Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Mental Health Support worker

The closing date is 11 January 2026

Job summary

We have a rare opportunity for a Part-time (30 hours per week) Band 3 Mental Health Support Worker in Haymoor Day Hospital at the Alderney Hospital site in Poole. The Day Hospital serves the whole of Dorset and operates from 08.30 to 16.30 Monday to Friday. This is a small and very well-established team that cares for some very complex people with a range of dementia health needs and works very closely with other specialist services for dementia in the Trust such as the Intensive Community Support for Dementia East and local Community Mental Health Teams.

This key role will work within a small nursing teamoffering high quality mental health nursing care as well asmeaningful occupationaland recreational activities for up to twelve people a day with a high level of dementia health needs attending the service.

The role involves actively participating in the organisation and delivery ofactivities and being part of a flexible treatment programme thatoffers person-centred nursing care.

We are looking for someone who is motivated to make a real difference in dementia health. Key skill required for the role include calmness, compassion, and a passion for working witholder adults. Team working skills are essential attributes for this role, along withflexibility,excellent communication, and occupational and therapeutic skills. Experience of working with people with dementia is preferred plusan excellent standardof engagement skills.

Main duties of the job

Haymoor Day Hospital Team Vision

We aspire to always provide a safe, caring environment which commits to treating people as individuals and offers quality, therapeutic support to people affected by dementia.

Working with people with dementia who present with behavioural and psychological symptoms which may cause them to become agitated, distressed, tearful or aggressive at times

Supporting patients with meals, activities and personal care as needed

Supporting patients who at times may require transport in and out of the day hospital

Ability to communicate effectively with patients with dementia and adapt communication style accordingly

Ability to be calm and demonstrate de escalation skills

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

Details

Date posted

24 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£19,949 to £21,278 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-M436.25

Job locations

Alderney Hospital

Ringwood Road

Poole

BH12 4NB


Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Person Specification

Knowldge skills and training

Essential

  • NVQ 3 in a care related subject or equivalent level of training and/or experience, or willing to undertake training to achieve this standard.
  • Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English for effective performance in the role.

Personal qualities/attributes

Essential

  • Calm under pressure, and to be able to cope with difficult and personally challenging situations
  • Able to work effectively as part of a team
  • Previous dementia experience

Desirable

  • Previous work care home/day centre
  • Experience of running groups/activities

Information Technology

Essential

  • Basic IT skills, normally obtained through practice or practical training

Desirable

  • RIO training

Additional requirements

Essential

  • A level of fitness to do SCIP training
Person Specification

Knowldge skills and training

Essential

  • NVQ 3 in a care related subject or equivalent level of training and/or experience, or willing to undertake training to achieve this standard.
  • Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English for effective performance in the role.

Personal qualities/attributes

Essential

  • Calm under pressure, and to be able to cope with difficult and personally challenging situations
  • Able to work effectively as part of a team
  • Previous dementia experience

Desirable

  • Previous work care home/day centre
  • Experience of running groups/activities

Information Technology

Essential

  • Basic IT skills, normally obtained through practice or practical training

Desirable

  • RIO training

Additional requirements

Essential

  • A level of fitness to do SCIP training

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 details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Alderney Hospital

Ringwood Road

Poole

BH12 4NB


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Alderney Hospital

Ringwood Road

Poole

BH12 4NB


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Team Leader

Michelle Hughes

michelle.hughes1@nhs.net

01202307783

Details

Date posted

24 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£19,949 to £21,278 a year p.a.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

152-M436.25

Job locations

Alderney Hospital

Ringwood Road

Poole

BH12 4NB


Supporting documents

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