Location
Oxleas House, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Stadium Road, Woolwich

Hours
Full time (hours to be confirmed)

Salary
£29,651 per annum

About the Role
The Band 3 Support Worker will contribute to and participate in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care, carrying out assigned tasks identified for patients in the crisis care plan in consultation with senior members of the multi-disciplinary team. The role involves conducting home visits in adherence to Trust policies and procedures and providing practical support and advice to patients on living skills such as nutritional management, self-care, social skills, benefits, housing, education, training, and occupational activities. You will implement the principles of recovery by encouraging and supporting patients to engage with healthy lifestyles and facilitating psychosocial and other activities of interest. The role includes participation in social, recreational, therapeutic, and diversional activities with patients and carers, assisting in running therapeutic groups alongside qualified staff when required, and acting on your own initiative while seeking supervision and guidance as necessary.

You will observe, report, and record any changes in patients’ physical and mental health and behaviour, assist colleagues in assessing physical health needs, and competently operate monitoring equipment such as blood pressure machines and blood glucose monitors. Providing assistance to family and carers, promoting patient and carer involvement in all aspects of care, and monitoring medication compliance are key responsibilities. You will be responsible for ordering repeat prescriptions and responding sensitively and non-judgementally to the diverse needs of patients.

The role requires demonstrating empathy and understanding of mental health issues, accompanying and supporting patients to appointments, acting as an advocate, and maintaining professional boundaries. You will apply knowledge of risk management and the prevention, de-escalation, and management of violence and aggression. Adherence to the lone working policy and use of PeopleSafe is mandatory. You will maintain high regard for patient and team safety, report any concerns immediately, and take all possible measures to prevent exploitation of vulnerable patients. You will work within the principles of the Mental Health Act (2015) and Mental Capacity Act (2005), recognising the scope of your own abilities and responsibilities and seeking advice from senior team members as appropriate.

Experience
Previous experience in a healthcare or support role is desirable but not essential. A willingness to learn and develop skills in mental health support is required.

About you
You will be empathetic, patient, and able to respond sensitively and non-judgementally to individuals from diverse backgrounds. You should demonstrate good communication skills, the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and a commitment to promoting recovery and wellbeing. Physical dexterity to operate monitoring equipment and the ability to manage challenging behaviours safely are important. You must be able to adhere to professional boundaries and Trust policies, including lone working procedures.

Qualifications
No formal qualifications are required for this role, but relevant training will be provided. A positive attitude, reliability, and a commitment to ongoing professional development are essential.