Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. To work as part of the multi-professional team supporting the planning, implementation, and evaluation of service user care needs in collaboration with the service users, carers and families, and other community/inpatient services. 

1. To support personalised care planning within the multi-professional team, working closely with service users and their carers; to assist service users in their recovery goals which may include supporting them with practical/daily living tasks and engagement in social inclusion activities; working to a high standard and ensuring that as needs change care plans are updated. 

1. To demonstrate risk awareness with respect to risk assessment and ongoing risk management, practising safely and according to individual service user needs and risk management plans.  Working alongside qualified staff to anticipate the individual needs of service users, showing risk awareness, and communicating to relevant parties as required 

1. To provide relevant support to carers and families in relation to their rights as carers and their involvement in the care of the service user when they are under the care of the team. 

1. To assist in the issuing of medication and report any concerns to a qualified nurse; to report any concerns (mental/physical health or risks) to a qualified nurse.   

1. To work in close partnership and maintain effective communication links with other Borough mental health services and community agencies to ensure the continuity of quality clinical care for service users. 

1. To ensure maintenance of clinical records in accordance with good practice, professional codes, and organisational standards.  To maintain confidentiality by ensuring information is shared in accordance with Trust standards and guidelines. To take responsibility for keeping the team mental health resources up to date.  To record and report untoward incidents, taking appropriate action and ensuring relevant staff are informed. 

1. To work within a 7-day rota system or within the working hours of the Home Treatment Team, 365 days a year, ensuring a comprehensive service.  

1. Take part in regular supervision and appraisal and contribute to the well-being of the team by supporting other team members and treating all colleagues with dignity and respect.  To undertake all mandatory training requirements of the role. 

1. To contribute towards work with service development initiatives involving service users and carers where appropriate. To participate in audit, service evaluation and research undertaken by the team. 

1. To be physically capable of fulfilling the role- undertaking a minimum of 4 visits per shift including accessing high-rise buildings and being able to respond rapidly to crises if required.  

1. To be able to work with distressing and emotionally salient issues remaining caring, courteous, and compassionate in line with Slam's 5 Trust Values. 

Person Specification 
Verified at interview (I), by application form (A) or by a test (T) 
 
Essential 

 
Qualifications:   

• NVQ 3 Plus short courses to Diploma Level or Equivalent experience or NVQ Level 4 in appropriate field (A)   
    
  Experience:   
  Extensive experience within mental health care settings(A) (I)   
    
  Substantial experience dealing with acute psychiatric /crisis care (A)(I)   
    
  Knowledge/Skills:   
  Able to demonstrate clinical competence(A)(I)(T)   
• Able to work with a wide variety of professionals and agencies (A) 
• Commitment to working across service boundaries and facilitating continuity of care across community services (A) 
• Commitment to developing user-focused services (A)(I) 
• Knowledge of mental health policy development (A)(I) 
• Knowledge of the principles of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practise in assessment of the provision of services (A) (I)   

 
Skills / Abilities: 

• Good written and verbal communication skills. A/I/T 
• IT skills(A)   
  Able to travel extensively within the community (A)   
• Ability to work with carers and families(A)(I)    
  Able to participate in the assessment and implementation of risk assessment and risk management. A/I/T 
• Able to work under times of change and pressure of work. A/I/T  
• Ability to motivate clients who are difficult to engage and co-ordinate their support with fellow staff members. A/I/T  
• Self-motivated and able to use supervision sessions effectively. A/I/T  
• Ability to reflect positively on practice. A/I  
• Able to treat people with warmth, kindness, dignity and respect. A/I/T  
• Motivated to participate in required training and development. A/I/T  
• Ability to prioritise workload and carry out work efficiently and effectively. 
• Ability to work within a 7 day a week 8-10pm service or what the service requires (A)   

 
Desirable 

• Psychology degree or equivalent experience, or evidence of continued academic development (I/A/T)  
• Training in other specific interventions e.g., Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Schema Therapy, Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (A/I) 
• Some Knowledge of psycho pharmacology (A) (I)   
  Some understanding of the needs of people with mental illness and personality disorder A/I 
• Car driver with license. (A)   
   

  Other Information: 

  Confidentiality 
  Confidentiality/data protection regarding all personal information and Trust activity must be always maintained (both in and out of working hours) in accordance with professional codes of conduct and relevant legislation such as the Data Protection Act.  The post holder should ensure that they are familiar with and adhere to all Trust Information governance policies and procedures.  Any breach of confidentiality will be taken seriously, and appropriate disciplinary action may be taken.  

  Equal Opportunities 
  Promote the concepts of equality of opportunity and managing diversity Trust wide.  

  Health and Safety 
  Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed upon them under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, paying due regard to health and safety in the workplace and management of risk to maintain a safe working environment for service users, visitors, and employees. 

  Infection Prevention and Control 
  Employees must be aware of their responsibilities to protect service users, visitors and employees against the risks of acquiring health care associated infections, in accordance with Trust policy.  

  Professional standards and performance review 
  Maintain consistently high professional standards and act in accordance with the relevant professional code of conduct.  Employees are expected to participate in the performance review process.  

  Service/Department standards 
  Support the development of performance standards within the Service/Department to ensure the service is responsive to and meeting the needs of its customers. 

  Finance 
  All Trust staff will comply with the financial processes and procedures.  

  Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults 
  Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Children Act 1989, 2004 and the trusts safeguarding vulnerable adults' policy. 

  Code of Conduct 
  The post holder is required to adhere to the standards of conduct expected of all NHS managers set out in the Code of Conduct for NHS managers. 

  This job description will be subject to regular review and adjustment.   

  SUMMARY 
  This job description is an outline of the key tasks and responsibilities of the post, and the post holder may be required to undertake additional duties appropriate to the pay band.  The post may change over time to reflect the developing needs of the Trust and its services, as well as the personal development of the post holder.