Bank Hospice Support Worker

Job responsibilities

Main Responsibilities:

The tasks, skill and duties of the Hospice Support Worker are described under the following sub-headings.

Communication Skills Communication with patients, relatives, colleagues and Senior nursing staff at the Hospice to ensure the continuity of patient care. Listen to patients, their families and friends about their concerns related to end of life, and provide information and support as appropriate or escalate any concerns to senior staff. To identify and respond to any communication difficulties or barriers such as language/sensory problems/cognitive impairment. Work with patients, their families and friends in a sensitive and flexible manner, demonstrating awareness of the impact of death, dying and bereavement and recognising that their priorities and ability to communicate may vary over time. Communicate with tact and diplomacy with people who may be angry and upset and the ability to manage unpredictable and/or volatile situations effectively. Communicate with clients for whom English is not the first language, those who have communication/language difficulties and/or those who have cognitive impairment. Maintain records of care delivery and documentation within care plans, including the use of our electronic care planning system. Ensure confidentiality at all times.

Symptom Management, Maintaining Comfort and Wellbeing

The performance of personal care tasks and clinical interventions delegated by registered nurses including simple dressings, catheter care, peg feeding, prompting of medication.

Under the direction of a Registered Nurse follow all care plans implemented for that patient.

Recognise and adhere to professional boundaries seeking support where appropriate.

The delivery of personal care and support to patients with a life limiting/terminal illness and their families including the provision of emotional support and using own initiative in crisis situation.

The safe moving and handling of patients and inanimate loads including safe use of appropriate equipment/aids. Attend all mandatory safe handling training and adhere to the health and Safety policy of HospiceCare North Northumberland Hospice at Home To safely and correctly prompt, assist and/or administer medication. Assist patients to maintain quality of life.

Administrative/General

Report all incidents, accidents or concerns to the Deputy Head of Care via the incident reporting system Adhere to Hospice policies at all times Attend statutory and mandatory training as and when required, including attendance at Hospice Organisational induction day.

Awareness of vulnerable adults procedures and the detection of potentially abusive situations

To participate in continuing personal development.

Attend 1-1 and appraisal when requested.

Attend Hospice at Home team meetings where required.

Experience

Essential

• Recent, relevant experience of working in a
• health or social care setting for a minimum of
• one year.

Desirable

• Recent experience of working in a setting delivering care at end of life.

Skills, knowledge & Aptitude

Essential

• Communication skills, written and verbal.
• Good Interpersonal skills.
• Organisational skills .
• Proficient in the use of IT.
• Experience of operating work-related equipment, aids and devices e.g. hoists, electric beds.

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of delivering care to patients in their own home.
• Knowledge and understanding of legislation relating to care and health work and relevant NICE guidance
• Awareness and understanding of common problems at the end of life, which may impede physical, mental or social functioning.
• Awareness of vulnerable adults procedures and the detection of potentially abusive situations

Motivation & Commitment

Essential

• Commitment to HCNN as an organisation
• Commitment to quality care provision
• Personal development within the role
• Actively engage with support strategies both at work and in personal and social life.

Other Factors

Essential

• Full UK driving license
• Independently mobile
• Enhanced DBS Disclosure with barred list search

Desirable

• Navigational skills in order to locate patient homes during the day and at night, occasionally in remote locations and in adverse weather conditions.

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ in Care Level 3 or Care Certificate at Level 3

Desirable

• Level 3 Safe Handling of Medication

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).