Job summary
- Main area
- Mental Health
- Grade
- NHS AFC: Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 354-AB-21089-B
- Employer
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Mill View Hospital
- Town
- Hove
- Salary
- £25,760 - £27,476 pa / pro rata for part time
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- Today at 23:59
Employer heading
Health Care Support Worker
NHS AFC: Band 3
Come and join us
We’re looking for people who share our values of compassion, accountability and optimism to help us provide high quality care for the patients, carers, families and communities we serve. We specialise in NHS mental health and learning disability services and we’re proud to make a difference every day.
At SPFT we put people first. We’ll do everything possible to help you feel respected, valued and included. You’ll have opportunities to learn, grow and gain new experiences to support your career, with access to lifelong learning and professional development.
We actively promote flexible working and understand how important work life balance is, especially in healthcare. Whether it’s part time hours, hybrid working or flexible start and finish times, we’ll explore what works for you and the role.
We recognise that tools like AI are becoming part of everyday life and you may choose to use them when preparing your application. We welcome this, as long as what you submit reflects your own experience, skills and voice. AI can be helpful for structuring or refining your answers, but it should not replace your own examples or create content that isn’t based on your real experience.
Our recruitment process is designed to get to know you, and we’ll explore your examples further at interview, so it’s important your application genuinely represents what you bring. You can read more about using AI in applications and interviews on our recruitment process page.
We’re shaping a workplace where ideas are encouraged, technology supports you and everyone has a voice in how we improve. If that sounds like the kind of organisation you want to be part of, we’d love to hear from you.
Job overview
We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and compassionate individuals to join our teams working with adults with acute mental health needs on Pavilion Ward (Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit) at Mill View Hospital.
Pavilion Ward provides a comprehensive induction period that will support you to develop in to a knowledgeable and skilled healthcare assistant. There is a wealth of career development opportunities available to all of our colleagues, and you will be supported to undertake comprehensive training in specialist skills such as The Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) and Immediate Life Support (ILS).
The ideal candidate will have a passion for supporting people in crisis and breaking down the stigma of mental illness. You will be working alongside a multi disciplinary team to deliver person centred, evidenced based care.
Pavilion Ward is a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit supporting ten male patients. We are passionate about least restrictive practice and nurse-led activities. We are an energetic and motivated team and you will supported in implementing positive changes in practice for patients.
Main duties of the job
In your role as a healthcare assistant, you will report to the nurse in charge and your main duties will involve completing observations to maintain patient safety, supporting patients with regular, therapeutic engagements. You will act as an escort to patients, whether to accompany them on therapeutic community leave or for conveyance to another healthcare setting. You will contribute to and follow each patients care plan to engage them in therapeutic interventions, and will be encouraged to share your views and expertise in developing person-centred plans for care and treatment.
We are currently recruiting for full time (37.5 hour) healthcare assistants to work a variety of shifts. Many of our colleagues across the hospital work flexibly, and this can be discussed with the interviewing manager if your application is successful.
Mill View Hospital is a fast paced and dynamic place to work, and no two days are the same. You will be supported in regular supervision by your line manager or other members of the management team, where you can discuss any concerns or ideas you may have to develop the service we provide.
Working for our organisation
All of our wards work two shift patterns:
Day 07:00-19:30
Night 19:00-07:30
All applicants can expect to work a roster that covers both day shifts and night shifts, as well as some weekend working. Both day and night shifts begin promptly with a handover from the nurse in charge from the previous shift, and so excellent timekeeping is required in this role.
There are pay enhancements available for antisocial hours and weekend working, and our colleagues report a significant uplift in take home pay when enhancements are added to their basic salary. If successful, you will be able to access SPFT Bank staffing, which will allow you to work extra bank shifts on top of your contracted shifts across SPFT sites.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Clinical Care and Patient Support
- Deliver high standards of compassionate, person-centred care
- Support patients with activities of daily living where required
- Engage patients in therapeutic interactions to promote recovery
- Observe and report on patient presentation, behaviour, and risk
- Assist qualified staff in implementing and evaluating care plans
Observation and Safety (including POS eyesight role)
- Undertake general, intermittent eyesight and arms length observations in accordance with Trust policy
- Maintain continuous awareness of patient safety and risk while on observation
- Accurately record observation findings using approved documentation systems
- Communicate any changes in risk or presentation immediately to the nurse in charge
- Ensure observation levels are followed as allocated and reviewed through handover processes
- When working in the Place of Safety, provide close supervision and support for individuals in crisis
Place of Safety (POS) Responsibilities
- Rotate onto the POS as required by service need
- Support the safe care and supervision of individuals detained or assessed under the Mental Health Act
- Maintain clear, professional boundaries while providing reassurance and support
- Ensure dignity, privacy, and safety are maintained at all times
Risk Management and Incident Support
- Assist in the prevention and management of incidents, including violence and aggression
- Follow guidance from qualified staff in responding to emergencies
- Participate in debriefs and reflective practice following incidents
- Maintain awareness of safeguarding responsibilities and escalate concerns appropriately
Communication and Team Working
- Work effectively as part of the multidisciplinary team
- Participate in handovers, ensuring clear communication of patient risks and observation levels
- Build positive therapeutic relationships with patients
- Communicate respectfully with carers, families, and external agencies as appropriate
Documentation and Governance
- Maintain accurate, clear, and timely records of care and observations
- Ensure all documentation meets legal, professional, and Trust standards
- Contribute to a culture of safety by reporting incidents and near misses
Professional Responsibilities
- Work within Trust policies, procedures, and professional standards
- Maintain confidentiality at all times
- Participate in mandatory training, including observation and POS competencies
- Engage in supervision and personal development
- Act as a positive role model, promoting respectful and inclusive care
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Experience of working on a PICU or forensic inpatient ward
Desirable criteria
- The Care Certificate
Knowledge/Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of working collaboratively i.e. with colleagues, wider teams, service users etc
Desirable criteria
- Compassionate and caring
- An understanding of professional boundaries
- Experience of working with people with mental health needs in a paid or voluntary capacity
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.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Amy Hodgkins
- Job title
- Ward Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
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