We are looking to recruit a compassionate and motivated Assistant Practitioner to join our Learning Disability Services team in East Devon (Honiton). This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is committed to delivering high quality, person-centred care and wants to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and associated physical and mental health needs. Working as part of a supportive multi-disciplinary team, the successful candidate will contribute to assessment, care planning, intervention and review, helping to promote wellbeing, independence and positive outcomes for service users and their carers. The role offers a varied and rewarding caseload, opportunities to develop clinical knowledge and skills, and the chance to work collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies to deliver safe, compassionate and effective care. If you are enthusiastic, reliable and committed to inclusive, recovery-focused practice, we would welcome your application.
This post is open to both qualified and unqualified applicants. Candidates who do not yet hold the required qualification may be appointed at Band 3, with the opportunity to undertake training in post and progress to Band 4 on successful qualification. Applicants who already hold the required qualification are welcome to apply and may be appointed at Band 4.
Main duties of the job
The Assistant Practitioner is a development post and as such it is an expectation of the role that the post holder will either hold a Foundation Degree / equivalent qualification or will successfully complete this qualification within 2 years of commencing employment.
The principal purpose of the job is to improve the health & wellbeing of people with a Learning Disability and a range of physical and mental health difficulties. This will be achieved by:
* Active involvement in the delivery of high quality, safe and compassionate Learning Disability services as an effective member of the multi-disciplinary team.
* Implementing specific assessment, review and care packages to individuals and groups within standard protocols, integrated care pathways and Recovery principles.
* Providing evidence based advice and consultancy to people who use the services, family members/ Carers within standard protocols for care co-ordination/ care management.
* Organising and managing a defined caseload under distant guidance and work as lone workers where appropriate. The postholder will be accountable for their own actions within the delivery of this care.
* Seeking advice and expertise of a registered practitioner when required through the use of regular managerial and clinical supervision in accordance with Trust policy.
About us
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do.
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities
Communication and Working Relationship Skills
* To communicate in a skilled and respectful manner with clients, families and carers who may have specific difficulties in understanding and/or communicating and who may be distressed / present with challenging behaviour.
* To participate in clinical and core group meetings and to work collaboratively with other colleagues in the multi-disciplinary team.
* To maintain appropriate professional boundaries whilst recognising abilities and limitations of own competence.
* To communicate complex and sensitive condition related information concerning the assessment, treatment and risk factors in relation to a range of mental and physical health difficulties.
* To establish and maintain clear and professional relationships with others at all times.
* To liaise and work collaboratively with a range of other professionals in statutory and non-statutory organisations agencies.
* Provide a high standard of written and verbal communication that is clear and in line with Trust documentation standards.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
* Recognise own clinical competencies, knowledge base and experience, and ensure that you practice within this, acting as a positive role model, and seek support as required.
* To make informed and well-reasoned decisions, recognising when to seek further advice from a registered practitioner.
* Undertake risk assessments and determine the appropriate course of action, which has taken into consideration a range of possible options. Where necessary, ensure that consultation with senior colleagues is undertaken.
* Recognise and take action to deal with any situations which may provide a conflict of interest.
Planning and Organisational Skills
* To organise, plan and prioritise own workload under distant guidance of a registered practitioner.
* To provide evidence based advice, guidance and consultancy to patients, family members, carers and professionals within standard protocols.
* Planning, co-ordination and review of services including active reviews and review of placements as delegated by other registered practitioners.
* Organise clinical meetings and ensure that interventions/services are planned in an integrated and co-ordinated manner to best support the client/carers, this may include liaison with external agencies.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy
* To promote and uphold the privacy, dignity, rights, health and wellbeing of clients and their care givers at all times including Mental Capacity Act code of practice.
* Responsible for the delivery of specific care packages including assessing, planning, intervention and evaluation according to the Trusts standard protocols and accountable for their own actions within the delivery of this care.
* To comply with Trust policies and procedures and the Code of Conduct for Health Care Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England.
* Be able to implement a range of assessments and interventions relevant to people with Learning Disabilities and consistent with a Recovery approach and positive behaviour support planning to enable the individual and their Carers to be held central to their care and their involvement is proactively encouraged.
* Provide evidence based clinical advice in relation to the individuals in the care of the team.
* Ensure that appropriate action is taken for safeguarding adults and children under the guidance of a registered practitioner.
* Under the direction of and upon successful completion of any required additional training, can assist (in accordance with NMC delegated authority guidance) a registered nurse to ensure that recommended physical health and other monitoring requirements of mental health medication (in line with relevant trust policy, standards and guidelines) is completed, recorded and if necessary escalated for further action.
