Health Care Assistant (Mental Health) at Lindale Homes

About us

Our company specialises in providing person centred and bespoke support services to the NHS and various healthcare sectors throughout the UK for children, young people and adults. Our primary focus is on ensuring the safe care and management of service users who may be detained under the Mental Health Act or subject to the Mental Capacity Act and require specialised support. Our team of staff will provide support within various health settings.

Specialised training will be provided to all staff.

Our services include both short-term and long-term care, overseen by dedicated nurses and healthcare assistants. We are committed to offering individualised support to children, young people and adults with complex mental health needs.

Job Summary

As a Health Care Assistant, you will play a crucial role in providing care and support to individuals with mental health conditions. Working under the guidance of qualified mental health professionals, your primary responsibility will be to assist in the delivery of high-quality care, ensuring the well-being and safety of patients. This position requires compassion, empathy, and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

As a Health Care Assistant (HCA), your role will encompass excellent risk management and mitigation skills, coupled with the ability to establish a therapeutic rapport with the individuals under your care. You will be a proactive advocate for choice, independence, equality, and diversity, ensuring that patients’ dignity is always upheld and treating them with compassion will be at the core of your responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Personal Care: Assist patients with their daily living activities, including personal hygiene, dressing, and eating, while promoting independence and dignity.

· Observations and Reporting: Monitor patients’ behaviour, emotional state, and physical well-being. Report any changes or concerns to the RMN/LDN and appropriate mental health professionals.

· Support Activity Sessions: Help facilitate therapeutic activities, providing encouragement and reassurance to service users.

· Safety Measures: Implement safety protocols and risk management strategies to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

· Crisis Intervention: Assist in de-escalating and managing crisis situations, using appropriate techniques to ensure patient and staff safety.

· Record Keeping: Maintain comprehensive and accurate patient records, documenting observations, interventions, and progress in accordance with organisational policies.

· Patient Advocacy: Advocate for patients’ rights and ensure their needs are met in a supportive and caring manner.

· Communication: Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary team to provide updates when required on patient progress and address any concerns.

· Infection Control: Adhere to infection control protocols and maintain a clean and hygienic environment for patients and staff.

· Training and Development: Participate in training and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in mental health care.

Qualifications and Skills:

· Prior experience in healthcare or mental health settings

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with patients and team members.

· Ability to remain calm under pressure and handle crisis situations with empathy and sensitivity.

· Understanding of mental health conditions and the impact on patients’ well-being.

· Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and night shifts, as required in 24/7 mental health care facilities.

· Physical and emotional resilience to handle the demands of the job with compassion and professionalism.

Required:

· Enhanced DBS

· Full UK Driving Licence

· Ability to deal with challenging situations in a positive and calm manner (Specialised Training provided)

· Ability to work as part of a team

· Excellent Communication Skills

· CPI Safety Intervention Training – Advanced & Emergency

· Experience of working with a Mental Health Client group (Children, Young people ,Adults)

Job Type: Zero hours contract

Salary: £17.00-£20.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• Day shift
• Night shift

Work Location: In person