Job overview

This role supports people using our detoxification services by delivering safe, compassionate and recovery‑focused care as part of a multidisciplinary team.

You’ll work closely with nurses, clinicians and support staff to monitor patient wellbeing, assist with therapeutic activities, and ensure a safe environment throughout the 24‑hour care cycle.

You’ll also contribute to service improvements, promote independence, and help us uphold our values every day while working within one of the region’s specialist inpatient detox units.

As part of this role, you will have the opportunity to train in various therapeutic and recovery focused techniques. The role also requires the post holder to become a trained phlebotomist as taking bloods is part of the admissions process.

Fant Oast is a stand alone unit in the beautiful Kent Country side on a farm and is not easily accessible by public transport. There is free parking on site.

Main duties of the job

• Record and report accurately any changes in patient behaviour and/or risks to the Nurse in Charge in a timely manner.
• Document all care delivered and report any omissions promptly and accurately.
• Support and carry out therapeutic observations as required and instructed
•  Contribute to the care planning process by making informed recommendations based on patient presentation and progress.
• Record and report accurately any changes in patient withdrawals symptoms or presentation to the Nurse in Charge in a timely manner.
• Promote a healthy, safe and secure environment by adhering to Trust health and safety requirements and maintaining confidentiality in line with all relevant policies, procedures and protocols.
• Act as a role model, supporting new team members through demonstration and explanation of tasks and appropriate techniques.
• Demonstrate a professional approach to work and uphold Trust values in all interactions.
• Provide comfort, compassion, empathy and time to patients, their carers, families and loved ones.
• Undertake and maintain all essential training required for the role.
• Balance responsibilities across a 7‑day working pattern, ensuring consistent contribution to service delivery.
• Be flexible and responsive to competing demands within the unit.

Working for our organisation

We are the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. We care for the mental health and wellbeing of people across Kent and Medway. Our teams support adults with a wide range of mental health needs. Because we cover the whole county and both hospital and community settings, we can make care more joined up and easier to access for the 1.8 million people of Kent and Medway. Rated ‘Good’ by the CQC, we care for over 2,000 people in our hospitals and 54,000 in the community each year.

Our vision is simple: We are here to help communities not just live with mental illness, but live well. It’s why we’re passionate about working with communities to make mental health care better for everyone. And everything we do is guided by our values caring, inclusive, curious and confident.

Join us - if you share our passion for better mental health care and want to be part of a team that's doing well together.

Take a look at our Healthcare Assistant video