Mental Health Support Worker - Bank

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

 To therapeutically engage with patients who have a mental health condition or are experiencing 
psychological 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 behavior 

 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 own 
initiative.

 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 working 
environment for patients and staff.

See attached JD for further information