Support Worker

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Support Worker to work within our First Response Services in Chester, being based at our site at the Countess of Chester. The successful applicant will be expected to work across Urgent Care Mental Health First Response Services, which will include Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Teams, Liaison Services, Street Triage Services, Liaison and Diversion Services and the Crisis Line., The post holder will be responsible for assisting qualified practitioners within the Urgent Care Mental Health First Response Service. The role will function as a second responder and designated driver for the Community Response Vehicles, working alongside the Band 6 Practitioner during face-to-face community assessments. The post holder will support risk management and observation during visits, while also providing support to families and carers within the home environment. Responsibilities include signposting and referring individuals to appropriate services, as well as developing strong links with third-sector organisations and partner agencies to collaboratively meet the needs of people experiencing crisis. The post holder will be expected to work as part of the Urgent Care Mental Health First Response service which includes: Crisis Triage & Response services (Crisis Line), Crisis Resolution & Home Treatment teams and the Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS)., Please download a copy of the job description (see 'documents to download' section below) for full details of the main responsibilities for this role. At CWP, our recruitment selection processes are based on both competence (see person specification for details) and values. CWP recruits people that can demonstrate the Trust's Values in their everyday life and we use a values-based approach in our interviews, which explores not only what you do but how and why you do it. Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trust's Values and think about how these align with your own personal values. The supporting information section in your application should reflect your understanding of the Trust's Values and associated behaviours and you should provide examples from your work experience and/or personal life which demonstrate these values through your behaviours. An applicant guide to help and support you through your recruitment journey can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Further help and support for completing your application can be accessed via our website. If you need any further guidance to help you complete your application, contact our recruitment team via email at: cwp.recruitment@nhs.net or by calling . If you have a disability that meets the definition set out in the Equality Act 2010, and you can show that you meet the 'essential' criteria described in the person specification for an available position, please answer 'YES' to the question: 'Do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?' Please inform the team if you have any special support needs to be considered as part of the interview and selection processes. The trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to any armed forces community applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post and encourages applications from armed forces reservists or cadet force adult volunteers. Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies.

• NVQ level 3 in Health or social care, NVQ 3 Apprenticeship in health or social care- or equivalent qualification
• Evidence of training programme related to supporting people with mental health
• Trained in psychosocial interventions or willingness to undertake training
Desirable criteria
• Honours degree in psychology Advanced IT and keyboard skills
• Related academic qualifications, An understanding of confidentiality issues and how they relate to mental health policy and practise interventions
• Sound knowledge of current professional staff development and continuous service improvement issues particularly in context to adult mental health services
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and implementation of anti discriminatory practise
• Demonstrate an understanding of care plans including risk management planning and safety plans
• Demonstrate an understanding of supervision
• Demonstrate knowledge of the support workers role within CPA
• The ability to communicate complex and sensitive information where barriers to understanding may exist for example requiring empathy and reassurance
• The ability to make judgments involving a range of facts or situations requiring analysis and comparison of a range of options also skills for assessing individuals on the phone
Desirable criteria
• An understanding of a psychosocial approach
• Knowledge of mental health legislation and policies
• Ability to use spreadsheets databases for example excel access Evidence of having published in either peer review or academic or professional journals, Demonstrate experience working in a mental health environment
• Previous experience working with adults and severe mental health
• Experience of partnership working with service users carers and other agencies
Desirable criteria
• Experience of working within crisis settings
• Experience of working on support lines
  
  Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) provides health and care services for a population of over one million people, including mental health, learning disability, community physical health and all-age disability care, as well as the provision of three GP surgeries in Cheshire.
We employ around 4,500 staff across 73 sites and have services across Wirral and Cheshire, as well as Trafford, Warrington, Bolton, Halton, Liverpool and Stockport. Our aim is to help improve the lives of everyone in our communities, adopting a compassionate, person-centred approach to everything we do. We are rated as Outstanding for Caring by the Care Quality Commission, with a Good rating overall. As a Disability Confident Employer, Rainbow Badge Scheme member, Veteran Aware organisation and proud holder of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, CWP is committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible and developing a culture that values differences, and welcome applications from people who have direct experience of accessing our services. All new starters will commence in post on one fixed start date each month, in line with our Prepare to Care (P2C) induction programme date. P2C offers up to 3 weeks training to support you to meet the induction / initial training requirements of the role. Whether you are just starting out in your career or looking to use your existing skills and experience in a new role, you'll find something to suit you at CWP.