As a Support Worker at a Barchester independent mental health hospital, you’ll provide the kind of intuitive, compassionate and positive care and support that makes all the difference to our patients.
We offer care and support for patients with complex, long-term chronic or degenerative conditions, and are always looking at how we can help them get the most out of life. We aim to help our patients achieve the best recovery possible, whatever that may be, and our Support Workers are a huge part of that aim. It means you can look forward to a role that is both challenging, but also incredibly fulfilling.
For some of your patients, your focus will be on creating a structured and stable environment with a view to helping them return to a less secure care provision. For others, there is limited chance of recovery or significant improvement, so your role will be about making their day-to-day lives as calm and pleasant as possible.
Because all of our patients tend to be with us on either a medium or long-term basis, you’ll have the opportunity to really get to know them and their families. You’ll come to instinctively understand their likes and dislikes, their needs and preferences. When there are small changes in a patient’s behaviour that require a change in treatment, you’ll be well-placed to spot those changes and support the patient moving forward. It’s that kind of person-centred care that really helps to set us apart – and it’s what will make you, as a Support Worker, so invaluable.
Many of our patients can become distressed and disturbed; their behaviour can be antisocial and even aggressive. We’ll make sure you have the training you need to manage this kind of complex behaviour by helping you to recognise the warning signs and enabling you to deal with all situations appropriately.
As well as that, you’ll have an incredibly supportive team around you. The camaraderie in our hospitals simply can’t be underestimated. You’ll always be able to rely on skilled colleagues to help and guide you in any and every situation. The caring approach of our people is centred on supporting our patients and their families, but it extends to the colleagues they work with too.
To join us in one of these roles, you’ll need to be professional, caring and very resilient. Meanwhile, your empathy means you’ll always see the person behind the behaviours, recognising that they are caused by a mental health condition. Your kind but firm care and support will really matter to our patients, especially when it comes to helping them feel more relaxed and at home. Good food, a friendly chat or simply the reassurance of a familiar face can make the difference between a calm and peaceful life and extreme distress.
If you have the qualities we’re looking for, this is a chance to use your people skills to make a meaningful difference to our patients. Your work will truly matter.