Healthcare Assistant - Dementia Team

HEART OF KENT HOSPICE

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Part Time - 15 hours per week (2 days) - 2 year fixed term contract

£9,888 per annum for 15 hours a week - £24,720 FTE per annum

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our award-winning Dementia Team as a Healthcare Assistant. The successful candidate will have existing experience or knowledge of caring for people with dementia and those closest to them and be confident conversing on the telephone.

The successful candidate will work as one of the multidisciplinary specialist care team in the provision of the highest standard of holistic care for dementia patients receiving hospice care in the community and outpatient settings. You will hold a NVQ level 3/4 or equivalent or above in Health or Health and Social Care or working towards an award. There is a genuine occupational requirement for the post holder to drive and have access to appropriate transport during normal duties.

Main duties of the job

Working under the direction of the Head of Dementia Hospice Team to

Support the Dementia Team to provide a new Kent wide Dementia Helpline Service.

Provide holistic support and advice, to the patients in the community and outpatient settings.

Support the Dementia Team volunteers in practice and learning.

Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, the whole Hospice multidisciplinary team and external Health and Social Care professionals.

About us

About the Hospice

We have been providing exceptional care to people living with a terminal illness in Maidstone, Aylesford, Tonbridge, Malling and surrounding areas since 1991. We support patients with both cancer and non-cancer diagnoses, and those closest to them, and all our services are provided free of charge.

Our vision is that everyone living with a terminal illness in our community will have the best quality of life, for as long as they live. Our highly trained colleagues and volunteers do everything to help our patients live in comfort, with independence and dignity in their own homes, local care homes or in our Hospice. All our care is underpinned by our core values of compassion, integrity, respect and teamwork.

As a local charity independent of the NHS we are reliant on our supporters and donors, our services cost £5 million to run, with over £4 million raised through the generosity of our local community. Our supporters fundraise in so many ways for us from taking part in Hospice events and physical challenges, to local business support, to giving in memory of a loved one (and so many more other ways), their generosity is incredible.

We pride ourselves on being a values driven behaviour-based organisation. If you share our vision and passion for quality care, wed like to hear from you.

Date posted

29 November 2023

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£9,888 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

2 years

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

B0118-23-0021

Job locations

Preston Hall

Aylesford

Kent

ME20 7PU


Job description

Job responsibilities

HEART OF KENT HOSPICE

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Description: Healthcare Assistant (Dementia Team)

Reports To: Head of Dementia Hospice Team

Accountable To: Patient Services Director

Responsible for:

Participating as one of the multidisciplinary specialist palliative care team in the provision of the highest standard of holistic care for dementia patients receiving hospice care in the community and outpatient settings and supporting a dementia help line for patients and carers in the wider Kent community

Main Responsibilities

Working under the direction of the Head of Dementia Hospice Team to

Support the Dementia Team to provide a new Kent wide Dementia Helpline Service

Provide holistic support and advice, to the patients in the community and outpatient settings.

Support the Dementia Team volunteers in practice and learning.

Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, the whole Hospice multidisciplinary team and external Health and Social Care professionals.

1. Clinical Practice

1.1 To practice as a professional Healthcare Assistant giving direct patient and careradvice and support.

1.2 To demonstrate and promote patient centred care and ensuring privacy and dignity is practiced at all times

1.3To work closely with the multidisciplinary team, creating a collegiate approach topatient care.

1.4To maintain personal approach to patients, relatives and carers ensuring theirphysical, social, psychological, and spiritual needs are met.

1.5 To demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practice and clinical excellence, including the use and reporting of OACC outcome measures

1.6 Work with the Hospice Dementia Team to provide support for patients and carers

through the Making Memories programme and attendance at the Dementia Café.

1.7 Communicate relevant information about service users to the relevant MDT

member, including any changes in condition.

1.8 Understand the concept of loss and be able to contribute to supporting relatives and carers.

1.9 Maintain a respectful, non-judgemental, and caring attitude towards all those who

use the service and their families and carers.

1.10 Support the assistance provided by our team of Dementia volunteers, reporting back as required to the line manager.

2. Professional Competence

2.1 To ensure that you do not perform any delegated duty for which you

do not possess the necessary knowledge, skill or experience.

2.2 Keep up to date with current legislation, professional practice issues and

relevant developments in palliative care and rehabilitation as appropriate to the

role.

2.3 To identify personal development and training needs through clinical supervision

and the performance review and appraisal process and undertake relevant

training as appropriate.

2.4 Undertake relevant competency development.

3. Education, Training and Research

3.1 Support junior colleagues and volunteers in their development.

3.2 To participate in the Hospice performance review and appraisal process which is

known as Your Snapshot. Attend all statutory and mandatory training and ensure that staff and volunteers undertake appropriate induction and training. Undertake training and development as identified through individual performance reviews.

3.3 To assist as appropriate in the delivery of training sessions. This may include both

external and in-house training.

3.4 To participate in research/audit projects as appropriate.

3.5 To carry out outcome measures, patient questionnaires and patient surveys as

directed by the Head of Hospice Dementia Team.

