Job Overview
The Health Care Assistant is a vital member of the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service, a dynamic team providing urgent, comprehensive assessments and short-term interventions for individuals experiencing acute psychological or emotional distress. This role is integral to the provision of high-quality, evidence-based care under the direct and indirect supervision of a qualified clinician.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will be responsible for a range of clinical duties. They will engage in initial patient contact, contribute to risk assessments, and employ de‑escalation techniques in the management of violence and aggression. They will be proficient in the use of clinical IT systems, manage patient flow through admission and discharge processes, and oversee stock ordering. The role requires a robust individual capable of working effectively within a multidisciplinary team in a high‑pressure environment. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and the post-holder will be required to work a rotational shift pattern (long day shifts and nights) including weekends, and bank holidays.
Working for our organisation
CNWL NHS Foundation Trust has a strong commitment to the personal and professional development of staff. In addition to mandatory training and regular supervision, annual appraisal and opportunities to access external training and consideration to study for a professional qualification through the Apprenticeship Degree route.
Person specification
Education and Qualifications
- Care Certificate or willingness to complete within probation period. Basic understanding of mental health, safeguarding, confidentiality, and person‑centred care.
- Willingness to undertake Trust mandated training, including PMVA, Basic Life
- NVQ Level 2/3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent.
- Previous training in mental health awareness, de‑escalation, or crisis intervention
Experience
- Proven experience working in a person centred environment (e.g., healthcare, social care, supported accommodation, or community services).
- Experience working effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Experience supporting individuals with emotional distress, vulnerability, or complex needs.
- Experience working within mental health crisis services, psychiatric liaison, inpatient wards, emergency departments, or community mental health settings.
- Experience undertaking enhanced observations and supporting patients in acute mental health crisis.
Skills and Knowledge
- Proficient in verbal and non‑verbal techniques to manage distressed, agitated, or challenging behaviours safely and therapeutically.
- Ability to identify and report early warning signs of deterioration in mental state, behaviour, or physical health and document findings accurately.
- Foundational understanding of suicide prevention, self‑harm reduction, risk management, and safeguarding principles.
- Ability to communicate effectively with service users, carers, families, and professionals during emotionally challenging situations.
- Ability to maintain accurate clinical records and contribute to care planning and handovers.
- Ability to manage stock, undertake environmental checks and audits, and maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic clinical environment.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a fast‑paced multidisciplinary crisis service.
Other
- Demonstrates the ability to remain calm, professional, and therapeutic when supporting individuals presenting with acute mental health crises, emotional distress, suicidal ideation, psychosis, aggression, or severe anxiety.
- Promotes a welcoming, recovery‑focused environment that preserves dignity, privacy, and safety within an open‑plan assessment setting.
- Understanding of the role of the MHEAC in supporting individuals presenting in mental health crisis and reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.
- Ability to support service users in an open‑plan assessment environment while maintaining privacy, dignity, and safety.
- Understanding of the importance of trauma‑informed and recovery‑focused care.
- Ability to work closely with Emergency Departments, Crisis Teams, Psychiatric Liaison Services, Ambulance Services, Police, and other partner agencies.
- Commitment to promoting a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment for all service users accessing the MHEAC.
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