Clinical Support Worker (various Maudsley wards)

Job summary

We welcome enthusiastic individuals who want to begin or develop a career in healthcare.

We are seeking people interested in working across our inpatient wards and specialist services at Maudsley. If you are new to care, what matters most is that you are compassionate, kind, and genuinely committed to supporting service users and their families.

Main duties of the job

What we need:

• A positive and caring attitude
• Enthusiasm
• A determination to do a good job
• Willingness to learn and undertake training

Every day, you will make a huge difference to the lives of the people we care for, delivering a high standard of care alongside your colleagues.

Working under the direct supervision and guidance of a Registered Nurse/ Senior Health Care Support Worker/ Assistant Practitioner/Nurse Associate to support the delivery of quality nursing care, contributing to the physical, psychological, social, recreational and spiritual care in a recovery-focused way through therapeutic engagement and activities, and taking steps to address any issues that arise.

About us

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) provide the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK as well as substance misuse services for people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. We work closely with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London and are part of King's Health Partners.

SLaM employ around 5000 staff and serve a local population of 1.1 million people. By coming to work at SLaM, you will gain experience of being part of an organisation with a rich history and international reputation in mental health care. You will have access to professional development and learning opportunities, and have the chance to work alongside people who are world leaders in their field.

Job responsibilities

Working under the direct supervision and guidance of a Registered Nurse/ Senior Health Care Support Worker/ Assistant Practitioner/Nurse Associate

1. Undertake activities to ensure that the fundamentals of care are met - nutrition, hydration, hygiene, comfort, emotional and social support.
2. Ensure effective flow of is maintained for patients, due to the quick turn around, focusing on timely assessments and escalation to senior colleagues for a smooth transfer of care.
3. Provide hands-on care to service users including:
   • Undertaking 1-1 engagement with service users in an honest, open and non- judgmental way.
   • Recognising and valuing service users as individuals, acknowledging the importance of maintaining the service users respect and dignity at all times and ensure that the care provided respects equality and diversity.
   • Escalating any concerns to a Registered Nurse.
   • Monitoring and recording service user clinical observations as directed by a Senior Clinician/Registered Nurse/ B4, such as physical observations and vital signs and escalating as appropriate any signs or symptoms of deterioration or that do not fulfil the personal parameters to the relevant professional.
   • Implementing the principles of recovery: encouraging and supporting service users to engage with healthy lifestyles, participate in community meetings and other activities of their interest.

See enclosed JD for details on main responsibilities.

Person specification

Education and Qualification

Essential

• Care Certificate.
• English and Mathematics basic qualifications (e.g. GCSE at grade C or above) or equivalent.

Desirable

• Level 2/3 Health and Social care qualification / working towards qualification.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• At least one year as a Healthcare Support Worker, or equivalent level of experience.

Desirable

• Lived experience of mental health problems

Skills

Essential

• Able to provide quality care that is responsive to service user's needs, without close supervision, and acting on own initiative, within protocols, policies and care plans.
• Resilient: able to respond appropriately to potential difficult interpersonal situations or demands of the role including distress and agitation.
• Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems and ability to cope with behaviour which may be challenging at times.
• Communications skills - receiving and conveying information accurately with staff and with service users and able to keep accurate records.

Desirable

• Experience in facilitating groups.

Other Requirements

Essential

• Flexibility to work 24hr Shifts, 7 days a week and across all clinical areas.
• Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems and ability to cope with behaviour which may be challenging at times.
• Ability to fulfil all the requirements of the role (including physical requirements).