Discharge Support Worker

at  Livewell Southwest

2.JOB PURPOSE The purpose of this post is to work as part of a team which provides mental health services and to focus on the direct needs of individuals, working across boundaries of care, organisation and role coordinated through the Care Programme Approach. The role includes assisting the multidisciplinary team in delivering physical social and psychological care to individuals with mental health illness. To provide support to an allocated group of individuals with more complex needs and thus promote their recovery and maintain them in their community environment. To assist the multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care and implement discharge plans.
The role includes assisting to deliver physical social and psychological care to individuals with mental health difficulties. The post holder will be required to work with individuals in hospital in hospital and community settings. This will involve contact with relatives, carers and other agencies. They will carry out interventions as part of the care plans and record information using the CPA process.
The post holder will be directed to undertake tasks once adequate instruction has been given by the Discharge Team Leader and both parties are confident that the task can be fulfilled competently. To achieve the objectives of this role, the post holder must have the needs of those that use our service at the fore at all times and use the agreed set of values and skills to underpin their day-to-day work. 4.SCOPE AND RANGE The aim of the role is to provide build therapeutic relationships in order to provide practical support, prevent barriers and promote safe and effective discharge from hospital. This support is delivered to individuals that use our service, their relatives and carers.
The post holder will work within a team of 6 staff and will be expected to liaise with numerous professionals within and outside of the organisation. 5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Key roles and responsibilities To carry out efficiently and effectively tasks and instructions assigned by the Discharge Team Leader and Modern Matron. To undertake only those tasks for which she/he is competent to fulfil.
To ensure that individuals engage effectively with the agreed Care Plan and access appropriate services. Work in way that promotes dignity, respect and independence. Develop a rapport based upon companionship and friendship but within appropriate and transparent boundaries. Provide regular and practical support to individuals and consider the needs of carers.
Undertake assessments to identify the support required. Provide assistance to apply for benefits, pay bills, budget and undertake referrals to appropriate agencies to assist with debt. Positively promote independent living within the community. Support to obtain appropriate accommodation and liaise with a variety of housing organisations.
Support individuals to maintain their homes. This may include cleaning, removing refuse and positioning furniture. Escort individuals to a range of community activities that aid recovery and promote safe discharge. Engage with those that use our service regarding discharge plans and empower them to make decisions.
Liaise with the multidisciplinary team, relatives, carers, and all relevant agencies regarding discharge plans. Provide information on health promotion. To be an active member of the provision of care. To maintain confidentiality in respect of the individual at all times.
To be aware of Health and Safety at Work Act and the implications for the work environment. To know how to report accidents and untoward incidents and to do so promptly. To obtain knowledge of Organisational policies, procedures and practices and carry out duties in accordance with them. To be aware of legal issues and have an understanding of the Mental Health Act.
To ensure that the individuals that use our service and their relatives/carers understand the pathway of care across agency boundaries with key contact points. To receive reports on the individuals that use our service and be able to report back with observations to the Discharge Team Leader and appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team. Help to identify early signs of relapse by monitoring the individuals progress, level of functioning and mental state and alert the appropriate staff. To be willing to participate actively in appropriate in-service training programmes which the Discharge Team Leader believes to be of benefit to the individual.
To assume co-responsibility for maintaining skills and knowledge levels. To assist the multidisciplinary team to carry out tasks which fulfill physical and psychological needs. Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care. This is to include participation in case reviews, risk management meetings and care planning meetings.
Make appropriate entries in the individuals records using the CPA process, which will then be counter-signed by a registered nurse. To assist the individuals personal care and record physical observations in accordance with the Care Plan. Record and manage the individuals property. Undertake specific responsibilities designated by the Modern Matron.
To undertake mandatory and other training as directed by the Organisation. To participate in continuing personal development using the appraisal system. To receive line management, support and supervision from the Discharge Team Leader. To contribute to any audit process.
To behave in a manner that does not bring the Organisation into disrepute. 5.1 Responsibility for People Management None. 5.2 Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources The post holder will be responsible for handling valuables that belong to individuals that use our service. 5.3 Responsibility for administration The post holder will be expected to document relevant information in the multidisciplinary records using the CPA process.
5.4 Responsibility for people who use our services The Post holder will have daily contact with the people who use our services. This will be face to face and via the telephone. The post holder will be responsible for providing practical and emotional support to help aid recovery and facilitate discharge from hospital. The post holder will deliver care within hospital and community settings.
The post holder will be required to work in accordance with the Loan Workers Policy. 5.5 Responsibility for implementation of policy and/or service developments The post holders responsibility will be limited to their own work. 5.6 Other Responsibilities None. 6 COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS The holder will be expected to communicate with the multidisciplinary team.
This includes nursing staff, doctors, consultant psychiatrists, the ward psychologist, pharmacists and occupational therapists. The post holder will be expected to build relationships with the individuals that use our service, their relatives and carers. The post holder will be expected to liaise with a variety of organisations. These include: The Home Treatment Team, Community Mental Health Teams, Community Learning Disability Team, Syrena House (Male Recovery Unit), Greenfields (Female Recovery Unit), Adult Social Care, SEAP Advocacy Service, Advice Plymouth, The Department of Working Pensions, Plymouth City Council, Community Connection Team, Mental Health Accommodation Service, Housing Information, Signposting and Support, Social Housing Providers, Rethink, Mind, Cross Roads and Shekinah Mission.
7. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB The post holder will be expected to undertake various physical activities. These include cleaning properties, removing refuse and positioning furniture. Heavy duties are not required on a regular basis and are only required to assist specific individuals.
Physical activity may be required for a several hours at a time. However, this is not required on a regular basis. You may be required to be able to undertake physical intervention training and participate in physical intervention as part of a physical intervention team and Basic Life Support (BLS). This Job Description is not exhaustive and may change as the post develops, but such change will not take place without consultation between the post holder and their manager.
Job descriptions should be reviewed at least annually at the appraisal meeting. Work a shift pattern that includes 10 hours days

Please refer the Job description for details