4. Management

4.1 To attend meetings pertinent to organisational and professional responsibilities.

4.2 Ensure the economic use of resources, assisting in the ordering of supplies and

maintenance of appropriate stock levels.

4.3 Undertake clerical duties as appropriate.

4.4 Where necessary, assist in co-ordinating methods of off duty planning and

annual leave booking arrangements.

4.5 Provide equality for all patients by practicing and promoting non-discriminatory

and inclusive practice and contribute to the protection of individuals from abuse.

5. Communication

5.1 To promote close harmonious working relationships and good communication links

with colleagues and volunteers at all levels throughout the Hospice and the wider

community.

5.2 To maintain full, accurate and confidential patient/client records, both in computer

and written form, in accordance with mandatory legal requirements and the

Hospice standards for documentation.

6. Public Relations and Marketing

6.1 To take an active role in the promotion of Heart of Kent Hospice to local

bodies and organisations.

6.2 To support fundraising/volunteer events as appropriate.

6.3 To promote all activities available through the Hospice Hub.

7. Clinical Governance

7.1 To take personal responsibility for risk management in your work and

undertake to review practices and learn from experience.

7.2 To support the Hospices Clinical Governance programme.

7.3 To participate in the development, review and audit of quality standards and

contribute to the process of continuous quality improvement throughout the

Hospice.

7.4 To comply with the Hospices policy and procedure in handling any complaints.

7.5 To maintain accurate up-to-date statistics as required in both written and

computer form.

7.6 To develop and maintain evidence-based practice.

7.7 To be aware of and comply with relevant Hospice policies and procedures and

participate in their review and development as appropriate.

7.8 To participate in periodic strategic service reviews.

8. Health and Safety

8.1 To take reasonable care of the health and safety of yourself and others that may

be affected by what you do while at work, and to co-operate in the

implementation of the Hospices Health and Safety Policy.

9. General

9.1 To conduct yourself at all times in a manner befitting the post and the

professional dignity of the Hospice, and ensure that the Hospice is positively

represented to the public and other stakeholders.

9.2 To work as a member of the Hospice to foster the teams mission statement and

to have a commitment to the cause of helping patients and their families with

palliative care needs.

9.3 To commit to our culture framework which outlines how we expect everyone at Heart of Kent Hospice individually and as a team to ensure the best possible experience for our patients, their families, our supporters and our local community.

9.4 To maintain an appropriate standard of confidentiality. Any disclosure of

confidential information (including personal information kept on computer or other

media) made unlawfully outside the proper course of duty will be treated as a

serious disciplinary offence.

9.5 Champion best practice in Equality and Diversity and Inclusion in everything we

do.

9.6 Have fun and challenge yourself at work, championing our values and behaviours

and abiding by our policies and procedures.

9.7 To preserve the confidentiality of information acquired by virtue of the position.

9.8 To carry out such other duties which may reasonably be requested.

This job description is a broad reflection of the current duties. It may be amended and developed in the light of experience and will be the focus for objective setting in an annual appraisal.

Job description

Job responsibilities

HEART OF KENT HOSPICE

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Description: Healthcare Assistant (Dementia Team)

Reports To: Head of Dementia Hospice Team

Accountable To: Patient Services Director

Responsible for:

Participating as one of the multidisciplinary specialist palliative care team in the provision of the highest standard of holistic care for dementia patients receiving hospice care in the community and outpatient settings and supporting a dementia help line for patients and carers in the wider Kent community

Main Responsibilities

Working under the direction of the Head of Dementia Hospice Team to

Support the Dementia Team to provide a new Kent wide Dementia Helpline Service

Provide holistic support and advice, to the patients in the community and outpatient settings.

Support the Dementia Team volunteers in practice and learning.

Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, the whole Hospice multidisciplinary team and external Health and Social Care professionals.

1. Clinical Practice

1.1 To practice as a professional Healthcare Assistant giving direct patient and careradvice and support.

1.2 To demonstrate and promote patient centred care and ensuring privacy and dignity is practiced at all times

1.3To work closely with the multidisciplinary team, creating a collegiate approach topatient care.

1.4To maintain personal approach to patients, relatives and carers ensuring theirphysical, social, psychological, and spiritual needs are met.

1.5 To demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practice and clinical excellence, including the use and reporting of OACC outcome measures

1.6 Work with the Hospice Dementia Team to provide support for patients and carers

through the Making Memories programme and attendance at the Dementia Café.

1.7 Communicate relevant information about service users to the relevant MDT

member, including any changes in condition.

1.8 Understand the concept of loss and be able to contribute to supporting relatives and carers.

1.9 Maintain a respectful, non-judgemental, and caring attitude towards all those who

use the service and their families and carers.

1.10 Support the assistance provided by our team of Dementia volunteers, reporting back as required to the line manager.

2. Professional Competence

2.1 To ensure that you do not perform any delegated duty for which you

do not possess the necessary knowledge, skill or experience.

