We are seeking a highly motivated Healthcare Support Worker to come and work with us in the West Kent Physical Health Team. The team work closely with GPs to deliver physical health checks to individuals with severe mental illness, including schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder.
People living with severe mental illness (SMI) face one of the greatest
health inequality gaps in England, with an average life expectancy 15–20 years lower than the general population. This disparity in health outcomes is partly due to physical health needs being overlooked.
In line with NICE recommendations the WK Physical Health team provide physical health checks for residents of West Kent on the SMI register, with a view to reducing the current health inequalities.
The successful applicant will need to be able to travel between GP practices and to work autonomously. They will receive a comprehensive induction, access to relevant training and regular supervision from a registered general nurse.
- To complete the following physical health checks for adults on the SMI register, as per NICE guidelines: Weight, blood pressure and pulse, lipids, blood glucose, alcohol consumption, smoking status, nutritional status, diet and level of physical activity; use of illicit substance, access to relevant national screenings; general physical health enquiry including sexual health and oral health.
- To deliver health promotion information and signposting as indicated.
- To communicate with community mental health services where appropriate to support patient care and transition.
We are Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. We care for the mental health and wellbeing of people across Kent and Medway and are rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Our teams support children, young people and adults with a wide range of mental health needs. We also provide specialist services, including all-age eating disorder services and neurodevelopmental assessments for children and young people, such as autism and ADHD.
Because we work across the whole county and across hospital and community settings, we can make care more joined up and easier to access for the people we serve.
Our vision is simple: we are here to help communities not just live with mental illness, but live well. It’s why we’re passionate about working with communities to make mental health care better for everyone. Everything we do is guided by our values: caring, inclusive, curious and confident.
Join us if you share our passion for better mental health care and want to be part of a team that’s working well together.
Take a look at our Healthcare Assistant Video
Please refer to the attached job description and job specification for details of the main responsibilities of this role.
The post holder must hold a full, valid, UK driving licence and have access to a car/vehicle to use for business purposes (unless you have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010).
