Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and well-motivated candidate to get involved with a dynamic and evolving service Tatton Unit is a Low Secure Unit for male patients with complex needs. The unit has 16 beds, based on Tameside general hospital site. We are currently looking to appoint to a number of band 3 positions. We are looking for individuals with a genuine interest in working with a complex and challenging patient group.
We cater for patients with a severe enduring mental illness with co-morbid substance use, personality disorder and challenging behaviour. Many of our referrals are taken from medium secure, low secure, prison, PICU and acute environments. The unit benefits from a variety of practitioners and roles including occupational therapy, social work, dual diagnosis, medical staff, and psychology in addition to the nursing teams.
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities of the Post:
* Provide Safe and Effective Care
* Treat patients as individuals
* Engage patients in their own care
* Strive to provide an outstanding service
* Be clear about the ward vision and the role that the Nursing Assistant plays within the team
* Engage in learning and development
* Contribute to growth through regular supervision and annual appraisal
* Be a member of a team, establishing your own role within that team
* Nursing Assistant will be an informal leader, setting an example for others members within the team.
Working for our organisation
We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.
Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We’re really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we’re a great place to work.
All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
To assist the qualified staff, as required in the delivery of care.
To work as a member of the team with the support and supervision of a
registered nurse and in line with the policies and procedures agreed by Pennine Care NHS Trust.
To ensure the promotion of safety, wellbeing and interests of clients, staff and visitors to the unit if ward based.
To provide personal care to patients in accordance with their individualised care plan in a respectful manner, showing proper regard to their right to privacy and dignity.
Provide input to care plan discussions with a qualified practitioner where
requested, using knowledge of patient and environment.
To assist patients in the maintenance of adequate nutrition and hydration, where necessary using a therapeutic approach and following a detailed care plan. If ward based to help patients choose and order appropriately from the menu taking into account any special dietary requirements.
Under direction and agreement of a qualified practitioner the postholder will independently undertake escort duty with patients, including where the patients have been risk assessed or might present with more complex needs.
To carry out duties as allocated by a qualified practitioner. Engage with patients to undertake activities and carry out duties that have been agreed with a qualified practitioner and follow a care plan. Required to use own initiative and decision making in the planning and delivery of some basic activities
To complete patient monitoring charts in relation to e.g. weight, input/output of diet and fluids, observation, responding etc.
To undertake and record clinical observations(e.g temperature, pulse, blood pressure) as required and instructed with access to supervision from a qualified member of staff. Recording the observations accordingly and escalating any concerns to a qualified practitioner as appropriate.
To undertake and record therapeutic observations in accordance with the Trust’s Observation & Engagement Policy (for example general, 1:1 and 2:1 observations) as required and instructed with access to supervision from a qualified member of staff. Remain vigilant throughout the observation period and make relevant notes on the observation sheets of the patient’s presentation. To escalate concerns to a qualified practitioner as appropriate.
To have a working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and to be aware of relevant MHA information when carrying out observations, to support leave appropriately for detained patients under the approval of a qualified practitioner, and to assist with interventions with detained patients.
Demonstrate good interpersonal skills and a positive attitude within the team and when dealing with the patients, their families and members of the public.
To contribute to maintaining the ward’s agreed philosophy, aims and objectives.
To participate in the maintenance of the ward environment to ensure cleanliness, tidiness, in accordance with information policy.
To accurately document nursing care in the nursing notes when required which will then be countersigned by a qualified practitioner Understand and monitor the ward environment engaging with patients to de stimulate and reduce potential for escalation as needed
Will be frequently exposed to physically and verbally aggressive challenging behaviours and expected to initiate de-escalation techniques in potentially harmful or challenging situations, escalating any concerns to a senior member of staff immediately
To be competent in all aspects of reducing restrictive practices, which includes the early prevention of violence and aggression using least restrictive approaches, positive behaviour support through to physical manual restraint as a last option. This can be part of planned interventions set by a qualified member of staff or as an intervention to manage challenging behaviours as they occur, immediately alerting a qualified practitioner for support and supervision.
To ensure that security protocols and procedures are carried out over a 24-hour period and any possible breaches should be reported to the senior nurse immediately.
To communicate effectively with patients, staff, families and other external agencies and use a polite telephone manner. To use verbal and non-verbal skills to overcome communication barriers presented by service users due to their mental health or learning disability needs.
To ensure effective communication, either verbal or written is carried out amongst the team and by reporting any change or unusual occurrence in an individual’s behaviour or condition to the registered nurse.
To assist in the safekeeping of patients property and clothing as required.
To participate in staff support groups and clinical supervision.
To work as part of the ward team, promoting high standards of care.
