Job summary

Are you passionate about working in mental health & making a difference? Do you thrive in a dynamic, ever-changing environment? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust at the Hellingly Centre. We are looking for an enthusiastic Healthcare Support Worker to join our dedicated team on Elm ward.

We are a 15-bedded male admissions low secure unit providing specialist assessment & treatment for individuals with complex mental health needs. We offer a patient-centred approach with a wide range of therapeutic and recreational activities to support patient's recovery. As a Healthcare Support Worker, you will be integral to ensuring that the needs of the patients are met through meaningful engagement that fosters social inclusion and personal development.

We are looking for proactive & compassionate individuals with experience in mental health, activity coordination or a related field. while experience in forensic services is preferred, it is not essential. Key qualities include a commitment to patient care and the ability to inspire recovery using a patient-centred approach. The role involves ensuring safety & security in a Low Secure Unit while supporting patients' recovery. The ideal candidate must be flexible, adaptable and have resilience to work in a fast-paced setting.

We offer a supportive team environment, opportunities for training and development, and an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of patients.

Main duties of the job

As Healthcare Support Worker, your role is important in enhancing patient well-being and promoting engagement in meaningful activities that support recovery.

• Monitor and report on patients' mental and physical well-being, including changes in mood or behaviour.
• Manage risks and ensure safety, responding to incidents such as aggression or self-harm.
• Plan and facilitate therapeutic and recreational activities tailored to patient needs.
• Encourage social inclusion, independence, and recovery through structured engagement.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to align activities with individual care plans.
• Build therapeutic relationships to promote engagement and participation, this include therapy-led sessions (e.g. supervising OT activities, group sessions).
• Support patients with daily living skills and community-based activities.
• Assist in handover meetings, sharing relevant observations and concerns.
• Ensure adherence to security protocols, including monitoring patient movement and managing behaviour.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and structured environment.
• Conduct risk assessments and contribute to risk management plans to support incident response.

Working Pattern:

Please note you will be required to work flexible shifts, including Long Days (07:00 - 19:30) and Nights (19:00 - 07:30), covering weekends and bank holidays.

About us

Elm Ward is a 15-bedded low secure unit for male adults, forming part of a wider forensic pathway that includes two Medium Secure Male Wards, and a Female blended Ward. We take pride in being a motivated, responsive, & forward-thinking team, committed to providing the highest standards of care.

• A Supportive & Inclusive Team - Work in a collaborative MDT environment where your voice is valued, & teamwork is at the heart of everything we do.
• Career Growth & Development - We invest in our staff with ongoing training, development programs, & career progression opportunities, helping you build a long-term future with us.
• Job Satisfaction - Be part of a service that actively encourages patient engagement, rehabilitation, & personal development, allowing you to see the real impact of your work.
• Work-Life Balance - We offer rotational shifts, including weekends & bank holidays, ensuring flexibility & a structured working pattern to help maintain a healthy balance.
• A Commitment to Excellence - Our ongoing vision is to provide safe, effective, & high-quality care, always putting the needs of our service users first while maintaining safe working practices & clinical leadership to enhance patient experience.