Health Care Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose:

To work as part of the multidisciplinary team and to assist in the total care of patients and their families carers.

To support other members of the team in the provision of care.

Principle Responsibilities:

To demonstrate knowledge of, and work according to the policies and procedures of Weston Hospicecare and to maintain confidentiality.

To provide nursing care in accordance with instructions and training in the Inpatient Unit and Day Hospice as directed by the Team Leader.

To help promote and maintain an environment conducive to meeting the needs of patients, their relatives and friends.

To contribute to a team approach to patient care in conjunction with nursing colleagues, medical staff and professions allied to medicine.

To assist qualified staff undertake clinical procedures.

To document all care given, to ensure accurate and timely documentation is maintained on EMIS.

To support bereaved relatives in conjunction with trained staff.

Educational Responsibilities:

To provide the highest possible standards in Palliative Care through ongoing education and training.

To participate in job training and to attend teaching sessions as required.

To assist in the promotion of health education with patients and their family/carers.

Personal Responsibilities:

To assist in ensuring that Health and Safety requirements are met. To report and record all accidents, incidents and complaints and refer to the Inpatient Unit Manager Team Leader.

To maintain effective communication with internal departments, patients and relatives.

To support the Registered nurses to provide ongoing care.

To keep up to date with changing practice and self development.

To utilize equipment aids provided by Weston Hospicecare and ensure these are cleaned and maintained in good working order, and to report any defects to the nurse in charge.

To take part in appraisal and clinical support sessions.

To take part in at least two unit meetings per year and attend statutory training.

Additional Job Facts:

Over 700 volunteers in Weston Hospicecare.

Maintain a responsible attitude towards economy and care of equipment and other resources.

Maintain a smart, professional appearance at all times in line with hospice policy.

Weston Hospicecare operates a NO SMOKING policy for staff.

Professional Responsibilities:

To maintain confidentiality.

To work within the policies and guidelines of Weston Hospicecare.

To attend all statutory training updates.

To maintain good working relationships with all members of the hospice staff and volunteers.

Undertake mandatory in-service training in line with Weston Hospicecares policy.

Educational Responsibilities:

To keep up to date with current practice and legislation.

To maintain and extend personal knowledge and expertise in all aspects of Administration and to share information.

Health and Safety:

Under the provision of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, it is the duty of every employee:

To take reasonable care of themselves and others at work.

To co-operate with the hospice as far as is necessary to enable them to carry out their legal duty.

Not to intentionally or recklessly interfere with anything provided, including personal, protective equipment for health and safety or welfare at work.

Scope of Job Description:

This job description reflects the immediate requirements and objectives of this post. It is not an exhaustive list of the duties, but gives a general indication of work undertaken which may vary in detail in the light of changing demands and priorities. Substantive changes will be carried out in consultation with the postholder.

This job description is subject to periodic review and amendment.

Person Specification

Other Requirements

Essential

• Physical ability to use appropriate moving and handling techniques and equipment
• Able to maintain high standards of care
• Enthusiastic and passionate about working in palliative care
• Respond actively and positively to change
• Self-motivated
• Ability to work flexibly to meet changing circumstances

Experience

Essential

• Experience in a care environment

Desirable

• Experience of caring for palliative care patients
• Knowledge of the pressures that exist for patients & families who are living with a life limiting condition
• Experience of working with distressed patients and their families & carers

Communication and People Skills

Essential

• Able to demonstrate clear & effective communication skills both written and verbal
• Sensitive communication and listening skills
• Ability to maintain a professional attitude
• Able to work effectively as part of a team

Desirable

• Basic IT skills
• Experience of using an electronic patient record system

Qualifications

Essential

• QCF Level 2 in Care or equivalent
• Evidence of personal development and continuous training

Organisational Skills

Essential

• Work within own limitations and recognise when support is needed
• Flexible, reliable and good timekeeping skills
• Good organisational skills

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

Weston Hospicecare Limited

Address

Jackson-Barstow House

28 Thornbury Road

Weston-super-Mare

Somerset

BS23 4YQ

Employer's website

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