Support Worker-Mental Health Services

Millbank House provides long term residential placements and 24 hour support for 18 adults with ongoing and enduring mental health problems. The main aim of the service is to promote independence and this is achieved by providing person-centred support, based on each individual’s needs and requirements.

An opportunity has arisen as part of our Mental Health Service at Millbank House for a ongoing temporary Support Worker.

Working to a 4 week rolling rota you will work 28 hours per week working 4 days per week, which will include some weekends and a mixture of early and late shifts (8am-3pm and 3pm-10pm) and will include a sleepover every second weekend.

Qualifications in SCQF Level 6 or 7 in Social Services and Healthcare or SVQ 2 or 3 in Social Services and Healthcare is beneficial. If you do not hold this qualification the you must however be willing to undertake an SCQF Level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare .

This rewarding role involves providing a professional and caring service to our service users and although prior experience would be welcome, it is not essential as full training on the job will be provided. We welcome applications from those working in social care currently as well as those who are seeking a change of direction and are passionate about making a difference to people’s lives.

Purpose:

To contribute to the provision of quality services to meet the needs of service users, according to agreed VSA standards, policies and regulatory requirements.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Communicating effectively with individuals according to agreed standards and procedures, accessing and updating records in keeping with guidelines.
• Helping to provide a safe and protective environment by complying with health, safety, and security procedures, including medication, and reporting accidents/incidents when appropriate.
• Supporting service users in their daily living, according to their recognised and agreed needs, providing personal care where necessary, adhering to practices which promote well-being, choice, and treating people with dignity and respect.
• Assisting service users in developing and maintaining social networks and relationships.
• Assisting and encouraging service users to develop skills and knowledge to live as independently as possible, if appropriate, with reference to the risk assessment process.
• Participating in the development, implementation and review of personal plans with service users.
• Supporting service users appropriately when they experience a significant life change or loss.
• Developing one’s knowledge and practice continuously through participation in training and development activities.
• Carrying out any other tasks from time to time, provided they are reasonable and within the postholder’s capabilities.
• Have awareness and work within internal control systems in your area to facilitate improvement in the quality of service provided.

Qualifications/Training/Education:

Essential:

Willingness and ability to achieve SCQF Level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare within 3 years of appointment or as determined by VSA.

Desirable:

SCQF Level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare

Food Hygiene certificate

Experience:

Experience of working in a busy environment

Key Skills/Aptitudes:

Ability to communicate well verbally with individuals.

Ability to write short reports

Personal Qualities:

Approachable

Ethical

Non-judgemental

Team-worker

Health and Safety aware

Client Focused

Organised

Other Job Requirements:

To comply with the registration and qualification requirements as laid down by the Scottish Social Service Council (SSSC) and to strictly adhere to the SSSC Codes of Practice.

Ability to deal with difficult behaviour following VSA standards and procedures

Standard hours of work: 28 hours per week (4 nights -7 hr shifts)

Working pattern: Worked to a rota over 7 days (4 days from 7)

Post status: Ongoing - temporary