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Physical Health Support Worker
The closing date is 23 July 2025
An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit an enthusiastic, compassionate, and highly motivated Physical Health Support Worker to work within the community across Dorset. The main role of this job is to provide annual physical health checks for people diagnosed with a serious mental illness (SMI) by conducting a range of physical observations including taking blood samples and ECG's. The role also provides positive health promotion and interventions as well as signposting individuals to services and setting goals to improve their physical health.
The role will require the successful applicant to build relationships with patients who may struggle to access support for their health needs and will require trying different approaches in how physical health checks are offered.
We are looking for an individual who is motivated to make a positive contribution to improving the physical health for people living with SMI in secondary health services and support them in accessing the appropriate level of interventions.
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
Main duties of the job
To coordinate and manage comprehensive physical health assessments for designated individuals on the Early Intervention Service caseload. Working closely with care coordinators in Early Intervention Service and primary care (PC) services to support individuals with mental conditions to improve their physical health.
Work with clinicians and attend relevant clinical meetings across primary and secondary care to ensure individuals are referred, signposted and receive appropriate interventions and follow up care as per the pathway.To work with individuals and relevant staff through the process to develop physical health care goals and plans to promote and encourage self-management of physical health. Develop and promote individuals to develop supportive relationships with key partner organisations and communities to support sustainability.
Put individuals needs at the heart of the job, keeping people safe, contributing to their care and responding compassionately to suffering. Communicate with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.Provide input to physical health meetings, in order to continue to support service improvement in promoting positive physical health with our service users and staff. Ensure that individuals experience of physical health is shared and fed into service improvement as part of co-production process.
Accurately input and ensure records maintained in accordance with professional and organisation standards (RiO)
About us
At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.
We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.
Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.
Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.
As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contactdhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net
Person Specification
Experience
* Experience of working with clients, the public or both
* Experience of working as part of a team towards a common goal
* Experience of mental health (as worker, carer or own experience)
* Experience of working in physical health care settings
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
* NVQ Level 3 in care, or equivalent qualification or level of experience
* Willingness to undertake Continuing Personal Development
* Willingness to complete relevant physical health checks and interventions training
Knowledge
* Basic understanding of the NHS and its independencies
* Knowledge of physical/mental health conditions and/or the NHS Long Term Plan for health inequalities
Skills
* Good I.T and care record/data entry skills
* Good coordination and organisation skills
* Existing skills in physical health i.e. phlebotomy or promoting health change i.e. motivational interviewing or coaching (formal or non-formal)
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 (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
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