Job summary
Make a Real Difference Every Day - Join Our Enhanced Health Care Team at UHSussex
Are you passionate about supporting people with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, autism, brain injury, or cognitive impairments?
Do you want to play a vital role in caring for some of the most vulnerable patients during their hospital journey?
If you're someone who thrives on meaningful, hands-on care, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you. At University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex), we're looking for compassionate, motivated, and ambitious individuals to join us as Band 3 Enhanced Health Care Assistants.
We'll help you feel at home and give you the tools and support to thrive - with access to an award-winning learning and development programme, tailored training, and exciting career progression opportunities.
Please be advised we are not offering sponsorship for this post.
Main duties of the job
At UHSussex, we recognise that some patients and their families need specialised, person-centred care to achieve the best possible outcomes. As part of our Enhanced Care Team, you'll work closely with these patients, building therapeutic relationships and delivering truly impactful support.
We offer:
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A structured training and development programme
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A supernumerary orientation, tailored to your individual learning needs
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Access to career coaching, clinical supervision, and clear progression pathways
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Future rotation opportunities across our trust to broaden your experience
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A vibrant and supportive workplace culture where 'Better Never Stops'
About us
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme,for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop.We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
Job description
Job responsibilities
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- To work as a member of the Enhanced Care Team under the supervision and guidance of the Head of Nursing for Mental Health providing to all areas of the trust (site specific)
- To provide Enhanced care supervision to patients to have been assessed as needing additional support on the wards due to dementia, delirium, mental health conditions, challenging behaviour or physical health conditions which are affecting compromising the safety of the patient and or others.
- To build positive therapeutic relationships with patients needing Enhanced Care Supervision ensuring that their physical and psychological needs are met.
- To have a good working knowledge of the Mental Health Act
- Provide and maintain a high standard of care to all patients at all timesensuring the dignity and self esteem of the patient is preserved.
- Be proficient and confident in the use of distraction and use this to support nursing and clinical staff as required
- Communicate appropriately and effectively with a wide age range of patients across the childrens and adult services
- Maintain a calm and professional manner at all times when dealing with patients and their relatives
- Promote and maintain patient confidentiality at all times, only providing patient/client information under the guidance and supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
- Chaperone patients and accompany them to other wards or departments, maintaining their privacy, dignity and safety at all times.
- Respond promptly and appropriately to clinical emergencies to ensure the patient receives appropriate care
- Act as an advocate for the patients at all times and raise concerns to the Enhanced Care CNS or the nurse in charge
- Assist in the maintenance of resuscitation and emergency equipment and undertake basic life support procedures when required
- Report all incidents and accidents to the Nurse in Charge and the Enhanced Care Practitioner and participate in the investigation of incidents and complaints as relevant and required
Job description
Job responsibilities
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- To work as a member of the Enhanced Care Team under the supervision and guidance of the Head of Nursing for Mental Health providing to all areas of the trust (site specific)
- To provide Enhanced care supervision to patients to have been assessed as needing additional support on the wards due to dementia, delirium, mental health conditions, challenging behaviour or physical health conditions which are affecting compromising the safety of the patient and or others.
- To build positive therapeutic relationships with patients needing Enhanced Care Supervision ensuring that their physical and psychological needs are met.
- To have a good working knowledge of the Mental Health Act
- Provide and maintain a high standard of care to all patients at all timesensuring the dignity and self esteem of the patient is preserved.
- Be proficient and confident in the use of distraction and use this to support nursing and clinical staff as required
- Communicate appropriately and effectively with a wide age range of patients across the childrens and adult services
- Maintain a calm and professional manner at all times when dealing with patients and their relatives
- Promote and maintain patient confidentiality at all times, only providing patient/client information under the guidance and supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
- Chaperone patients and accompany them to other wards or departments, maintaining their privacy, dignity and safety at all times.
- Respond promptly and appropriately to clinical emergencies to ensure the patient receives appropriate care
- Act as an advocate for the patients at all times and raise concerns to the Enhanced Care CNS or the nurse in charge
- Assist in the maintenance of resuscitation and emergency equipment and undertake basic life support procedures when required
- Report all incidents and accidents to the Nurse in Charge and the Enhanced Care Practitioner and participate in the investigation of incidents and complaints as relevant and required
Person Specification
Essential
Essential
- Care Certification
- UK care experience
- Knowledge of mental health, learning disabilities or neurological conditions
- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent (with a minimum of 5 A-E qualifications which must include Maths and English). NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification or demonstrate experience/development
Desirable
- Previous experience in a mental health setting or working with people with mental health difficulties, learning difficulties, brain injury, cognitive impairment, or with autism.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Person Specification
Essential
Essential
- Care Certification
- UK care experience
- Knowledge of mental health, learning disabilities or neurological conditions
- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent (with a minimum of 5 A-E qualifications which must include Maths and English). NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification or demonstrate experience/development
Desirable
- Previous experience in a mental health setting or working with people with mental health difficulties, learning difficulties, brain injury, cognitive impairment, or with autism.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Address
UHSussex has four main sites location will be discussed at interview
Sussex
BN11 2JN
Employer's website
https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
