Job responsibilities

1. To ensure that the ECT Suite is appropriately prepared.

2. To ensure that all the equipment used during treatment has been checked and are in good working order.

3. To check that the waiting area is comfortable and private, and that a television and/ or music is available to promote a relaxed environment, if desired.

4. To ensure that oxygen, suction and medical/ surgical supplies are available for use during treatment.

5. To check that the patient’s consent form has been correctly completed and care plan is in place. That it complies with Mental Health Act requirements. To ensure the ECT care package is collated and correct, ready for use in each session.

6. To ensure that the patients’ medical notes are available on the ward during treatment, if indicated.

7. To check the patients name against his/ her identity band.

8. To ensure that the patient’s privacy and dignity is maintained at all times.

9. To ensure that the patient has been ‘nil by mouth’ for the period stated by the Anaesthetist prior to treatment, in conjunction with ECT care guidelines.

10.To adhere and complete all relevant documentation.

11.To ensure that accurate records of the patients treatment are up-to date and reflective of the treatment session.

12.To be responsible for the emergency and resuscitation equipment. To ensure it is maintained and in good working order.

13.To liaise between ward, community and medical staff.

14.To be a point of contact for ECTAS and ensure all ECTAS standards are delivered.

15.To assist in audit in relation to all aspects of ECT.

16.To be responsible for providing relevant documentation to ECTAS and Livewell Southwest.

17.Assist in the induction of all ECT staff.

18.Ensure that patients attending for ECT (and their relatives, careers where appropriate) receive information to their needs.

19.To practice in a manner consistent with the principles and standards of the service ensuring that national and local policies and guidelines are observed.

20.To ensure that the patient is fully informed about the rationale for their treatment and is involved in the implementation and evaluation of their treatment.

21.To provide support to patients following their prescribed treatment including supporting physical health and being able to recognise possible signs of decline in physical health and act accordingly.

22.Offer company and conversation both pre and post treatment if required, support patients to maintain and access a good food and fluid intake post treatment.

23.To complete all ECT checks prior to administration of ECT.

24.To work collaboratively with all disciplines and agencies involved in the ECT, acting as a resource for staff, patients, carers and relatives in relation to these services.

25.To participate in working groups as required.

26.To participate in Appraisal and Line Management.

Participate in service governance initiatives including audit, evaluation and reviews of the services.

Experience

Essential

• Have competent level of training and experience in airway management and recovery procedures
• A minimum of one years experience of working in a Mental Health setting

Desirable

• Experience of working in a variety of Mental Health settings
• Acute Mental Health experience
• within an NHS type setting
• Working in a MDT
• Experience of emotional distress
• Experience of mental health services

Skills

Essential

• Communication skills
• Leadership skills
• Team work Skills
• Able to take charge
• Administration skills
• Computer skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Supervision of Junior staff
• Prioritising
• Regular training in Basic and Immediate Life Support to meet requirement of local protocols.
• Dependable, reliable and flexible working ability
• Responsible and self-motivated
• Able to manage own stress and recognise / support stress in others
• Flexible and approachable
• Ability to reflect constructively on practice
• Relate well to senior and junior staff

Desirable

• Specialist Counselling Skills
• Knowledge of ECT
• Willingness to participate in Teaching activity
• Interest in development opportunities
• Good team player

Qualifications

Essential

• Vocational Qualification Level III in Healthcare or able to demonstrate the ability, skills and knowledge to work at this level
• Effective Communication Skills
• Ability to contribute to the process of and the delivery of high standard of care as planned in care programme
• Team working skills
• Ability to participate in activities with patients

Desirable

• Record keeping skills
• Ability to work with minimum of supervision
• Time Management
• Computer skills

Knowledge

Essential

• Mental Health Act 1983
• Confidentiality
• Statutory requirements
• Networking with other agencies
• Ethical issues in relation to Mental Health

Desirable

• Knowledge of up to date ECT Guidelines

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).