Community Support Worker: Sponsorship Available

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust

Job Summary

Outreach Support Worker

Do you bring passion and commitment to delivering high quality care? Do you have experience working with people with a Learning Disability and or Autism? If so, this role will provide you with a rare and exciting opportunity.

Avon and Wiltshire Partnership (AWP) are seeking to recruit individuals dedicated to the community support of people with Learning Disabilities and or Autism that are at risk of hospital admission due to mental ill health.

The Kingfisher Outreach Team is an initiative that will provide specialist advice and support to patients and their care network.

Working as an integral member of the clinical team you will support the implementation of strategies that reduce likelihood of inpatient admission and provide time limited post-discharge follow-up to facilitate the persons return to the community from hospital when admission has been required.

Applicants will demonstrate, through application form and interview, at least two years of relevant experience (Learning Disability/Autism/Mental Health) excellent verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills and an ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service. Driving licence and access to own transport is essential for this role.

Main duties of the job

The principal purpose of the job is to provide high levels of support to individuals (and their networks of support) with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism who are at risk of admission to The Kingfisher Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Services and to also support effective discharge following an inpatient stay. This will be achieved by:

1. Active involvement in the delivery of high quality, safe and compassionate services as an effective member of the multi-disciplinary team.

2. Implementing and monitoring the implementation of specific assessment, review and care packages to individuals and groups within standard protocols, integrated care pathways and recovery principles.

3. Providing evidence-based advice and consultancy to people who use the services, family members/ carers within standard protocols for care co-ordination/care management.

4. Organising and managing a defined caseload under guidance and work as lone workers where appropriate. The post holder will be accountable for their own actions within the delivery of this care.

5. Seeking advice and expertise of a registered practitioner when required through regular managerial and clinical supervision in accordance with Trust policy.

Person Specification

Education and Qualification

Essential

  • GCSE in Math’s and English (Grade C or above) or Level 2 Key Skills/Functional Skills in Math’s and English.
  • Level 3 QCF in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.

Desirable

  • Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care or qualification to diploma level or equivalent.

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge and experience of learning disabilities and good practice in terms of supporting and working with people with Learning Disabilities and or autism and their Carers.
  • Knowledge and experience of a range of Mental Health presentations and associated medications for people with a Learning Disability and or autism.
  • Previous experience working with patients with Learning Disabilities and or autism that present with complex behaviours used to communicate their distress.
  • Basic IT skills.

Desirable

  • Experience working with patients with autism and mental health diagnoses.
  • Awareness of the Code of conduct for Health Care Support Workers /Adult Social Care Workers in England.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Excellent verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills.
  • Able to work in a team effectively and collaboratively.
  • Organisation and time management skills.
  • Able to travel and work across the area covered by the trust as requested by Line Manager.

Desirable

  • Ability to use a variety of Communication systems.

Other

Essential

  • Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems and ability to cope with behaviour which may be challenging at times.
  • Ability to accept and use supervision appropriately and effectively.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Closing Date: 17 August 2025

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.