Job Summary
We are looking for a passionate and motivated Health Care worker to join our dedicated team at our low secure unit at the Allington Centre. The Allington Centre is a 20‑bed low secure inpatient service for forensic services. We specialise in the assessment and treatment of adults with complex mental health needs who require care in a low secure setting in response to offending, risky and/or challenging behaviours.
The ward includes a high dependency area of five beds for the assessment and treatment of those exhibiting disturbed behaviour, and a 15‑bed area (LSU) focusing on assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. This can be a challenging, yet rewarding environment and requires excellent organisational skills and the ability to use your initiative.
If you are enthusiastic about making a difference and capable of providing a positive challenge to the status‑quo in the interest of service and workforce development, then we want to hear from you.
High Cost Area Allowance
The High‑Cost Area (HCA) allowance, also referred to as London Weighting, is a payment made to employees who work in London and the surrounding areas. As this post is based in Dartford, Gravesham or Swanley, the successful applicant will receive an additional payment each month: 5 % of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £1,303 per year and a maximum payment of £2,198 per year (the agreed annual amount will be divided into 12 equal amounts and paid monthly).
Main duties of the job
* Deliver an effective and competent level of care under the guidance and supervision of associate workers, senior associate workers, qualified nurses and occupational therapists, as determined by the patient's care plan.
* Be fully aware of the needs of patients over a 24‑hour span of care.
About Us
We are the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, caring for the mental health and wellbeing of people across Kent and Medway. Our teams support adults with a wide range of mental health needs. By covering the whole county and both hospital and community settings, we can make care more joined‑up and easier to access for the 1.8 million people of Kent and Medway. Rated ‘Good’ by the CQC, we care for over 2,000 people in our hospitals and 54,000 in the community each year. Our vision is simple: we are here to help communities not just live with mental illness, but live well. It’s why we’re passionate about working with communities to make mental health care better for everyone, guided by our values of caring, inclusive, curious and confident.
Details
* Date posted: 04 February 2026
* Pay scheme: Agenda for change
* Band: Band 3
* Salary: £26,240 to £27,928 a year (inclusive of high‑cost area supplement)
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full‑time
* Reference number: 380‑FR0617‑B
* Job locations: Allington Centre, Bow Arrow Lane, Dartford, DA2 6PB
Job Responsibilities
* Consistently deliver a patient‑focused service, which promotes optimum independence.
* Offer appropriate support and advice to the patients.
* Record accurately all care given as required.
* Enable patients to maintain and improve their independence by promoting involvement in the therapeutic activity programme.
* Note and report accurately any care given and/or information required by the nurse in charge.
* Give physical care as required or instructed.
* Promote patients’ appearance and personal hygiene by offering support, advice and ensuring that suitable requisites are available.
* Promote a healthy, safe and secure environment by adhering to Trust statutory health and safety requirements and maintaining confidentiality of information at all times in compliance with Trust and Forensic & Specialists Care Group policies.
* Assist patients and nursing team to maintain a clean and healthy ward environment and assist patients in all aspects of daily living skills as required.
Person Specification
* Essential
o Interest in working in mental health services
o Previous care experience
o Excellent verbal and written communication skills
o Committed to high level of patient care
o Ability to work collaboratively with others as part of a team
o Full driving licence
o Computer‑literate – ability to use Microsoft packages
o Care certificate or ability to work towards
* Desirable
o Experience working in secure services
o NHS experience
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be made to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust
Allington Centre
Bow Arrow Lane
Dartford
DA2 6PB
Website: https://www.kentmedwaymentalhealth.nhs.uk
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