Overview
Are you looking for a new challenge or to move into a health care setting? The Buckinghamshire Early Intervention Service (EIS) specialises in working with those who have experienced a first episode of psychosis. We work with those aged 14 - 65 years. We are looking for a Physical Health Specialist to join the team on a full-time basis.
Maintaining physical health is an important part of recovery and is a core intervention of EIS. This means there is a national audit capturing our performance on this metric - as well as regular internal audits. Your role will be to ensure that all of our patients have at least an annual health check. You will also promote a healthy lifestyle - in terms of diet, exercise & smoking cessation. You will work together with members of the MDT, contributing to care plans and monitoring those whose physical health you will be overseeing. You will also have regular supervision and training.
Bucks EIS is a supportive and inclusive team and we would welcome a new member of staff who brings enthusiasm and an emphasis on the recovery model.
Main duties
* Undertaking annual heath checks
* Promoting a healthy lifestyle
* Support / accompany patients to a range of community physical health activities.
* To be involved in identifying existing physical health benefiting activities in the community as well as create new opportunities / groups.
* To be an active member of the Early Intervention Service, recording and updating clinical records and sharing information with the multidisciplinary team.
The ability to travel independently between sites within the Trust is essential for this role.
Location and employer details
The employer is Oxford Health NHS Trust.
Location: Whiteleaf Centre, Bierton Road, Aylesbury, HP20 1EG.
Employer's website: https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
Job responsibilities
Bucks EIS is a supportive multi-disciplinary team. We cover the whole of Buckinghamshire, so you will be visiting patients all over the county. You will also be supported by the Physical Health Team in the Trust. The Physical Health Specialist will be responsible for completing physical health assessments and yearly monitoring as well as creating bespoke interventions such as diet and personal fitness plans. The Physical Health Specialist will be responsible for physical health equipment including phlebotomy equipment, scales, BP machine and training equipment. The Physical Health Specialist will hold a caseload of patients who have been referred for their physical health needs. They will be offered an agreed number of sessions depending on individual need followed by a review and will focus on setting up an individual goal directed program. The Physical Health Specialist will set the individualised physical health program and work alongside the patient until they feel ready to continue with the program alone. This program may include group activities.
Disclosure and Barring Service 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 Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person Specification
Knowledge / Experience
* Essential: Knowledge and understanding of NICE recommended interventions and changes in health recommendations and the ability to adjust personalised care in line with changes.
* Desirable: To work with patients with first episode psychosis by offering them an alternative means of engagement. Achieved by building therapeutic relationships while focusing on physical activity with the aim of shortening the duration of untreated psychosis.
Qualifications
* Essential: Phlebotomy. Previous experience of working in a healthcare setting.
* Desirable: Diet & Nutrition Qualification. A qualification in Mental Health NVQ 3 or Foundation degree in Health & Social Care or similar. First Aid.
Previous Experience
* Essential: Competent in Physical Health monitoring (BP, Pulse, Weight) and the ability to communicate effectively with patients and share relevant information with other team members. Ability to hold and manage a caseload of patients with identified physical health needs.
* Desirable: In depth experience of working with service users with severe and enduring mental health issues. Experience in setting up personalised health improvement plans.
Note: This version removes duplicated sections and presents core information clearly for evaluation of the role.
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