Health Care Support Worker

Answers supplied by a group of health care support workers undertaking their NVQ Care Award with the Norfolk Mental Health Care NHS Trust, which provides a range of mental health services for all ages across east Norfolk and north Suffolk.

What does the job entail?
The job involves providing support and practical help to people with a mental health illness, either by supporting them in their homes or community or for those with acute problems, caring for them in a special facility or hospital. You will be part of a team of many different professions and organisations working together.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
Good common sense, patience, understanding and a sense of humour. Confidence and being able to use your own life experiences in a positive way. You need good communication and problem solving skills so you can provide advice, support and choice in a non-judgemental way. An NVQ or VRQ award in Care will be beneficial, but many organisations will offer these when in the job.

What type of person will fit in?
Outgoing, confident and caring. A person who likes to meet others, enjoys working in different environments and being able to think independently.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
The job is interesting, varied and rewarding with many opportunities to learn. There is a good NHS pension scheme and many organisations are trying to offer flexible working. On the negative side, it can be stressful at times, with some unsocial hours and shift work which does not suite everyone and the pay is not brilliant.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
More training is becoming available. NVQ Care awards are offered and there are new VRQ (Vocationally Related Qualifications) also available for mental health. The opportunity to progress into different roles and grades are available in large organisations.

What can I expect to earn?
In the NHS, the basic salary ranges from £10,049-£16,521, depending on your role and grade. This is enhanced by unsocial hours pay and extra pay is given if working in specific areas. Holiday entitlement is good.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
here are many organisations which are part of the Mental Health Service. Jobs are advertised within local papers. Norfolk Mental Health Care NHS Trust has a website www.nmhct.nhs.uk where they post vacancies and they also have a nurse bank for work through the Trust's many localities.