Healthcare Assistant

The role of the Healthcare 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 the Unit or within the community.

The post holder will be

required to work both within the ward unit and with clients in the

community. 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.

The post

holder will be directed to undertake tasks once adequate instruction has been

given by the trained nurse and both parties are confident that the task can be

fulfilled competently. The post holder

will provide support and mentorship to junior staff.

However,

the trained nurse is required to carry the responsibility for decision making

and direction.

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 if a high number of applications are submitted. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunity.

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

Responsibility for

People Management

To be involved in the continued

development of the Senior 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 their 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

To act as an ambassador

for Livewell with external agencies and partner organisations.

Always address

staff, patients and members of the public in a polite and respectful

manner either in person or on the telephone.

Be conversant

with and comply with all relevant organisational protocols and policies and

have valid organisational IT access.

Compassionate,

caring and kind in their practice.

De-escalation

To support the team in

promoting a recovery orientated environment by identifying recovery focused activities

and imparting information and education as required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

The post holder will be

competent in computer skills

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.

Qualifications

Experience

Knowledge

Skills

Other requirements