Job summary
We are looking for a Band 4 Assistant Practitioner/Nursing associate or someone willing to work towards this who has significant experience in this sector. You will be working as part of the wider health and social care team and have direct contact with patients, service users or clients in providing high quality and compassionate care for people with Dementia that are in their own homes or care homes to help prevent placement breakdown or admission to hospital.
Our Band 4 Practitioners work at a level above that of healthcare support workers and have a more in-depth understanding about factors that influence health and ill-health for people with dementia. Giving advice/support to carers.
The successful post holder must have a full valid UK driving license and be able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.
Main duties of the job
Assistant Practitioners work as part of the Intensive Dementia Service and have direct contact with patients, service users or clients providing high quality and compassionate care. Assistant Practitioners work at a level above that of healthcare support workers and have a more in-depth understanding about factors that influence health and ill-health. Assistant Practitioners will develop additional skills and knowledge based on the work of the Intensive Dementia Service to support the Registered Professionals within the team to provide assessment and treatment and to prevent hospital admission for patients on the caseload.
An Assistant Practitioner works under the supervision of a Registered Practitioner in accordance with Trust policy, protocols and standard operating procedures. The Registered Practitioner remains accountable for the appropriate and effective delegation of activities and must ensure that the Assistant Practitioner has the competency, confidence and expertise to carry out such activities. Having accepted the activity, the Assistant Practitioner is accountable for their actions. In a situation where the Assistant Practitioner feels they do not have the necessary skills or ability then they must alert the registered practitioner immediately.
About us
As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, fantastic pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.
The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.
There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will to experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!
Job description
Job responsibilities
For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
1. Substantial experience in Mental Health or Health sector
2. Dementia services
3. Previous experience of working in the community
4. Ability to manage demanding workload to agreed deadlines and timescales
5. Effective team working skills
Qualifications & Training
Essential
6. An accredited level 5 vocational qualification such as a Foundation Degree or other Level 5 Diploma in Healthcare for example assistant practioner/nurse associate or significant experience and willing to work towards this.
7. Demonstrates meeting the standards of the Care Certificate.
8. NVQ3 or equivalent.
9. Level 2 English and Maths - (equivalent to GCSE grade C or above).
Knowledge
Essential
10. Importance of current evidence-based practice within scope of the role.
11. Understanding of physical health impacting people with dementia