Job responsibilities
Weldmar Hospicecare is an independent charity that provides specialist end of life care to patients and those that are important to them throughout Dorset. This care is given in the comfort of patients own homes by Weldmar Specialist Hospice at Home Team, or as inpatients at our hospice in Dorchester. Patients, family members or carers can also receive psychological and practical support from specialist professionals working within our Family Support Services. Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers ensure that we can continue to support patients through one of lifes most difficult journeys. We work closely with other health care providers including the NHS to ensure that our patients receive the highest possible care.
We do receive some funding from the NHS but the majority of our income is generated by our fundraising and retail teams, which plays a vital part in securing income to fund our care, both now and in the future.
Job Purpose
The complementary therapist will work as part of a team of complementary therapy support, including volunteers. Providing a range of therapies for patients, carers, bereaved and staff members. This also includes patients with Motor Neurone Disease and their families. Support will be provided in the inpatient unit, as an outpatient, Wellbeing Services and visiting patients and carers in their own homes whilst working alongside the clinical teams.
The complementary therapist will be responsible for their own safe practice at all times.
Scope and Limits of Authority
The Complementary Therapist will work within the multi-disciplinary team providing a high standard of complementary therapy support and advice.
Day to day decision making regarding caseload and treatment plans.
Responsible for maintaining a safe environment and monitoring safe systems of work, including: the safe management and use of essential oils, carrying out risk assessments, including annual COSHH evaluation and reporting in accordance with professional, service and organisational standards and policies.
To be responsible for the day to day delivery of complementary therapy and attendance at regular multi-disciplinary team meetings.
To contribute to the support and mentoring of volunteer complementary therapists within the team.
Attend regular monthly one to one line management meetings with own line manager and access Weldmars clinical supervision programme if wished.
Main duties and responsibilities
Clinical
Responsible for day to day management of a complementary therapy caseload, making decisions regarding treatment in complex situations, based on professional holistic assessment, using best available evidence, and ensuring most the appropriate setting- IPU, Home, Outpatient or Clinic.
Participate in and attend Weldmar locality MDTs where required, to build effective working relationships and communication and ensure the service is equitably represented.
Provide advice and guidance to patients, carers and staff, about the different types of complementary therapies that are available across the organisation as appropriate.
To assess for any contra indication or cautions prior to delivering any therapies.
Ensure recording of patient information within electronic patient record system in line with Weldmar Policies and Standards.
To contribute to the safe and effective stock control, ordering, storage and use of essential oils and other aromatherapy resources.
Inform a patients key worker of any concerns identified or voiced by them regarding their well-being and safety or that of significant others.
To provide a range of complementary therapies to patients in accord with Weldmar Hospicecare guidelines, policies, procedures and competencies and in line with professional competencies and current best practice.
Provide advice and information to patients and staff, which will require the sensitive management of highly complex situations.
Use communication and interpersonal skills to discuss aspects of complementary health care with patients providing them with written and verbal information, enabling them to make informed decisions about their care.
Maintain a clean and hygienic working environment within any therapy or treatment areas and ensure compliance with infections prevention policies and guidelines.
Professional
Adhere to agreed guidelines, operational policies and professional codes of conduct to ensure safe practice and working environment.
Participate and contribute in the annual performance appraisal review process and attend all mandatory or required training and development opportunities.
Ensure that volunteer complementary therapists adhere and comply with the Complementary Therapy Service policy and all other relevant Weldmar policies and guidance.
Responsible for maintaining safe environment, monitoring safe systems of work and carrying out risk assessments, including annual COSHH Risk Assessments, evaluation and reporting for any sites where complementary therapies are delivered, including patients own homes.
Keep and maintain accurate, relevant data ensuring confidentiality in line with organisational and professional requirements.
Ensure patient records are stored securely.
Management of caseload in accordance with Weldmar Hospicecare policies and procedures, and professional codes of practice.
To be personally accountable for own complementary therapy practice, professional development and adhere to own professional registration or memberships Code of Practice and professional conduct.
Maintain a duty of care in the efficient use of physical and financial resources.
Education
Contribute and Support the collection of clinical audit data within the complementary therapy service for its ongoing development and need as required by the wider organisation.
Promote up to date evidence-based practice.
Participate in the development, delivery and evaluation of education and training for staff, volunteers, patients and carers as required.
Act as an expert resource providing support and advice on all matters pertaining to Complementary Therapies.
Communication and Working Relationships
Participate and attend Weldmar MDTs where relevant and where capacity allows.
Regularly attend and liaise with the wider internal team meetings when appropriate.
Participate in national and regional complementary therapy network groups and associations, to represent Weldmar, link with other professionals and to support the development of service provision through shared best practice.
External partner agencies as required.
General
Carry out duties and responsibilities with regard to Weldmar Hospicecares Equality and Diversity policy, acting in ways that acknowledge and recognise peoples expressed beliefs, preferences and choices; respecting diversity and valuing people as individuals.
Maintain the health and safety of self and others, maintaining and promoting a safe working environment under the responsibilities placed on them by the Health and Safety at Work Act and relevant Weldmar policies.
Ensure all records and communication is handled appropriately and in accordance with the Data Protection Act and GDPR requirements.
Be aware of Weldmar infection prevention policies and procedures and follow them at all times.
Understand and follow the policy and procedure for safeguarding vulnerable adults and children and take personal responsibility for identifying areas of risk and follow the Vantage reporting system.
