Mental Health Care Assistant Job Summary
The Royal Surrey NHS Foundation trust are looking to recruit Mental Health Care Assistant into a new team which will offer support to mental health patients. The team will comprise of a Lead Nurse, Band 6 RMNs and Mental Health Care Assistants who have/ are working towards a care certificate. If you are interested and available please apply today or email directly to speak to our recruitment team – we are looking forward to hearing from you!
This will be a 24/7 service and staff will need to work flexibly to support the clinical areas.
The role of a MHCA is a very privileged role, you will provide personal care and support to patients at their most vulnerable times. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team to provide a compassionate, caring and safe environment for our patients.
Main duties of the job
Mandatory Requirements for this role include:o Minimum of 12 months care experienceo In receipt of the Care Certificateo Restraint training
We are recruiting for both bank and substantive positions for this role.
Interviews for this role will be held on Saturday 28th September at the Royal Surrey.
JOB SUMMARY
Providing enhanced care and continuous observations to patients with mental health conditions or patients experiencing psychological distress. Deliver therapeutic interventions that will reduce agitation and distress and promote recovery. To identify factors that increase and decrease agitation/distress for the patient. To always deliver care according to the principles of least restriction.
Main duties of the job
-To therapeutically engage with patients who have a mental health condition or are experiencingpsychological distress.
– To always deliver care in accordance with the principles of least restriction and in line with national guidance including NICE guidelines for managing disturbed behaviour
– To understand continuous risk assessment of the patient and escalate any increase in risk.
– To identify when patients are experiencing anxiety/distress and therapeutically engage with them to alleviate these symptoms.
– To identify escalation of risk and actively de-escalate the situation.
– To undertake therapeutic activities with the patient, that are appropriate to their presentation.
– To identify an issue that prevents the therapeutic engagement of the patient
– Provide excellent customer care skills to ensure patients come first.
– Undertakes a range of delegated clinical care duties to deliver agreed plans of care, acting on owninitiative.
About us
Royal Surrey is a compassionate and collaborative acute and community Trust. Recognising that our 5000 colleagues are our greatest strength, we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing program along with a commitment to developing and advancing your career. Our diverse and welcoming Royal Surrey family will ensure you that you feel valued from your initial interview through your entire tenure.
We are clinically led and provide joined up care by bridging the gap between hospital and community services alongside regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford with community hospital sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh. We provide adult community health services in homes across Guildford and Waverley.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have given us an overall rating of Outstanding.
Royal Surrey has a strong reputation and history to build on. We are proud of our achievements and we are investing in our colleagues through our commitment to supporting professional development as well as investing more than £45 million in our physical environment and new equipment in the next few years. There has never been a better time to join us.
Although it isn’t the Trusts normal practice, adverts may close early, so you are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
A video about the Royal Surrey – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R96pMboIYdo
Job description
Job responsibilities
The job includes listening and talking to patients/relatives and carers, observing behaviour, providing enhanced observation, supporting patients with eating, drinking and personal hygiene and escorting patients out of the unit, initiating and building supportive therapeutic relationships, and managing periods of distress using de-escalation and conflict resolution skills. In addition, the role includes cohorting a group of patients who may require such a level of enhanced observation.
– To ensure that patients receive high quality clinical care and a good patient experience, having regard for their customs, religious beliefs and doctrines.
– Recognise and avoid situations that may be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of the individuals.
– To act as an advocate for patients within the department, to ensure a patient orientated approach to the delivery of care and to meet standards within the NHS Plan and other relevant guidelines
– Provides support and assistance to professionals in the implementation of plans of care for individual patients.
– Assist with fluid and dietary needs of patients including completion of menu cards and recording intake and output of fluids and solids
– As directed to collect specimens from patients and to record routine observations of weight, blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiratory rate. Report any abnormalities and concerns to a Registered Nurse
– Recognise when patients are in pain and discomfort and report to nurse in charge
– Under the direction of trained staff maintain and develop own skills including:
– Monitoring and recording of vital signs to include blood pressure
– Simple, aseptic dressings
– Monitoring and recording of blood glucose levels
– Oxygen Saturations
– To respond appropriately to clinical emergencies to ensure the patient receives appropriate and safe care
– To undertake physical interventions (restraint) as a last resort only and to maintain up to date training in this area.
– To assist the Registered Nurse with the safe handling and mobilisation of patients and when necessary to assist in the transportation of patients.
– To chaperone patients to other clinical departments, following assessment by a registered nurse, to maintain patient safety
– Under the direction of the Healthcare Professional participate in the assessment, admission, discharge and handover of patients
– Provide reassurance, support to patients, carers and family
– Ensure own actions help to maintain quality
– To respond to patient requests for non-clinical information to improve communication.
– Establish and maintain communication with people on routine and operational matters
– To act always in a manner which, promotes positive working relationships and maintains the professional image of the Trust.
– Understand and adhere to all Trust polices, guidelines and procedures in particular, Health and Safety, Fire Safety, Waste Management and Resuscitation policies to maintain a safe workingenvironment for patients and staff.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification or demonstrate experience/development
- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent (with a minimum of 5 A-E qualifications which must include Maths and English).
- NHS Care Certificate
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Minimum of 12 months experience as a Healthcare Support Worker or equivalent experience
- Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems and the ability to cope with challenging behaviour
- Communication: exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with patients, carers, and relatives, remaining sensitive and empathetic
Desirable
- Able to provide quality care responsive to the patient’s needs without close supervision and taking the initiative within protocols, policies, and care plans
Skills and Capabilities
Essential
- Able to carry out enhanced observation and respond appropriately to the needs of the patient
- Ability to undertake the required de-escalation and conflict resolution training
- Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of patients
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
Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Royal Surrey Hospital
Egerton Road
Guildford
GU2 7XX
