Exciting Opportunity: Trainee Healthcare Assistant Position in Mental Health Services

Job Description

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join their team as Trainee Healthcare Assistants in the Mental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP) department. This Band 3 position offers a unique opportunity for those looking to start or advance their career in healthcare, specifically in mental health services for older adults.

The role is based in Roseberry ward, a 15-bed functional inpatient unit for older people with mental health problems. Successful candidates will be part of a dynamic team working on a 24-hour/7-day roster, providing essential care and support to patients.

Key responsibilities include:

• Improving the lives of people with mental ill health by minimizing the impact of their condition through excellent service delivery
• Maintaining safety, privacy, and dignity of all patients while delivering patient-centered care
• Assisting in patient care as directed by the nurse in charge, undertaking duties with limited or indirect supervision
• Maintaining confidentiality and accurate record-keeping
• Working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver direct patient care
• Demonstrating compassion in meeting the needs of patients and their carers
• Recognizing and respecting differences in spiritual and cultural beliefs

About Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust serving County Durham, Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York, and Selby. Their dedicated teams work in partnership with patients, communities, and partners to provide comprehensive mental health care, from education and prevention to crisis and specialist services. The Trust is committed to nurturing recovery journeys and improving the wellbeing of their region through innovative thinking and strong community connections.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential:

• Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 2 or equivalent (or willingness to obtain within agreed timescale)
• Care Certificate (or willingness to obtain within agreed timescale)
• Key skills in Literacy and Numeracy Level 2 (or willingness to obtain within agreed timescale)
• Successful completion of Trust’s full HCA Framework within 6-month probationary period
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Good time management and ability to prioritize
• Good record-keeping awareness

Desirable:

• Competency in ECG and venepuncture
• Previous experience of working with people with mental/social health needs

Compensation

This position falls under NHS AfC: Band 3. Specific salary details are not provided in the job listing, but interested candidates can refer to the NHS pay scales for Band 3 positions.

Other Details

Successful candidates who do not have the required qualifications will be expected to enroll in the Healthcare Assistant Framework, which includes acquiring the Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care, Level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy or equivalent, and achievement of competencies within a maximum of 2 years.

The Trust encourages and supports all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as the best line of defense against the virus.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the NHS Jobs website. The Trust uses a third-party recruitment system, and all subsequent information regarding applications will be generated from apps.trac.jobs.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email within 4 weeks of the closing date. Applicants are advised to check both their inbox and SPAM folders for communications.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from individuals who have experience of mental ill health or learning disabilities. The Trust is committed to protecting staff, service users, and visitors from second-hand smoke and operates a no-smoking policy in all buildings and grounds.