Job summaryAn exciting opportunity for healthcare assistants to be part of a team, working collaboratively with the GP practices across East Kent, to improve the implementation of physical health checks within GP practices for patients on the Severe Mental Illness (SMI) register. You will work with team colleagues to develop working relationships to promote physical health and improve physical health outcomes for the SMI population.The successful candidates will be able to use their skills in physical health monitoring and communication skills, in interacting well with patients, to ensure effective and improved outcomes.This service is provided across various locations within East Kent. Travelling to different locations will be an essential part of the role. However, we will support successful applicants to work more locally to their home or work base, where possible.Main duties of the jobEstablishing good working relationships with GP practices which will be essential in the implementation of this service, and the delivery of virtual and in-person physical health monitoring.To work closely with staff within the GP practices and the Primary Care Mental Health Service (PCMHS) team to increase the completion and evidencing of physical health checks for SMI patients.To recognise and observe changes in patients physical health, mental health and behaviour which must be reported, recorded and acted on.To be part of a team, providing this physical health checks service. Responsibilities will include delivery of standard physical health checks within the GP practices and the effective recording and communication of these results within healthcare systems.About usWe are a non-profit company, with a passion for delivering high quality primary care. We have a wide range of services such as hub-based GPs services, GP surgeries, a Community Primary Care mental health service, GP staff training service and Urgent Care Centres in partnership with other local healthcare providers. With the changing needs of our communities the list and range of services is growing all the time.Formed by a federation of General Practitioners working in Canterbury and South Kent Coast areas of East Kent. Our aim is to provide accessible, high quality services for local people by collaborating with other established organisations in the health and social care community.Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesThe postholder will work collaboratively with the GP practices across East Kent to support and provide physical health checks for their patients. The successful candidate will be able to use their own initiative to work both independently and as part of the PCMHS team to provide holistic treatment and care.The postholder will support patients on an individual basis and as part of a clinic, utilising their skills and experience in provided physical health monitoring to patients within primary care.Key ResponsibilitiesTo work alongside members of the GP practices and PCMHS team to provide patient care (including health and social support)To undertake and record physical health checks including the following:Measurement of height and weightMeasurement of blood pressure, temperature and pulse, pulse oximeterPeak flow measurementsRecording of ECGsVenepunctureBlood glucose testingTo recognise and observe changes in patients physical, mental health and behaviour which must be reported, recorded and acted on.To provide necessary support to people who use primary care services to help them maintain their physical and mental health and wellbeing.Work effectively and flexibly as part of a wider PCMHS team across East Kent.To be aware of and work to the principles of the Mental Health Act (MHA).Able to interact with patients and colleagues in a professional manner as well as create and maintain professional relationships with external organisations.Please refer to JD for full details on the role and responsibilitesPerson SpecificationQualificationsEssentialNVQ Level 3 or KaspacValid drivers licence with business car insuranceDesirableAppropriately recognised phlebotomy trainingA good standard of educationUndertaken training in spirometry, ECGs, and venepuncture.Training in the use of assessment toolsSkills and CompetenciesEssentialGood clinical skills in conducting physical health checksGood interpersonal skillsExcellent communication skillsSelf-motivatedIT skillsAble to work to strict infection control standardsAble to work to strict deadlinesExcellent time keeping skillsAbility to cope with the physical demands of the jobGood record keeping skillsDesirableExperience of clinical systems such as EMISObserves good health & safety practicesExperienceEssentialPrevious experience in a primary care settingPhysical health monitoring experience in a clinical settingDesirablePrevious knowledge of infection control proceduresExperience in the communityDispositionEssentialFlexible and caringGood team playerCalm under pressureGood levels of concentrationConfidence to escalate issues and concerns to senior medical teamDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 detailsEmployer nameInvicta Health CICAddressEast Cliff PracticeDumpton Park DriveRamsgateKentCT11 8ADEmployer's websitehttps://invictahealth.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)