Job summary
An exciting opportunity has risen for the post of a Community Support worker in our community rehab and recovery team at Lanchester Road Site. The post holder will work as part of the multi-disciplinary team delivering high quality patient focused care in a community setting.
The role will involve improving the lives of people with mental ill health by minimising the impact of their condition through the delivery of excellent services to promote recovery and wellbeing.
To be compassionate in meeting the needs of patients and their carers.
To work as part of a community team which may be integrated, working collaboratively and in partnership with local authority services.
To assist in the delivery of patient care, as directed by registered practitioners and team manager, undertaking duties and activities with limited or indirect supervision in patients' homes and other community settings.
To promote social inclusion, community access and participation through the provision of patient care.
To show commitment to and participate in quality improvement activities.
You must have the Right to Work in the UK in order to be successfully appointed to this note, the starting salary for this role would not meet the required salary threshold for this post to be eligible for sponsorship under the Health and Care (Skilled Worker) visa.
Main duties of the job
Clinical Responsibilities, Patient Contact, Maintains safety, privacy and dignity of all patients in the delivery of patient centred care, recognising and respecting differences including spiritual and cultural beliefs. Responsible for recognising the signs of patient harm, abuse or neglect, and follows correct safeguarding policies. Undertakes delegated activities within level of own competency, and with due regard to risk assessment, to assist with the implementation of intervention plans as part of the multidisciplinary team. Completes patient assessment tools and accurately summarises within patient care records. Identifies changes in patients' presentation and acts, reports and records appropriately.
Regularly accompanies and provides support to patients in a variety of community settings, as delegated and dependent on current risk assessment. This includes social inclusion/community integration/transfer to and from appropriate areas. acute hospitals, dentist etc. Assists in the provision of health education and advice on health promotion to patients and their carers. Demonstrates safe breakaway techniques in the management of violence and aggression as required. Demonstrates safe moving and handling of patients using equipment as required. Where appropriate and with authorisation, acts as an advocate for patients/carers. To promote at all times a positive image of people with mental ill health.
About us
We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.
From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care --our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.
We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.
We're committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.
We won't rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.
Details
Date posted
25 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
346-DDA-016-26-A
Job locations
Inglewood, Lanchester Road Hospital
Durham
DH1 5RD
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see attached the job description and person specification which outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role.
The successful candidate must have completed the Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 2 or equivalent. Candidates must also have Literacy and Numeracy level 2 or equivalent and must complete the Trust Healthcare Assistant competencies within their probationary period (first 6 months in role).
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
1. Diploma in Health and Social Care level 2 or equivalent
2. Care Certificate
3. Key skills in Literacy and Numeracy Level 2
4. Successful completion of Trust's full HCA Framework within 6-month probationary period
Experience
Essential
5. Previous experience as a Band 2/3 HCA or equivalent in a care environment.
Desirable
6. Previous experience of working with people with mental/social health needs or learning disabilities.
Knowledge
Essential
7. Person centred care
8. Awareness of legal frameworks including Mental Health legislation (within agreed timescale)
Skills
Essential
9. Effective verbal and written communication skills
10. Time management and ability to prioritise effectively
11. Competency in record keeping (within agreed timescales)
12. Breakaway techniques (within agreed timescales)