• Job Description

  Req#: C9152-25-0625?language=en&page=671&sort=publicationDateDesc

  Job summary

  Dorset HealthCare are looking for individuals to join our Dorset Forensic Service team as a Mental Health Support Worker!

  As a Mental Health Support Worker in the Dorset Forensic Service team, you will work in our 12 bedded specialist male forensic low secure unit. The unit offers comprehensive inpatient low secure care aimed at stabilising mental health and risk; and facilitating patient's recovery and transition back into the community.

  You will be joining a supportive team who work collaboratively with Nurses, the Clinical Leads, Ward Manager, Service Manager, other disciplines and will receive regular supervision. At Dorset HealthCare we provide the opportunity for internal and external training.

  The Dorset Forensic service is a 24/7 service and is based on Twynham Ward at St Ann's Hospital.

  Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Please ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.

  We work on a rota basis including weekends:

  Early - 07:15 to 15:15

  Late - 13:00 to 21:00

  Nights - 20:30 to 07:40

  Weekends at enhanced pay

  For further information, please contact Ben Kelly on 01202 492412.

  Main duties of the job

  As a mental health support worker, you will carry out general housekeeping duties, e.g. helping to keep the building tidy, assisting in setting of tables and serving meals, checking laundry items and any tasks which help with the smooth running of the ward/unit and assist the nurses in their delivery of care to the patients. You will participate with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, in providing a programme of care and rehabilitation for patients.

  PMVA

  You will be required to undertake aPrevention and Management of Violence and Aggressioncourse and it is a condition of your employment that you successfully complete all aspects of this course; if this is not achieved you will not be able to commence working in the post.

  Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.

  About us

  At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

  We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

  Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

  Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

  Details

  Date posted

  23 July 2025

  Pay scheme

  Agenda for change

  Band

  Band 3

  Salary

  £24,937 to £26,598 a year p.a.

  Contract

  Permanent

  Working pattern

  Full-time

  Reference number

  152-M166.25

  Job locations

  St Ann's Hospital

  69 Haven Road

  Poole

  BH13 7LN

  
  

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

  As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

  As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

  Person Specification

  Knowledge, skills and training

  Essential

  • NVQ level 2 or 3 or equivalent level of experience
  • Literate / Numerate

  Job Specific Experience

  Essential

  • Ability to work in a team
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations

  Desirable

  • Experience of working within a care setting

  Information Technology

  Essential

  • Basic IT keyboard skills, normally obtained through practice or practical training

  Additional requirements

  Essential

  • A level of fitness and ability to participate and complete PMVA, Breakaway training and Manual Handling (practice and theory).
  • Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.
  • Ability to meet contractual requirements and participate in 24 hour care

  Person Specification

  Knowledge, skills and training

  Essential

  • NVQ level 2 or 3 or equivalent level of experience
  • Literate / Numerate

  Job Specific Experience

  Essential

  • Ability to work in a team
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations

  Desirable

  • Experience of working within a care setting

  Information Technology

  Essential

  • Basic IT keyboard skills, normally obtained through practice or practical training

  Additional requirements

  Essential

  • A level of fitness and ability to participate and complete PMVA, Breakaway training and Manual Handling (practice and theory).
  • Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.
  • Ability to meet contractual requirements and participate in 24 hour care

  Disclosure and Barring Service Check

  This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

  Address

  St Ann's Hospital

  69 Haven Road

  Poole

  BH13 7LN

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

  Address

  St Ann's Hospital

  69 Haven Road

  Poole

  BH13 7LN

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

• About the company

  National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.

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