Health Care Assistant - Mental Health

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity available for Health Care Assistants to join our Forensic Mental Health inpatient service, Ash Ward. Our service provides inpatient care in a low secure setting. The service provides a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment for patients with a focus on risk assessment and reduction, rehabilitation and discharge planning for return to the community. The post holder will be responsible for assisting in the provision of specialist nursing care and treatment for individuals who have a mental disorder who have demonstrated offending behaviour or present a significant risk to others. The post holder as part of a well-established multi-disciplinary team, providing care through a patient focused approach within a safe and secure environment which is underpinned by formal risk assessment and risk management that will maximize the individual's rehabilitation and recovery potential.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for assisting in the provision of specialist nursing care and treatment for individuals who have a mental disorder who have demonstrated offending behaviour or present a significant risk to others.

You will be working within a low secure inpatient unit, are required to work in support of the qualified nurses and other health care professionals and carry out assigned tasks involving direct care in support of and supervised by registered nurses/ occupational therapist.

You will be involved in the delivery and coordination of ward activities.

The Job involves listening and talking to patients, carers and colleagues as well as external stakeholders; observing patients behaviour providing safe levels of observation to ensure patient safety; encouraging patients with eating and drinking and personal hygiene where clinically indicated; involving patients in diversional activities; escorting patients out of the unit; dealing with anger and aggression through explanation, negotiation and de-escalation; assisting in the management of violent episodes and encouraging patient to adhere to their care and treatment plans which include accepting medication.

You will work over a 24 hour rotational shift pattern.

About us

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust endeavours to provide development opportunities for those looking to develop a career in the NHS, in both clinical and non-clinical roles.

We have six active and impactful colleague networks. These networks provide a safe space for colleagues to share their experiences and learn from one another, but also influence change across our trust:

• Multicultural Network
• Women's Network
• Armed Forces' Network
• LGBTQ+ Network
• Lived Experience Network, for colleagues living with disabilities
• Autistic Colleague Network

As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, fantastic pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.