Healthcare Support Worker

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Specialist Low Secure Forensic Service on Willow ward based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Willow ward is a rehabilitation and treatment secure 20 bedded male acute unit.

Currently recruiting band 2 healthcare support workers going to band 3 after successful completing training and competencies, which take approximately 4 months to complete.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated and innovative individual, who can support men on the unit in their mental health recovery.

Your role will aim to build a therapeutic relationship with service users on the ward and support them in all tasks of daily life to improve their health and wellbeing and quality of life.

Due to the nature of the unit, successful candidates will be professional and be able to care for someone in a non judgemental approach. Both wards are forensic units, therefore risk assessing in a big part of the role to ensure safety of service users and staff. A big part of the role includes balancing risk and least restrictive practice.

Some tasks will include 1 to 1 working, supporting nurses, support service users to keep active and therapeutic observations of service users.

Increasing service user engagement is a big part of the role. Here on Yew, individualised care in paramount to ensure they get the right care.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will support the nurses on the ward within a close team to ensure safe running of the ward and patient centred care at all times. The post holder will have opportunity to work closely with service users and contribute to the wider multi-disciplinary team, This role requires the post holder to be able to document in an accurate and timely fashion.

Due to the nature of forensic mental health working, the post holder will be offered both managerial and clinical supervision and regular support from the team.

This is an opportunity for the post holder to work within a specialist team including a variety of disciplines with a wide range of knowledge and expertise.

Healthcare support workers are required to work a regular rotation of night shifts, long days, alternative weekend working and working bank holidays - including Christmas and new year.

About us

Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.

We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.

We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.

We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.

Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications

Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.

Job responsibilities

For full job description and person specification please refer to the attached documents. In summary;

Supporting the nurses in a team to safely run the ward Facilitate activities and support service users on section 17 leave. Facilitate 1 to 1 sessions and build a rapport with our service users Involvement in both staff meetings and workers meetings Supporting service users with self care and limited personal care. Support service users to build on their skills and promote quality of life Keeping up to date on mandatory and essential training. Support service users with their physical health and giving advice on healthier living. Completing supportive and therapeutic observations.

This role isnot eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn

Person specification

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care
• NVQ2 in Health and Social Care with demonstrable evidence of numeracy and literacy skills (equivalent GCSE's or Functional Skills)
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience as outlined below

Desirable

• Has experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team and has previous care experience.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Essential

• Experience of working as part of a team and delivering a customer focused service.

Desirable

• Experience of working with people with Mental Health needs as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience of being a service user or carer