Associate Practitioner

Job summary

Associate Practitioner opportunity in our SEE Dementia & Older Adults CMHT Service based at the Harland Centre.

Work in partnership with the Community Dementia Nurse Specialist and other senior MDT members, to offer reviews/assessment and treatment to service users.

Work independently with service users under an agreed plan of care, formed with senior team members.

Support initial care planning, when necessary and updating of plan as needs and circumstances change, while seeking suitable supervision.

Assist and contribute to the assessment process, initial care planning, risk assessment and review of patient care.

To refer clients to other services both internal and external to EPUT.

Use own initiative to plan and implement social / therapeutic activities for service users, sign posting to local community resources and supporting client engagement

To act as a role model to other colleagues within the team and working work independently and accountably as part of a team

Main duties of the job

• Under the supervision of the Community Dementia Nurse Specialist monitor medication within Trust protocols reporting back to the clinical team and within agreed competency level evidenced by appropriate training.

• To provide post diagnostic support and education to clients and their families, referring to appropriate services (such as Dementia Navigation).

Participate and assist in the clinical review process, as required, and at the appropriate level.

• Participate in regular Clinical Supervision (4-6 weekly) facilitated by a qualified supervisor.

• Contribute to the discharge and care pathway planning.

• Contribute to MDT and participate in clinical decision making.

• Act with awareness and understanding of own limitation and professional boundaries.

About us

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Job responsibilities

Undertake physiological measurements and observations of service users physical and mental health conditions in order to recognise significant changes and be able to report and act on as appropriate.

Physical skills to include:

• Breakaway skills.
• To collect specimens from patients, including the taking of blood, and ensuring that all routine and prescribed investigations are completed.
• To complete ECGs.
• To take TPR and BP when required. To maintain competencies in physical skills.

Keep accurate and complete records, in accordance with Trust policies and procedures and with full appreciation of the implication of the Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act, which will be counter signed by a qualified member of staff.

Under the supervision of the Community Dementia Nurse Specialist monitor medication within Trust protocols reporting back to the clinical team and within agreed competency level evidenced by appropriate training

Person specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential

• Foundation Degree in a Healthcare related subject
• Student Associate Practitioner

Desirable

• Care Certificate
• NVQ level 3

Experience/skills

Essential

• Effective multidisciplinary working and liaison with other care providers, eg Primary and Tertiary organisations.
• Awareness of local and national NHS initiatives and strategy
• Treating patients with respect and dignity.

Desirable

• Working knowledge of SystmOne and Mobius
• Knowledge of working with external agencies involved in the care of people with Dementia and Mental Health

Knowledge

Essential

• Good oral communication skills based on fluency on the English language
• Ability to work with limited direct supervision
• A good understanding of dementia and its treatment/management
• Literate in IT/Computer Skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of Older Adults and Frailty