Community Mental Health Team for Older People (CMHTOP), Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

As a Support Worker, you will be a valued member of the Community Mental Health Team for Older People, supporting older adults with a range of mental health conditions, including dementia, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and other functional or organic mental health illnesses.

You will work alongside nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and support staff to provide recovery-focused, person-centred care within the community. The role involves supporting individuals to maintain independence, improve wellbeing, and achieve their personal recovery goals while living in their own homes or residential settings.

Skills And Qualities Required

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Compassionate and person-centred approach to care.
• Ability to build positive therapeutic relationships.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, and professional boundaries.
• Commitment to supporting older adults experiencing mental illness.

Key Responsibilities

• Support older adults with functional and organic mental health conditions within the community.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
• Assist clinicians in implementing care plans and recovery-focused interventions.
• Visit service users in their own homes, community settings, and inpatient units.
• Monitor mental health and wellbeing, reporting any concerns or changes to the clinical team.
• Develop therapeutic relationships with service users, carers, and families.
• Promote independence, social inclusion, and recovery.
• Liaise with GPs, community services, voluntary organisations, social care, and other agencies to provide holistic support.
• Contribute to effective multidisciplinary working and care coordination.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in line with Trust policies.
• Participate in risk assessment, safeguarding, and risk management processes.
• Work independently in the community while seeking support and guidance from the wider team when required.
• Work flexibly across the Wimborne, Purbeck, and, when necessary, Ferndown and West Moors localities.
• Attend supervision, training, and development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.