Specialist Support Worker

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Medium Secure Unit, Oak Ward, as a Band 4 Specialist Support Worker. We are looking for someone who is caring, motivated, and compassionate, with a genuine passion for making a difference in patients' lives. If you are enthusiastic, and committed to providing person-centred, evidence-based care, we would love to hear from you.

Oak Ward is a recovery-focused environment where patients are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a structured programme of therapeutic and recreational activities that support personal growth, social inclusion, and wellbeing. As a Specialist Support Worker, you will be central to creating meaningful engagement with patients, delivering activities, and supporting the day-to-day running of the ward. Working alongside a skilled and supportive MDT, you will be part of each patient's recovery journey while ensuring the ward remains a safe and therapeutic space.

We are looking for someone with experience in MSU or forensic settings, confident in supporting patients with complex needs while managing risk and maintaining professional boundaries. In return, we offer a supportive team culture, ongoing development, and the opportunity to make a real difference in patients' lives.

Main duties of the job

Your key responsibilities will include the following:

Lead by example by creating a caring and supportive environment that helps patients recover from their illnesses.

Support & supervise bank / agency staff, fostering a consistent approach to care while ensuring safe practices are followed.

Lead inductions for new staff and students, by making sure they equipped to provide excellent care.

Actively contribute to quality improvement initiatives & audits, helping to make the service better, with a focus on physical health checks.

Take charge of security procedures, ensuring patient safety & supporting with challenging behaviours effectively.

Monitor & report on both mental & physical health changes in patients, identifying risks or changes in behaviour & ensuring prompt action is taken.

Help manage risks by responding to incidents like aggression or self-harm, using your de-escalation skills effectively.

Assist patients build daily living skills & attend community activities, helping them become more independent in their recovery.

Take part in handover meetings, providing clear & accurate information so the team can continue providing the best care.

Use your own initiative to solve problems as they come up, quickly and effectively.

Working Pattern:

Please note you will be required to work flexible shifts, including Long Days (07:00 - 19:30) and Nights (19:00 - 07:30), weekends and bank holidays

About us

Oak Ward is a 15-bedded medium secure unit for male adults, forming part of a wider forensic pathway that includes 2 other MSU Male Wards, a Female MSU Ward, & an LSU Male Ward. We take pride in being a motivated, responsive, & forward-thinking team, committed to providing the highest standards of care.

By joining us, you'll benefit from

• A Supportive & Inclusive Team - Work in a collaborative MDT environment where your voice is valued, & teamwork is at the heart of everything we do.
• Career Growth & Development - We invest in our staff with ongoing training, development programs, & career progression opportunities, helping you build a long-term future with us.
• Job Satisfaction - Be part of a service that actively encourages patient engagement, rehabilitation, & personal development, allowing you to see the real impact of your work.
• Work-Life Balance - We offer rotational shifts, including weekends & bank holidays, ensuring flexibility & a structured working pattern to help maintain a healthy balance.
• A Commitment to Excellence - Our ongoing vision is to provide safe, effective, & high-quality care, always putting the needs of our service users first while maintaining safe working practices & clinical leadership to enhance patient experience.

Be Part of a Team That Makes a DifferenceIf you're looking for a meaningful career in an organisation that supports, develops, & values its staff, apply today & be part of a team that makes a difference.

Employer details

Employer name

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Hellingly Centre

Hellingly

BN27 4ER

Employer's website

https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

---

Employer details

Employer name

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Hellingly Centre

Hellingly

BN27 4ER

Employer's website

https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

---