Job Introduction

At Turning Point, we support people across the UK with substance misuse issues. As a Health Care Assistant, you’ll make a real difference to their lives as you develop the personal, flexible and realistic support packages they need to help turn things around. Passionate about people, you’ll enjoy the scope and support to enhance your own life too, as you make the role your own as part of a friendly and multidisciplinary team.

Running health facilities and services on a not–for–profit basis, we invest every penny back into our care – and our people. 

Role Responsibility

The Health Care Assistant will assist in the provision of a comprehensive, high-quality and efficient Substance Misuse 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 misuse interventions and clinical procedures : eg participating in triage assessments and screenings, urine analysis, healthy living assessments, physical observations, ECG recording
• Ensuring appropriate entries are made on patients computerised medical records
• 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 the Nurse Manager
• Supporting nurse lead and GP clinics
• Participating in the safe and secure storage of medicines in accordance with all medicines legislation and Turning Point policies
• Report critical incidents using DATIX
• Participate in late, weekend and statutory holiday rotas and extended hours as required
• Take and record basic physical observations associated with alcohol detoxification and wellbeing clinics
• To undertake venepuncture where necessary supported with the appropriate training

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. Ie blood pressures

Legislation recently introduced, which will come into force on 1 April 2022 means that for our services that conduct “Regulated Activity” as defined by the CQC, require us to ensure that any applicant is able to evidence at least one COVID-19 vaccination with a planned date scheduled for the second vaccination to take place by 1^st April 2022 – therefore all offers will be made subject to candidates providing satisfactory evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination status (or relevant exemption). Details of what will amount to satisfactory evidence can be provided upon request.

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 or sell additional holidays and spread the cost
• 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!

As part of the fight against COVID-19 here are some of the measures we have in place to keep our team members and the people we support safe:

• Enhanced Infection/Prevention Control Measures, including the use of PPE, social distancing and regular testing
• Following all government guidance applicable to our services as a minimum and ensuring our teams are trained effectively
• Strongly encouraging colleagues to receive a vaccination to keep themselves and those around them safe, enabling access through time off & covering transport costs
• Regular updates, FAQs, myth busting from Turning Point’s clinical team as well as wellbeing seminars which provide support on a variety of topics

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