Job Overview
Epsom & St Helier Staff Bank is recruiting Mental Health Support Workers who specialise with Children & Young People. Applicants must have at least one year experience working in a mental health setting, including with children and young people, hold a full Care Certificate, and have Seni Lewis Law compliant restraint training. Candidates must provide certification and confirmation of experience prior to interview.
Working For Our Organization
Working on our Bank allows you to work flexibly whilst being part of an amazing team. Our values help define and develop our culture, what we do and how we do it.
Main Duties
* Provide 1-1 nursing care to children/young people assessed as medium or high risk of self‑harm or behaviour challenges, taking into account neurodiversity as needed.
* Support children/young people and their parents/carers while waiting for assessment or intervention in the Emergency Department or wider hospital site, providing emotional support and brief interventions.
* Liaise with other services and collect information to ensure a joined‑up approach to patient care.
* Complete environmental checklists at the start of the shift and as required.
* Build trusting relationships with children and young people to support their emotional and psychological well‑being.
* Provide structured and unstructured activities under the direction of the Health Play Specialist, Nursing teams, and CAMHS service.
* Have an awareness of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and self‑harm and understand how they are managed.
* Contribute to MDT meetings by providing feedback on the child/young person’s presentation and progress.
* Monitor and document behavioural changes, mood, and engagement levels.
* Encourage participation in education, hobbies, and social activities to promote holistic recovery.
* Ensure safe practice by being aware of Trust Policies and Procedures regarding violence/aggression, safeguarding, tranquilisation, and restraint.
* Work collaboratively with parents, carers, and guardians to support the child/young person’s care and recovery.
* Escalate safeguarding concerns to the Nurse in Charge, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Medical and CAMHS teams and document them clearly.
* Report incidents on the Trust DATIX system.
* Maintain accurate, timely records on the Trust electronic record system, including hourly observations of mood/behaviour.
* Participate in safeguarding supervision if required.
* Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and anti‑discriminatory practice in all aspects of care.
* Escort children/young people to access facilities or open air outside the clinical area following a risk assessment.
* Provide a calm and reassuring presence, offering support and comfort to young people and their families during potentially distressing times.
* Use sensory boxes appropriately to engage children and young people.
* Support completion of hospital/Playwise passports for individual care.
* Recognise and respond to escalating situations using de‑escalation techniques to maintain a safe environment.
* Ensure full compliance with Information Governance requirements.
* Undertake clinical observations such as temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and maintain a food/fluid balance chart for any child/young person requiring one.
* Support a child/young person to adhere to a dietary plan and supervise mealtimes when required.
* Respond to clinical emergencies as required.
Candidate Attributes
Excellent
* Looking after our patients as we would like to be looked after ourselves.
* Setting ourselves high standards and being open to new ideas.
* Being professional in our approach and appearance.
* Promoting and sharing best practice.
Kind
* Anticipating and responding to patients’ and carers’ concerns and worries.
* Supporting each other under pressure and considering the impact of our actions on others.
* Helping people find their way if they look unsure or lost.
* Smiling, listening and being friendly.
Responsible
* Having patient safety as our prime consideration.
* Being responsible for ensuring a good patient experience.
* Challenging poor behaviour in others.
* Saying sorry when things go wrong.
Respectful
* Keeping patients, families and carers involved and informed.
* Protecting patients’ dignity and confidentiality.
* Wearing our name badges, introducing ourselves and addressing people in a professional manner.
* Respecting colleagues’ roles in patient care and experience.
Person Specification
Right to Work in the UK
* UK Passport / Share Code
Education / Qualifications
* English and Maths GCSE or equivalent (e.g., Functional Skills)
* Full Care Certificate
* Annual Seni Lewis Compliant Restraint Training
Desirable Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 or above in Health and Social Care
* Level 3 Children’s Safeguarding training
* Annual Restraint Training (PMVA/PPI)
* Specific training in CYP Mental Health (e.g., E‑Learning for Health Mental Health training, We Can Talk training)
Knowledge & Skills
* Awareness of mental health conditions in Children and Young People
* Knowledge of Children’s safeguarding procedures
* Understanding of confidentiality and consent issues
* Ability to deliver age‑appropriate therapeutic interventions
* Understanding of neurodiversity presentation
* Awareness of ASD/ADHD and support in healthcare settings
* IT literacy
* Knowledge of Children & Young Peoples Mental Health Legislation (desirable)
* Awareness of infection control issues (desirable)
Essential Experience & Attributes
* At least one year experience in a Mental Health setting, including with Children & Young People
* Ability to request assistance from seniors and team members when needed
* Demonstration of the 6C’s: Caring, Compassionate, Competent, Communication, Commitment, Courage
* Ability to remain calm in a challenging environment
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills
* Capability to manage exposure to distressing circumstances, resolve conflict, and handle challenging behaviour
* Emotional resilience to competing demands and complex case management
See attached JD for additional duties and information.
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