Support Worker

Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust

Forest Lodge is a 22 bedded Low Secure Forensic Service, which aims to deliver high quality assessment, treatment, effective rehabilitation, and recovery to individuals who require care in a secure environment. We are looking for a dynamic and motivated support worker to join the team. The focus of the unit will be on the treatment and care of people with major and complex mental health and physical health needs.

• Empower people to make informed choices regarding their individual process of recovery, within a structured secure environment.
• Provide personalised intensive optimistic therapeutic programs based on the principles of the Recovery model and trauma informed care.
• Actively encourage patients to self-manage their own health needs as far as possible with appropriate help & support.
• We are a 24-hour service and require a high degree of flexibility regarding rotation between day and night shifts, including weekends.

Main duties of the job

The successful applicant will be expected to implement identified plans of care for service users under the direction/supervision of qualified staff to meet the needs of the individual's identified care plans. They will also be responsible for documenting details of the patient's participation in the care plan.

Another key element of the role is to empower service users as much as possible in decision making and involve them in a wide range of appropriate activities using local facilities. You will accompany the service user on Section 17 leave in the community and other arranged visits.

Job responsibilities

Support Worker Band 3 - based at Forest Lodge

Job purpose: Under the direction of the qualified member of staff, to provide appropriate levels of care and support as outlined in the relevant care plan. Will regularly work under guidance but without the direct supervision of qualified staff.

Responsible to: Matron/Ward Manager

Minimum Qualifications: Maths and English GCSE or equivalent or willingness to achieve. Achieved or have a desire to work towards NVQ level 2/Care Certificate.

Key result areas: To implement identified plans of care for assigned patients under the direction/supervision of qualified staff to meet the needs of the individuals identified care needs.

• To report actions and/or observations on patient care or behaviour to a qualified nurse so that a thorough evaluation of care can take place.
• To report untoward occurrences immediately to a qualified nurse so that a reassessment of care needs can be undertaken.
• To undertake general duties assigned by a qualified nurse so that high standards of service delivery can be maintained.
• To involve the patients as much as possible in day-to-day decision making, bearing in mind the principles of advocacy and self-advocacy.

This job profile is presented in general terms and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The post holder will be expected to regularly review this with their line manager.

Person Specification

• 2 Years experience working as a HCA

Training and Qualifications

• Good standard of written and verbal communication
• Achieved or have a desire to work towards NVQ level 3 or equivalent

Experience

• Experience of working with adults with enduring mental health problems, experience of managing discussion groups with patients, co-ordination of activities and social inclusion/escorts.

Skills and Knowledge

• The ability to build and sustain therapeutic relationships with patients at a level appropriate to their needs.
• To possess the potential to organise, facilitate and develop patients skills in group settings.

Other

• To be able to conduct themselves with integrity. Be punctual and have the willingness and ability to work flexibly over a 24hr period to include a variety of shift patterns.

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 name

Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust