Mental Health Support Worker
At a glance
- Band
- Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Full-time
- Posted
- 09/09/2026
- Closes
- 23/09/2026
Sponsorship verdict
This advert explicitly states that sponsorship is not offered.
The source advert contains explicit wording ruling out sponsorship for this specific role. Consider other live roles at the same band from sponsorship-friendly trusts.
“Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Please ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.”Quoted verbatim from the source advert
Role summary
This role is for a Mental Health Support Worker within the Dorset Forensic Service, specifically in a 12-bedded male forensic low secure unit at St Ann's Hospital. The unit focuses on stabilising mental health, managing risk, and facilitating patient recovery and community transition. You will work as part of a supportive multidisciplinary team, assisting nurses in patient care and ward operations. The service operates 24/7 on a rota basis, including weekends.
Key responsibilities
- Carry out general housekeeping duties to ensure the smooth running of the ward/unit.
- Assist in setting tables and serving meals to patients.
- Check laundry items and manage other tasks that support ward operations.
- Assist nurses in the delivery of care to patients.
- Participate with the multi-disciplinary team in providing a programme of care and rehabilitation for patients.
- Undertake and successfully complete Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) training.
Essential criteria
- NVQ level 2 or 3 or equivalent level of experience
- Literate / Numerate
- Ability to work in a team
- Good communication skills
- Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- Basic IT keyboard skills, normally obtained through practice or practical training
- A level of fitness and ability to participate and complete PMVA, Breakaway training and Manual Handling (practice and theory).
- Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.
- Ability to meet contractual requirements and participate in 24 hour care
Desirable criteria
- Experience of working within a care setting
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 3 at £24,625 – £25,674 a year, across England.
This advert: £25,760 – £27,476 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 1d ago · Closes in 14d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Mental Health Support Worker
The closing date is 23 September 2026
Job summary
Dorset HealthCare are looking for individuals to join our Dorset Forensic Service team as a Mental Health Support Worker!
As a Mental Health Support Worker in the Dorset Forensic Service team, you will work in our 12 bedded specialist male forensic low secure unit. The unit offers comprehensive inpatient low secure care aimed at stabilising mental health and risk; and facilitating patient's recovery and transition back into the community.
You will be joining a supportive team who work collaboratively with Nurses, the Clinical Leads, Ward Manager, Service Manager, other disciplines and will receive regular supervision. At Dorset HealthCare we provide the opportunity for internal and external training.
The Dorset Forensic service is a 24/7 service and is based on Twynham Ward at St Ann's Hospital.
Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Please ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.
We work on a rota basis including weekends:
Early - 07:15 to 15:15
Late - 13:00 to 21:00
Nights - 20:30 to 07:40
Weekends at enhanced pay
For further information, please contact [contact details removed] via [email removed] .
Main duties of the job
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