Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Please note you must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this position.
Due to current Home Office Guidelines, we are unable to sponsor this job role.
As a Family and Carer Ambassador, you will provide practical and emotional support to families and carers of individuals with complex mental health needs. You will advocate to ensure that the needs and views of families, carers, and patients are heard and addressed, regardless of communication needs. You will identify and overcome cross-organizational challenges and work closely with agencies across health, education, social care, and voluntary sectors, including links with adult services for transition planning or support.
Position available at Derwent Centre.
Main duties of the job
To succeed in this role, you should be proactive, compassionate, detail-oriented, well-organized, and possess strong communication skills. Passionate about effecting change and empowering patients, families, and carers, you will have opportunities to shape and develop the role and build relationships with stakeholders.
Lived experience is essential for this role.
It refers to personal experience of having lived through a relevant situation, such as caring for family or friends, working on a ward, or being a service user.
About us
EPUT seeks motivated staff who share our values of Care, Learn, and Empower. We offer benefits including:
* Season Ticket Loans
* NHS staff discounts
* Training opportunities
* Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
* Flexible working arrangements from day one
* Salary Sacrifice schemes
We support flexible working and encourage you to discuss options with the recruiting manager. You may apply for flexible working from the start of employment.
Join our Staff bank to access additional shifts and experience. All permanent staff are enrolled, with no obligation to work extra shifts unless desired. If joining in a fixed-term role, indicate your interest on your paperwork.
Job responsibilities
1. Work with families and carers from admission to discharge.
2. Help families understand inpatient systems and provide high-quality, accessible information.
3. Support communication between clinical units and families, fostering a compassionate approach.
4. Empower families to access information and participate in planning (with CYP consent).
5. Utilize local networks to support families with information and signposting.
6. Act as liaison on family and carer matters, supporting quality improvement initiatives.
7. Assist families in raising concerns and escalating issues when necessary.
8. Promote the role of families as partners in care, ensuring their voices are heard.
9. Maintain accurate records, ensuring confidentiality and security.
10. Advocate for families, carers, and patients in policy development and decision-making.
11. Ensure professional standards in all public and patient interactions.
12. Embed patient and public involvement at all levels.
13. Provide support to carers and families, including follow-up calls and distributing carers' packs.
14. Invite and facilitate carers' participation in ward reviews and support groups.
15. Document input and refer carers to support services, building local partnerships.
16. Participate in local meetings and develop relapse prevention and support plans.
17. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the carer strategy and engagement initiatives.
Promoting Rights and Signposting
1. Share information regarding Care Plan Approach (CPA) and Care Education and Treatment Reviews (CETR).
2. Inform about patients' rights and legal frameworks (MHA, MCA, Human Rights Act, Child and Families Act).
3. Guide families on community services and social media resources.
4. Provide information on policies like NICE, STAMP, and Transforming Care.
5. Assist with legal advice referrals when needed.
This description is not exhaustive; duties may evolve to meet organizational needs, with changes discussed with the post holder.
Professional Development
1. Complete mandatory training per Trust policies.
2. Participate in appraisals and manage staff if applicable.
3. Engage in induction and ongoing professional development.
4. Maintain professional standards and contribute to a learning environment.
5. Support the development of Trust strategies and promote professional awareness.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
* NVQ III or equivalent experience
* Maths and English GCSE or equivalent
Knowledge
* Lived experience as a carer of someone with mental health issues
Skills/Experience
* Administrative or secretarial experience
* Experience in healthcare settings
Disclosure and Barring Service
This role requires a DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
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