Joining #TeamNELFT means you’ll become part of a welcoming and supportive working environment. We’re CQC rated Good, and we want you to join us on the journey towards an Outstanding rating. NELFT has sites across North East London, Essex, Kent and Medway. We provide community and mental healthcare services to adults and children within these areas.

The Trust has award winning equality and diversity initiatives and staff health and wellbeing activities. We invest heavily in your development, because when you are valued and supported, we provide the best care to our patients. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, have been featured in the Working Families Top 10 Employers benchmark for three consecutive years, and we have achieved a Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation. Along with our staff networks and training opportunities, we work hard to embed a just and compassionate culture here at NELFT.

Find out more about NELFT careers and what makes our Trust a great place to work, in this video

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen on our Female Acute Ward for a Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker position.

Kahlo Ward is an accredited 21 bedded female acute ward based at Sunflowers court for adult females aged 18 and over. The service hosts patients who are informal and those who are detained under section 2 and 3 of the MHA for assessment/treatment.

This provides an exciting environment which gives our service users an opportunity to start their recovery journey

Greater opportunities for implementation of new ideas and setting standards in line with NELFT values

The post holder will be joining a multi-disciplinary team which is committed to the provision of high-quality patient centered care for all who use the service. 

Main duties of the job

The post holder will ideally have previous experience of working with mental health issues and managing aggression . The role will involve supporting nursing staff during admissions, carrying out some clinical observations, taking responsibility for the safety of the ward by making sure the ward environment is safe for service users , escorting service users to their appointments and many more. Please refer to the attached JD

Our Trust provides a wide range of mental health inpatient services including older adult, adult acute, learning disabilities, low secure services, young people and a Male PICU.

Kahlo Ward has a multi-disciplinary team which comprises of a Matron and Ward Manager, Deputies, Clinical Leads, staff nurses and Support Workers.

There are 2 Consultant Psychiatrists who run ward reviews Monday to Friday with the support of three Junior doctors, an OT and OT assistant, Psychologist and Assistant Psychologist. 

Working for our organisation

Probationary Period

This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).

Starting with NELFT

NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process, new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

High-Cost Area Supplement - London

This post also attracts payment for High-Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (minimum payment of £4,551 and a maximum payment of £5,735).

Use of AI

Applications for this role should be written by the applicant. If artificial intelligence (AI) programmes are used then the application may be rejected due to this document being an important part of the assessment process. This does not prevent applicants seeking appropriate support with applications should they need to for the purposes of any declared disability.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You should have well-developed communication skills with patients/ colleagues and be able to provide an initial response to patient and other agencies queries, concerns, and signpost/direct as appropriate. You will also be able to prioritise your work, be a team player, use your initiative and meet deadlines.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information about this role and working at North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We encourage you to refer closely to this when completing your application.

We welcome your application even if you do not meet all the criteria listed in the person specification. Any development needs to help you succeed in the role, can be discussed at the interview stage.

Person specification

Core Competencies

Essential criteria

Numeracy and Literacy Skills Communication Skills Ability to Work under pressure Ability to Show empathy and compassion when helping others Teamworking skills Ability to follow instructions Customer service skills Understanding of confidentiality Understanding of importance of EDI principles and working with a diverse population

Other

Essential criteria

Demonstrates a genuine passion for working for NELFT Has a good understanding of NELFT services and local population health needs

Qualifications

Essential criteria

Level 3 or equivalent qualification in Health and Social Care Completion of Care Certificate

Experience

Essential criteria

Working in a healthcare setting or have lived experience

Desirable criteria

Experience working in Mental Health

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Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Healthcare Support Worker Job Description (PDF, KB) NELFT Application - Hints and Tips (PDF, KB)

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

NameMarike De KlerkJob titleWard ManagerEmail addressTelephone number