Job summaryWe seek a dedicated and compassionate Mental Health Support Worker to join our esteemed Ward at the Alderney Hospital site in Poole. This opportunity is within our female dementia ward, Herm, which has received an outstanding rating.Our wards excel in providing top-notch assessment and treatment for older individuals with Dementia and BPSD (Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia). Recently, we were honoured with the National Gold Standards Framework recognition, earning the title of 'ward of the year.' Joining us means gaining invaluable experience in Dementia healthcare, encompassing both physical and mental aspects. The Herm ward caters to up to 23 mental health patients.We're seeking individuals driven to make a tangible impact on the lives of those living with dementia. Key qualities for this role include passion, empathy, strong communication, and excellent teamwork. While prior experience is advantageous, it's not a prerequisite as comprehensive induction training will be provided, along with ongoing support from our seasoned teams. Additionally, there are ample opportunities for career advancement within our organization.Main duties of the jobYou will receive a comprehensive and structured induction programme upon commencing employment.In return we can also offer you monthly pay plus enhancements for night, weekend and bank holiday working with regular management, clinical supervision and meaningful appraisalsYou will be required to undertake a Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression course 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 usAt 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.Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesFor 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.Dorset HealthCare is in partnership withThe Princes Trustto support people getting into work, as part of this partnership, we offer an employability service to support individuals between 16-30 years old with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. Please contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net to access the support.Person SpecificationKnowledge, skills and trainingEssentialNVQ level 2 or 3 or equivalent level of experienceLiterate / NumerateJob specific experienceEssentialAbility to work in a teamDesirableExperience of working within a care settingInformation TechnologyEssentialBasic IT keyboard skills, normally obtained through practice or practical trainingAdditional requirementsEssentialA level of fitness and ability to participate and complete PMVA, Breakaway training and Manual Handling (practice and theory).Ability to meet contractual requirements and participate in 24 hour careDemonstrate skills in written and spoken English, adequate to enable the post holder to carry out the role effectivelyPersonal QualitiesEssentialGood Communication skillsAbility to use own InitativeAbility to to engage and motivate othersAbility to remain calm in stressfull situationsDisclosure 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 nameDorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation TrustAddressHerm Ward , Alderney HospitalRingwood RoadPooleBH12 4NBEmployer's websitehttps://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)