* Under the direction of and upon successful completion of any required additional training, can assist (in accordance with NMC delegated authority guidance) a registered nurse and /or the individual in the administration of certain topical and oral medicines as per an individual's care and treatment plan. e.g. creams, eye drops, inhalers, assist in observing successful administration of medicines being administered covertly.
* Maintain up to date clinical records in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with Trust policy.
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation
* To follow Trust policy guidance in relation to your team and role and to comment on proposed policy changes and service developments.
* Actively embrace change, respond positively to new priorities and challenges and look for opportunities for service development and improvement.
* To contribute to service development activities as required by line management in order to improve the quality of care offered by the team.
* To contribute to any relevant Research and Development activities as undertaken within the team.
Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources
* Responsible for the safe use of any relevant equipment/resources in line with Trust Policy.
* Responsibility for the handling of monies, medication and individuals valuables if deemed necessary under the indirect supervision of a registered practitioner.
* Responsible for the ordering of supplies/equipment as necessary under the indirect supervision of a registered practitioner.
Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management
* Demonstrate personal responsibility and initiative for own learning and continuing professional development including core training in line with the Directorates Workforce Plan in accordance with Trust policy.
* Engage in reflective practice to monitor their own performance and progress and accept feedback from others in order to continue their ongoing development.
* To assist the work of other support workers, students or trainees as required.
* Actively engage with line management, clinical supervision and Personal Development Review.
Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties
* To be responsible for using an email account to generate, monitor, and respond to the e-mail traffic by which the Trust conducts much of its internal communication.
* Ensure information resources including the Intranet are consulted regularly to maintain a current knowledge of Trust, Directorate and Team priorities and safety initiatives.
* Ensure information is shared with key stakeholders and other agencies in a secure manner.
Freedom to Act
* To work within the Trust operational policies and service specifications of the team.
* To organise and take responsibility for own work and caseload under distant guidance of a registered practitioner and within standard protocols/ integrated care pathways.
Any Other Specific Tasks Required
* Undertake all necessary academic study and work based training associated with the post.
* Undertake any other reasonable management request.
Person Specification
Experience
* Previous experience working in a range of different behaviour settings for people with Learning Disabilities.
* Working with people who may present with distressed behaviours that present challenges to other services.
Planning and Organisational Skills
* Organisation and time management skills.
* Ability to work independently within defined procedures and care pathways.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
* Ability to evaluate complex information to assist with decision making.
* An awareness of own scope of practice and ability to make appropriate judgements on when to refer issues to a registered practitioner.
* Ability to assess risk (to self, service user and/or family/carers) and to take appropriate action.
* Ability to problem solve.
Qualifications
* Must already hold or obtain the Care Certificate within the first 3 months of employment.
* Level 3 QCF in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.
* GCSE in Maths and English (Grade C or above) OR Level 2 Key Skills / Functional Skills in Maths and English.
* Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care or qualification to diploma level or equivalent.
* If a Foundation Degree or equivalent qualification is not already obtained, to complete within 2 years of commencing employment.
Communication and Working Relationship Skills
* Excellent verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to communicate sensitive information to people with Learning Disabilities, carers and colleagues.
* An ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships.
* Ability to work with people in a group or on an individual basis.
* Able to work in a team effectively and collaboratively.
* Ability to use a variety of Communication systems.
* Ability to put information into easy and accessible format.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of learning disabilities and good practice in terms of supporting and working with people with Learning Disabilities and their Carers.
* Knowledge of a range of Mental Health presentations and medications for people with a Learning Disability.
* An understanding of physical health problems which can impact on a persons mental health and monitoring of the same.
* Working knowledge of Valuing People and other relevant Learning Disability documents/policies.
* Knowledge of safeguarding principles and appropriate action to take.
* A basic understanding of the law in relation to consent and capacity.
* Basic IT skills.
* Ability to relate to, and communicate with people who have a Learning Disability.
* Understanding of Recovery principles and Positive Behaviour Support Planning.
* An understanding of Care Coordination/ Management process.
* Awareness of the Code of conduct for Health Care Support Workers /Adult Social Care Workers in England.
Physical Skills
* This post requires the post holder to undertake and comply with the Trusts policies on manual handling and Breakaway/restraint core training if relevant to their clinical area of work.
* Able to travel and work across the area covered by the Trust as requested by Line Manager.
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.
£25,760 to £31,157 a year, dependent on experience and qualifications
#J-18808-Ljbffr