Job overview

We have a rare opportunity for a Part-time (30 hours per week) Band 3 Mental Health Support Worker in Haymoor Day Hospital at the Alderney Hospital site in Poole. The Day Hospital serves the whole of Dorset and operates from 08.30 to 16.30 Monday to Friday. This is a small and very well-established team that cares for some very complex people with a range of dementia health needs and works very closely with other specialist services for dementia in the Trust such as the Intensive Community Support for Dementia East and local Community Mental Health Teams.

This key role will work within a small nursing team offering high quality mental health nursing care as well as meaningful occupational and recreational activities for up to twelve people a day with a high level of dementia health needs attending the service.

The role involves actively participating in the organisation and delivery of activities and being part of a flexible treatment programme that offers person-centred nursing care.

We are looking for someone who is motivated to make a real difference in dementia health. Key skill required for the role include calmness, compassion, and a passion for working with older adults.  Team working skills are essential attributes for this role, along with flexibility, excellent communication, and occupational and therapeutic skills. Experience of working with people with dementia is preferred plus an excellent standard of engagement skills.

Main duties of the job

Haymoor Day Hospital Team Vision

We aspire to always provide a safe, caring environment which commits to treating people as individuals and offers quality, therapeutic support to people affected by dementia.

Working with people with dementia who present with behavioural and psychological symptoms which may cause them to become agitated, distressed, tearful or aggressive at times

Supporting patients with meals, activities and personal care as needed 

Supporting patients who at times may require transport in and out of the day hospital 

Ability to communicate effectively with patients with dementia and adapt communication style accordingly 

Ability to be calm and demonstrate de escalation skills 

Working for our organisation

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 create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.