Job Description
JOB TITLE:
Support Worker
REPORTING TO:
Nurse in Charge
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Ward Manager
JOB PURPOSE:
To work as part of an inter-disciplinary team, assisting patients in a low secure mental health setting
achieve their full potential and agreed therapeutic outcomes within a safe positive environment.
To carry out assigned duties, involving direct care and observation of patients under the guidance
and supervision of a qualified nurse.
To report to the qualified nurse any observations made whilst providing care to patients.
JOB SUMMARY:
Responsibilities:
CLINICAL
 To contribute to the delivery of a planned programme of care under the direct supervision of
the qualified nurse
 Where appropriate to provide assistance with activities of daily living, under supervision or
direction
 Interact in an appropriate way with patients, promoting individual living skills and undertaking
day-to-day activities in order to progress the patients agreed care and treatment programme
 To carry out observations as prescribed by the Clinical Team and documented I the care
plan, and provide feedback to the qualified nurse both verbally and in written formats, if
required. This should include any concerns arising from the patient’s physical or mental
health
 To carry out specific duties that contribute to the assessment of patients as requested by the
qualified nurse including the completion of Therapeutic Engagement forms, incident forms
and clinical notes.
 Assist in individual and group therapy as appropriate
 To use skills and techniques, gained during training, to deescalate situations where patients
become physically or verbally aggressive
 To contribute to the development of risk management plans for patients by reporting, to the
qualified nurse, any incidents of risk to others as a result of the behaviour or actions or
patients
 To escort service users in the community and within the hospital grounds as directed by the
qualified nurse and as documented in the care plan
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To work across the organisation as required in order to meet the needs of the service in
relation to skill and gender mix
To have a basic awareness and understanding of the Mental Health Act 1983
Adhere to risk management and care plans formulated to guide patient care
Remain duty bound to report any concerns relating to a colleagues safe practice and
conduct in the ward environment that could negatively affect patient care
To create a balance between a therapeutic environment and an environment that focuses on
safety and security both inside the hospital and in the community
PROFESSIONAL
 To participate in Pastoral Cymru’s Appraisal/ Supervision framework and work towards
meeting identified goals and objectives as agreed in a personal development plan
 To maintain appropriate professional boundaries with patients at all times both on and off
duty
 To undertake mandatory training as stipulated by the Company and ensure that all
interactions with service users are in line with this
 To act, at all times, in accordance with Pastoral Cymru Ltd policies and procedures
 Under the guidance and supervision of a qualified nurse, to make accurate and appropriate
entries into health records
 To participate in ward handovers, clinical and staff meetings to assist effective two-way
communication
 Make the qualified nurse aware of any incidents arising during your span of duty and carry
out any actions arising from this as directed
 Take direction from the qualified nurses as to any duties or tasks assigned to you for your
span of duty and carry them out as requested
 To participate as directed in the induction of new staff
 To participate in service development activities as required
 In exceptional circumstances co-operate with reasonable requests from more senior staff to
vary your area of work to meet unplanned clinical need.
 Arrange and engage in supervision with your allocated clinical supervisor
 Maintain professionalism and patient confidentiality when interacting with any visitors
including family and relatives and professional visitors
 To represent the organisation in a professional manner at all times
 To identify any personal developmental and training requirements and discuss with your line
manager.
OTHER
 Maintain a general standard of housekeeping on the wards at all times including clinical bins
General information:
Confidentiality
It is a condition of employment that staff will not disclose any information obtained in he course of
their duties other than to those entitled to receive it. The post holder must ensure that he
confidentiality of personal data remains secure and the terms of the Data Protection Act and
relevant Pastoral Cymru Ltd policies are met in respect of information held on Pastoral Cymru Ltd’s
computerised systems.
Equal Opportunities
Pastoral Cymru Ltd is committed to eliminating unlawful discrimination and promoting equality of
opportunity. All staff have a personal responsibility to contribute towards an inclusive and supportive
environment for patients, carers, visitors and other colleagues from all the equality strands (race,
gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability).
Staff have a personal responsibility to:
 Ensure their behaviour is not discriminatory
 Does not cause offence
 To challenge the inappropriate behaviours of others
 Adhere to the Pastoral Cymru Ltd policies and values.
Health and Safety
Staff must ensure that they are familiar with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act
(1974), Pastoral Cymru Ltd Health and Safety policies / codes of practice or regulations applicable
to the workplace.
To adhere to Health and Safety and C.O.S.H.H regulations and safe working procedures of Pastoral
Cymru Ltd regarding substances, materials, protective clothing and equipment and others specified
in the catering department and all other areas you are required to work in. This will include all rules
and regulations laid down in pursuance of the Health and Safety at Work Act. Copies will be given
on commencement.
To report to your immediate Supervisor / Manager any matter relating to any part of the Pastoral
Cymru Ltd, which appears to suggest a Health and Safety hazard. To report all hazards, accidents,
incidents, faulty equipment and maintenance omissions immediately to Supervisor / Manager.
Clinical Governance
Clinical Governance is the framework through which Pastoral Cymru is accountable for continuously
improving the quality of its services and safeguarding the high standards of care. It does so by
creating and maintaining an environment in which excellence in clinical care will flourish.
Every member of staff must work within this framework as specified in his/her individual job
description. If you have concerns on any clinical governance matters these should be raised with
your line manager, professional adviser, or a more senior member of management. Your attention
is also drawn to the Trust guidance on Raising Concerns about Provision of Patient Care.
You have a responsibility for contributing to the reduction of infections.
Training, Education and Development
All employees are required to participate in any necessary training and development, including
regular appraisal and supervision.
CRB Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it
will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Criminal Records to check for
any previous criminal convictions.
Job design and review
This job description is subject to change in the future. Any proposed changes will normally be
discussed with the post holder and confirmed via the issue of an updated job description.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications:
Essential
 Good standard of education
Desirable
 NVQ Level 2/3 in Health and
Social Care or willingness to work
towards
Experience:
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Knowledge &
Skills
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Other
Requirements
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experience of working in a care
setting
experience of working with
individuals with mental health
problems
able to communicate effectively
with colleagues at all levels and
patients
understanding of issues of
confidentiality
ability to work as part of a team
ability to work on own initiative
under the supervision of a
qualified nurse
professional attitude
Possess a caring,
compassionate and empathetic
attitude.
Good written and verbal
communication
Awareness of how to report
patients complaints or concerns
to the nurse in charge
Basic IT skills/keyboard skills
Able to work flexibly to meet the
needs of the service
Calm under pressure
Able to take instructions
Minimum age 18 Years
Commitment to caring for
people in a vulnerable situation
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experience of working in a secure
unit
experience of working with
patients with personality disorder
in a hospital setting
Control and Restraint Training
Basic understanding of the
Mental Health Act 1983