Band 3 Health Care Assistant/Activities Coordinator - Poppy Unit

at  Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust

Carrying out assigned tasks as part of clinical team in support of registered nurses. To undertake some aspects of care provision without direct supervision, including coordinating recreational groups and activities for service users and escorting duties. Ensuring the safety and well being of services users, and always working in a manner that promotes dignity and human rights through the adoption of person centred care principles.
Duties will range from supporting Service Users in activities both on and off the ward as part of an agreed care plan; including a range of activities from low key short duration engagement to more complex activities such as applications for housing and benefits or supporting established occupational therapy and psychological approaches to care.
We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust): a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.
We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.
Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.
At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.
Clinical Practice Objectives
1. The post holder will provide Vocational, Educational and Recreational activities for the service users in the unit and via community access.
2. Organization of activities for all service users to develop and maintain new skills.
3. Carry out regular assessments to establish service user’s strengths and needs and by using recognized assessment systems/tools help develop individual care plans.
4. To provide in-house activities for other care staff to use with service users, i.e. puzzles, football, board games etc.
5. To organize trips out for the service users.
7. As a member of the support team, help to create a safe, educational and therapeutic environment based on the needs of the individuals and ensuring that their rights, dignity and personal privacy are maintained at all times.
8. Follow written care plans and guidelines, working closely with the service users to promote greater independence, with specific emphasis on developing gains in self-help and coping skills.
9. Enable all service users to be as independent as ability allows and to assist in maintaining their personal care.
10. Monitor the general health of the service users reporting any changes in physical or mental condition.
11. To encourage and assist the service users to participate in a wide range of activities using local facilities wherever possible, thus developing positive contacts with the local community.
12. Use appropriate, authorized and agreed communication systems within and outside of the home and attend review meetings as directed.
Education & Health Promotion Objectives
1. To keep up to date with changing practices and attend relevant training appropriate to the role as directed. Promote positive attitudes towards mental health. This will include:
a) Attend regular statutory training and updates.
b) Participate in appraisal and supervision processes from identified Senior practitioner.
c) Contribute to the learning environment of staff undergoing training and new team members as directed.
d) Maintain Health and Safety in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974).
e) Work to the Clinical, Personnel and other Policies and Procedures of AWP Trust.
Finance and Workforce Objectives
1. To play a role in making best use of available workforce resources based on agreed staffing models and contributing to provision of best care possible.
2. Follow Trust and Service Policies relating to the security of the building/clients, to ensure safe practice and protection of clients, staff, visitors and members of the general public.
3. Play a part in the service provision that is both safe and therapeutic within span of knowledge.
4. Supervise the work of Band 2 HCAs and others, as appropriate.
5. Contribute to the development of other support staff.
6. Effective time management
Record Keeping and Administration Objectives
1. To maintain standards of record keeping and associated administration in accordance with AWP Trust Policy and local joint arrangements and professional guidelines. This will include:
2. The upkeep of contemporaneous, chronological and accurate mental health records in accordance with relevant NMC Guidelines and Trust Policy.
3. Work under the direction of ‘Essence of Care’ lead.
4. Contribute to the achievement of Controls Assurance Standards relating to Records Management within their span of control.
Practice Development & Clinical Audit Objectives
1. To participate with support of registered nurse to clinical audit and comply with activity as outlined in “The Essence of Care”.
Communications and Working Relationship

Please refer the Job description for details