2.2 Keep up to date with current legislation, professional practice issues and

relevant developments in palliative care and rehabilitation as appropriate to the

role.

2.3 To identify personal development and training needs through clinical supervision

and the performance review and appraisal process and undertake relevant

training as appropriate.

2.4 Undertake relevant competency development.

3. Education, Training and Research

3.1 Support junior colleagues and volunteers in their development.

3.2 To participate in the Hospice performance review and appraisal process which is

known as Your Snapshot. Attend all statutory and mandatory training and ensure that staff and volunteers undertake appropriate induction and training. Undertake training and development as identified through individual performance reviews.

3.3 To assist as appropriate in the delivery of training sessions. This may include both

external and in-house training.

3.4 To participate in research/audit projects as appropriate.

3.5 To carry out outcome measures, patient questionnaires and patient surveys as

directed by the Head of Hospice Dementia Team.

4. Management

4.1 To attend meetings pertinent to organisational and professional responsibilities.

4.2 Ensure the economic use of resources, assisting in the ordering of supplies and

maintenance of appropriate stock levels.

4.3 Undertake clerical duties as appropriate.

4.4 Where necessary, assist in co-ordinating methods of off duty planning and

annual leave booking arrangements.

4.5 Provide equality for all patients by practicing and promoting non-discriminatory

and inclusive practice and contribute to the protection of individuals from abuse.

5. Communication

5.1 To promote close harmonious working relationships and good communication links

with colleagues and volunteers at all levels throughout the Hospice and the wider

community.

5.2 To maintain full, accurate and confidential patient/client records, both in computer

and written form, in accordance with mandatory legal requirements and the

Hospice standards for documentation.

6. Public Relations and Marketing

6.1 To take an active role in the promotion of Heart of Kent Hospice to local

bodies and organisations.

6.2 To support fundraising/volunteer events as appropriate.

6.3 To promote all activities available through the Hospice Hub.

7. Clinical Governance

7.1 To take personal responsibility for risk management in your work and

undertake to review practices and learn from experience.

7.2 To support the Hospices Clinical Governance programme.

7.3 To participate in the development, review and audit of quality standards and

contribute to the process of continuous quality improvement throughout the

Hospice.

7.4 To comply with the Hospices policy and procedure in handling any complaints.

7.5 To maintain accurate up-to-date statistics as required in both written and

computer form.

7.6 To develop and maintain evidence-based practice.

7.7 To be aware of and comply with relevant Hospice policies and procedures and

participate in their review and development as appropriate.

7.8 To participate in periodic strategic service reviews.

8. Health and Safety

8.1 To take reasonable care of the health and safety of yourself and others that may

be affected by what you do while at work, and to co-operate in the

implementation of the Hospices Health and Safety Policy.

9. General

9.1 To conduct yourself at all times in a manner befitting the post and the

professional dignity of the Hospice, and ensure that the Hospice is positively

represented to the public and other stakeholders.

9.2 To work as a member of the Hospice to foster the teams mission statement and

to have a commitment to the cause of helping patients and their families with

palliative care needs.

9.3 To commit to our culture framework which outlines how we expect everyone at Heart of Kent Hospice individually and as a team to ensure the best possible experience for our patients, their families, our supporters and our local community.

9.4 To maintain an appropriate standard of confidentiality. Any disclosure of

confidential information (including personal information kept on computer or other

media) made unlawfully outside the proper course of duty will be treated as a

serious disciplinary offence.

9.5 Champion best practice in Equality and Diversity and Inclusion in everything we

do.

9.6 Have fun and challenge yourself at work, championing our values and behaviours

and abiding by our policies and procedures.

9.7 To preserve the confidentiality of information acquired by virtue of the position.

9.8 To carry out such other duties which may reasonably be requested.

This job description is a broad reflection of the current duties. It may be amended and developed in the light of experience and will be the focus for objective setting in an annual appraisal.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ level 3 / 4 or equivalent or above in Health or Health and Social Care or working towards an award

Desirable

  • Basic education levels and evidence of ongoing personal development

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience as a Healthcare Assistant / Carer hospital/hospice or other care environment, with experience of caring for Dementia patients and families
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ level 3 / 4 or equivalent or above in Health or Health and Social Care or working towards an award

Desirable

  • Basic education levels and evidence of ongoing personal development

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience as a Healthcare Assistant / Carer hospital/hospice or other care environment, with experience of caring for Dementia patients and families

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.

Employer details

Employer name

HEART OF KENT HOSPICE

Address

Preston Hall

Aylesford

Kent

ME20 7PU


Employer's website

https://www.hokh.org/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

HEART OF KENT HOSPICE

Address

Preston Hall

Aylesford

Kent

ME20 7PU


Employer's website

https://www.hokh.org/ (Opens in a new tab)


For questions about the job, contact:

People Services

recruitment@hokh.co.uk

Date posted

29 November 2023

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£9,888 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

2 years

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

B0118-23-0021

Job locations

Preston Hall

Aylesford

Kent

ME20 7PU


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