues of concern to their immediate line manager (if no action or

explanation received, then it is the individuals responsibility to escalate to

Director of Operations/Chief Executive Office.

Be able to respond

effectively to any concerns 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 record systems.

Contribute

to the assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating care to patients.

This to include participation in case review and assessment for admission /

discharge process

Escort

patients to other wards / departments or other areas designated by trained

staff, which may include the community settings.

Record

and manage patients property.

Responsibility for

implementation of

policy and/or service developments

To comply with

Livewell southwest policies and procedures relevant to the role.

This will include adherence to Uniform

& Dress Code Policy when worn.

To report any

observed incident of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences,

or faulty equipment.

To participate

professionally in service development and proposed service changes

Comply with universal

infection control precautions and procedures.

To behave in a manner which does not

bring Livewell Southwest into disrepute

To complete all Mandatory training and other

training pertinent to the role, as agreed by line manager.

Other Responsibilities

The post holder will

be aware of and work within their own limits, and competencies

Be punctual for work

and conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with Livewell

southwest policies

To

participate in induction and support programmes in relation to new staff and

volunteers as directed by the nurse

To

actively engage in clinical supervision both as a supervisor and supervisee if appropriate.

In line with local guidelines review, reflect and develop own practice and

performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision

and appraisal.

To

demonstrate ongoing personal and professional development through participation

in internal and external development opportunities, reflecting and recording

learning outcomes in a professional portfolio. This would include support

groups and induction opportunities.

To know how to report accidents and

untoward incidents and to do so promptly.

COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

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.

Specific Skills

Experience

Knowledge

Additional Requirements

Qualifications