Health Care Assistant - Leicester City

Job Introduction

Please Note: A Full UK Driving License and Access to a Vehicle is an Essential Requirement. 

At Turning Point, we support many people across the UK with substance use issues. As a Health Care Assistant with Turning Point Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Substance use Service, you will make a real difference to people’s lives as you support the development the personal, flexible and realistic support and care packages, which people need to help turn things around. We are passionate about people and the people we support. Running health facilities and services on a not–for–profit basis, we invest every penny back into our care – and our people.

The role will provide you with scope and support to enhance both your personal and professional development whilst working as part of a friendly and multidisciplinary team. We would welcome applications from anyone with previous experience of working as a Healthcare Assistant who is passionate about improving health and wellbeing and wishes to develop their skills, knowledge and experience within substance use. A tailored induction and training package dependent on your experience will be offered.

We offer a starting salary of £24,150 rising each year in line with our pay progression salary bands, rising to £28,252 per year. (Dependent on experience you may be offered a starting salary above the initial starting salary).

Role Responsibility

As a Health Care Assistant will assist in the provision of a comprehensive, high-quality and efficient Substance use Services. The post holder will be involved in supporting staff in the delivery of both pharmacological and psychosocial interventions including assessment, implementation, care planning evaluation of patient care:  

• To support and undertake substance use interventions and clinical procedures where trained: e.g. participating in triage assessments and screenings, urine analysis, healthy living assessments, physical observations, blood borne virus screening, ECG recording and undertake venepuncture where necessary supported with the appropriate training
• Ensuring appropriate entries are made on patients computerised medical records
• Undertake requested administrative tasks for example, clinical audit data collection, clinical intervention appointment scheduling and pro-active treatment engagement contact attempts
• Supporting  stock usage and stock control management
• Monitoring fridge temperatures and fridge logs and taking action when appropriate
• Recording in Controlled Drugs (CDs) registers and taking appropriate action when required
• Maintaining equipment and dispensing areas and ensuring they are kept in a clean and orderly manner
• Support the provision of opiate and alcohol detoxifications, undertaking physical detox observations including BP and reporting any concerns to health and wellbeing nurse, nurse prescriber/medic.
• Supporting and assisting the delivery of nurse health and wellbeing and prescribing clinics
• Supporting and assisting the delivery of needle exchange and harm reduction services
• Participating in the safe and secure storage of medicines in accordance with all medicines legislation, Turning Point SOPs and Turning Point policies
• Report critical incidents using DATIX
• Participate in late, weekend and statutory holiday rotas and extended hours as required

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Requirements:  

• Excellent interpersonal skills at all levels to engage, build relationships and influence colleagues and service users.
• Demonstrable evidence of having worked effectively within a multi-professional team in a healthcare setting.
• Plain English skills – both verbal and written to bring clarity and purpose.
• Ability to tailor message to the audience and to convey clinical assessment information to wider staff.
• Ability to deliver against agreed objectives and targets.
• Ability to communicate effectively with community and prison colleagues using a variety of mediums.
• Displays commitment to improving quality of service to Service Users.
• Working knowledge of confidentiality
• Understanding of local and national safeguarding procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of legislation/ guidance relating to medicines usage.
• Recognise barriers to understanding, particularly within patient groups.
• Ability to utilise medical equipment to gather physical observations and convey these with some understanding to clinical staff. i.e. blood pressures.
• Must hold a full driving licence and have the ability to drive in order to travel and work across multiple locations as required.

About us

What Benefits Will I Receive?

We know reward looks different to each person and so whether its ways to make your money go further, a culture supporting recognition and celebration, or opportunities to boost your career – we want to support you in every way we can with our total reward package that includes:

• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities so we can invest in your future – we’re proud to have a silver accreditation from Investors in People. Choose from our range of courses to gain recognised qualifications
• 28 days’ paid holiday a year, increasing with each year of service up to 30 days. Plus the option to buy additional holidays.
• An exclusive discounts hub for TP colleagues, to help make your money go further – including high street shopping, pubs and restaurants, mobile phones, gym memberships, and much more. You’ll also have access to the Blue Light Card, for even more discounts and savings!
• Flexible working solutions to support your work-life balance
• Life Assurance of up to 3x annual salary and a competitive Pension Scheme to support your savings and security
• Access to our Rightsteps Therapy service – free, confidential telephone based counselling sessions, access to an online wellbeing platform, and a Financial Education hub to support your total wellbeing
• A 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme including a Digital GP, legal advice and more – all free to you and your immediate family
• Recognition awards to recognise colleagues’ inspirational work and dedication, as well as Long Service bonuses to celebrate your commitment to us
• Flexible benefit options including a Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free Season Ticket Loans
• A £300 bonus if you successfully refer a friend as a new colleague through our Refer a Friend scheme, as a thanks from us!

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

Turning Point