Job summary
The STR worker operates on an inpatient mental health ward as part of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT). The role is primarily to support the timely discharge from hospital of each service user, by identifying and assessing barriers that may delay discharge, and working to resolve them. This assessment will support the MDT to identify the care pathway out of hospital for the service user.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide time-limited 1:1 support to service users whilst they are inpatients, enabling them to access a range of services which provide help and advice, but which also support and promote independence wherever possible. For example:
- Housing including homelessness support services
- Assessing for appropriateness for packages of care
- Prescription deliveries
- Support and sign posting for differencing levels of abuse
- Debt management difficulties and sign posting
- Residency status
- Speaking with friends, family and carers
- Referrals to the local authority, third sector and any other referrals which are deemed appropriate
- Support with benefits
The STR worker will engage with service users with a wide range of mental health needs, often including coexisting complex needs such as homelessness, substance misuse problems, self-neglect, domestic abuse, significant risk histories and social exclusion, and who at times may present with challenging behaviours. The post holder will work flexibly, creatively and effectively in their role, with a high degree of self-direction and using excellent time-management skills to manage their own time and work load, under the supervision and guidance of their Ward Manager.
The post holder will work closely along side the MDT and wider community teams as well as third sector organisations.
About us
We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust): a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.
We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.
Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.
At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.
Job description
Job responsibilities
From the point of admission the STR worker will identify and assess the accommodation status of every service user on the ward. They will work closely with the service user, family and carers, community mental health teams, local authorities, MDT and any other relevant agency, and develop effective links to identified agencies to support access to services; and to support a safe and timely discharge. Collaborative working with carers who will have an ongoing role in the community is essential.
The STR worker will work collaboratively with the MDT including the nursing team, medical team, occupational therapists (OTs) and physiotherapists, to understand the service users care and accommodation needs, to contribute to referrals and planning, and to facilitate safe and effective discharge.
The STR worker will use their knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, least restrictive practice, the principles of Safeguarding and the care planning approach to support their assessment and planning.
The STR worker may be required to communicate complex, sensitive and, at times, contentious information using skills of motivational negotiation and empathy.
In the event of complex barriers and/or delayed processes then the STR worker will escalate the matter(s) to the ward manager for support, intervention and further escalation.
At discharge, the service user may return home, with or without a package of care, or may need placement in a care facility, supported housing or other hospital pathway.
Job description
Job responsibilities
From the point of admission the STR worker will identify and assess the accommodation status of every service user on the ward. They will work closely with the service user, family and carers, community mental health teams, local authorities, MDT and any other relevant agency, and develop effective links to identified agencies to support access to services; and to support a safe and timely discharge. Collaborative working with carers who will have an ongoing role in the community is essential.
The STR worker will work collaboratively with the MDT including the nursing team, medical team, occupational therapists (OTs) and physiotherapists, to understand the service users care and accommodation needs, to contribute to referrals and planning, and to facilitate safe and effective discharge.
The STR worker will use their knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, least restrictive practice, the principles of Safeguarding and the care planning approach to support their assessment and planning.
The STR worker may be required to communicate complex, sensitive and, at times, contentious information using skills of motivational negotiation and empathy.
In the event of complex barriers and/or delayed processes then the STR worker will escalate the matter(s) to the ward manager for support, intervention and further escalation.
At discharge, the service user may return home, with or without a package of care, or may need placement in a care facility, supported housing or other hospital pathway.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Possession of, or the ability and willingness to work towards, an appropriate Level 5 vocational qualification (Foundation Degree in Mental Health or Health and Social Care)
- Possession of, or the ability and willingness to work towards, Level 2 Functional Skills (e.g. GCSE Mathematics and English Language Grade C/4 or above)
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working with a vulnerable client group, including experience of supporting people with mental health problems.
- Ability to work proactively alongside people to help meet identified goals and needs.
Desirable
- Experience of working with people with drug and alcohol problems
Skills
Essential
- Compassionate - Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with service users, carers and relatives remaining sensitive and empathetic.
- Ability to make critical decisions in a timely, considered manner
- Liaise with other agencies to support service users
Personal Qualities
Essential
- To be able to demonstrate an awareness and responsibility whilst recognising the impact frequent exposure to distressing circumstances has on care and compassion.
- Act in a ways that support equality and diversity.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Possession of, or the ability and willingness to work towards, an appropriate Level 5 vocational qualification (Foundation Degree in Mental Health or Health and Social Care)
- Possession of, or the ability and willingness to work towards, Level 2 Functional Skills (e.g. GCSE Mathematics and English Language Grade C/4 or above)
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working with a vulnerable client group, including experience of supporting people with mental health problems.
- Ability to work proactively alongside people to help meet identified goals and needs.
Desirable
- Experience of working with people with drug and alcohol problems
Skills
Essential
- Compassionate - Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with service users, carers and relatives remaining sensitive and empathetic.
- Ability to make critical decisions in a timely, considered manner
- Liaise with other agencies to support service users
Personal Qualities
Essential
- To be able to demonstrate an awareness and responsibility whilst recognising the impact frequent exposure to distressing circumstances has on care and compassion.
- Act in a ways that support equality and diversity.
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.
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