Healthcare Assistant

We are currently seeking an experienced Healthcare Assistant for a Substance Misuse Service located in Leamington Spa.

This will be for an initial 3 months to start immediately.  The working hours are 30 per work across 4 Days.

Job Purpose:

As directed by nurse line manager the post-holder will be an integral member of a multidisciplinary team offering clinical interventions, harm reduction and health promotion.

Undertake initial physical and mental health screening for people who use our services and ensure appropriate sign posting/referral to primary care or appropriate secondary health care services for identified health issues.

Following training and competency sign off undertake interventions such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature monitoring, height/weight recording and ECGs for individuals who use our services as indicated or requested.

Assist and carry out appropriate toxicology screening processes including urine and saliva tests.

Assist in the titration process for opioid individuals who use our services as required by service need.

Provide education, health promotion and screening for blood borne viruses (BBV).

Following training and competency sign off provide Hepatitis A and or B vaccinations under a patient specific direction (PSD) when indicated.

Work as part of the integrated care and treatment pathways for individuals who are identified as being infected with BBVs (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and/or HIV).

Support community alcohol detoxification either at the service or at the service user’s home.

Support opioid detoxification in the community

Undertake phlebotomy following training and competency sign off, as required, ensuring adherence to identified pathways for blood sample labelling, collection, obtaining results and signposting.

Support in the referral to specialist inpatient services (including detoxification) and liaise with hospital and inpatient unit staff as required.

Contribute to Naloxone Strategy by training staff and individuals who use our services in the use of naloxone. Ensuring naloxone is distributed to individuals who use our services at every opportunity.

Ensure vaccines are stored correctly and the cold chain is maintained as per current Department of Health Guidance. Maintain clinic fridge and room temperature checks and record as required.

Maintain required standards of infection control and hygiene as per policies and procedures. Undertake regular clinic room checks, report and address, as directed, all variances from expected standards.

Provide evidence-based harm reduction services, including needle exchange.

Undertake basic life support and anaphylaxis training so you are confident and competent to assist in a medical emergency including the administration of anaphylaxis medication and naloxone if required.

Understand and adhere to the legislation surrounding the use of PSDs.

Utilise psychosocial intervention, in both one-to-one and group settings to promote engagement in treatment services and ownership of each individual’s recovery journey

Complete the Care Certificate if not already undertaken.