To understand the importance of the need for confidentiality in all patient matters, and in accordance with the GDPR and Trust policy.
To comply with Trust policy and management instruction with regard to health and safety and to fire prevention and, in particular, not to do anything that endangers yourself or others.
To have a responsibility to be aware of and report safeguarding concerns to a senior nurse and record in notes where required
Facilitate patient activities under the direction of qualified staff. To assist
Occupational Therapy staff in their therapeutic activity with patients; and to assist any other Allied Health Professionals
To be flexible to meet the needs of the unit.
To be willing to undertake a full range of shifts as per the requirements of the service. Subject to any requests made and agreed in accordance with the Trusts
Flexible Working Policy
To familiarise yourself with the start and finish time of your shift and work accordingly maintaining effective time keeping.
This job description is not exhaustive, but is intended to give an overall picture of the role. Other duties within the general scope of the post may be required from time to time. The duties of the post and job description can be reviewed through the agreed process
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
* GCSE (or equivalent level of education) with grade D/E (2/3) or above in English and Maths or functional skills level 1
* Vocational (or equivalent) Qualification at level 3 in Care or demonstrable equivalent experience
* Completion of Care Certificate or commitment to complete
* PMVA training or willingness and ability to complete upon appointment
* Short courses to undertake patient and clinical care duties
* Willingness to undertake and complete all essential training in accordance with compliance matrix for this role
Desirable criteria
* Assessor in CC
Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience of working with diverse groups of people developing a range of basic care skills.
* Previous experience of working in a care setting as a nursing assistant/healthcare support worker developing competencies in basic clinical care
* Experience of being able to plan and prioritise own work under the direction of a registered member of staff
* Experience of how to build up trust and rapport with people
* Previous experience with people with Mental Health or Learning Disabilities or experience in a clinical setting related to mental heath
* Experience of carrying out clinical observations
* Range of work procedures and practices, base level of theoretical knowledge
* Experience of Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression techniques
Desirable criteria
* Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
* Experience of being involved in the delivery of therapeutic activities.
* Experience of using electronic patient notes and records, or willingness to undertake training
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation
* Awareness of Mental Health and Mental Illness, its effects on the individual, family and friends. Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act with willingness to learn
* Awareness of the effects of illicit drug use.
* Some awareness of early prevention of violence and aggression using least restrictive interventions and practices with willingness to undertake & complete PMVA training and engage in techniques as required
* Willing and able to undertake and complete the required PMVA training and engage in techniques as required, with a commitment to maintain skills in practice and attend regular update training
* Able to recognise changes in a patient’s mental and physical condition and act appropriately by alerting the qualified practitioner or nurse in charge
* An awareness of stigma and discrimination of people with mental health issues
* Awareness of ward procedures and clinical observations
Desirable criteria
* Understanding of emotional intelligence and reflective practice
* Awareness of safeguarding considerations around children and vulnerable adults
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
* Basic IT skills – ability to use MS outlook, word, and willing and able to be trained to use Trust IT systems and applications such as Electronic Patient Records or PARIS
* Able to impart knowledge, supervise and direct the work of others under supervision.
* Can demonstrate good interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
* Good command of the English language both written and in spoken word
* Ability to engage with people who are experiencing mental ill health and communication barriers.
* Able to respond sensitively to emotional distress and utilise communication skills to deescalate people who are angry or distressed
* Ability to remain calm in challenging situations displaying patience and empathy
* Ability to keep confidential information, and awareness of Data Protection and GDPR.
* Commitment to self-development
* Ability to treat people with respect and dignity
* Able to report observations accurately and concisely.
* Able to develop and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with patients and families and communicate effectively
* Able to organise day to day tasks and activities based on an agreed work plan
Desirable criteria
* Willingness to participate in staff induction and training for junior staff
📝 Application support - We recommend tailoring your application to each role you apply for, particularly your supporting information. This gives you the best chance of success. Your supporting information should clearly explain, with examples, how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.
We understand that some candidates may use AI tools to help prepare their application. This is not restricted, however, any AI support should only be used to enhance your own writing and must reflect your genuine skills and experience. You will be asked to talk about your application at interview. Applications that contain false or misleading information may be removed from the recruitment process.
We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 Sponsorship Information - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
📬 After You Apply - Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
✅ If You're Offered the Role - If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 Once Checks Are Complete -
The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
📣 Additional Information -
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and need extra time or adjustments to complete your application, please contact us as soon as possible. We will ensure you are not disadvantaged where a reasonable adjustment is appropriate.
If you have problems applying, contact
Address
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
225 Old Street
225 Old Street
OL6 7SR
Telephone
01617163181