Family Support Practitioner

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Title:

Family Support Practitioner

Department:

Family Support Services

Reports to:

Deputy Head of Care Family support

Head of Care Services

Hours and Pattern of Work:

25hrs per week Monday Friday

Salary

£21,307

Overall purpose

To provide high quality pre and post bereavement support to children, families and adults using approaches such as, active listening, activity days and working with outside agencies.

Practitioner Role:

To work with children, families and adults who require post and pre -bereavement support following the death of a loved one or if they have been diagnosed with a life limiting illness.

Empower adult clients to develop their long term coping strategies following bereavement and develop age appropriate toolkits for children

To agree a caseload with Deputy Head of Care commensurate to the hours worked.

Ensure external funders outcomes are met and we are responsive to the needs of the community.

To work in partnership with other local agencies to provide seamless support for pre and post bereavement clients and identify any gaps in the service.

Liaise with nursing colleagues when/where necessary regarding referral of patients and/or their family members

Be aware of and work towards Hospice strategic goals.

Adhere to Hospices behaviours and values at all times

Provide training / supervision as a team approach for Family support Volunteers

Provide training and guidance to empower staff within the school environment who work with bereaved children and young people.

Monitoring and Reporting

Ensure clients records are kept up to date and all reports and feedback submitted in a timely manner (within 48hrs of session)

Assist in the development and maintenance of appropriate recording systems to support the service. E.g. metrics / digitisation

Produce statistical data for reporting purposes for Head of Care, CEO, and Board of Trustees

Participate in report writing for external agencies when requested to do so.

From time to time, the post holder will be required to undertake specific projects as determined by the Head of Care / Deputy Head of Care

Self Development

Ensure that your practice remains up to date and evidence based

To engage in annual appraisal which includes a personal development plan, to be discussed with Deputy Head of Care.

Undertake appropriate personal development in order to maintain and develop skills and knowledge as determined by your annual appraisal.

Attend 1:1 practice supervision as mutually agreed with your line manager.

Undertake all mandatory training as required

Risk Management & Health & Safety

All staff have a responsibility to ensure that the working environment is safe, secure and healthy. Any unsafe conditions / practices should be reported ASAP to Head of Care / Deputy Head of Care/ CEO or Health and Safety Officer.

Working environment:

The post is office based, but will require attendance at other sites such as local Hubs, community centres or other Hospice premises

Maintain client confidentiality at all times and work with GDPR regulations

You will be a positive team member at all times promoting the Hospice values and Behaviours.

Working flexibly is required to accommodate service needs.

Key contacts:

Head of Care

Deputy Head of Care

Family support practitioners

Family support volunteers

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• A minimum of one years experience in a relevant field as a practitioner

Desirable

• Willingness to undertake further training as required.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Non-judgmental approach
• Able to demonstrate an empathetic / sympathetic approach to clients
• Effective time management skills
• Problem solving ability
• Resilience when faced with difficult situations
• Flexible approach to fit service needs

Qualifications

Essential

• Diploma or equivalent in Bereavement care / counselling skills
• Child based qualification e.g. play therapy, NNEB.

Desirable

• Degree in a relevant subject area

Other

Essential

• Able to meet travel requirements of the post.

Skills and Competencies

Essential

• Active listening skills
• Effective written and verbal skills
• To be able to deal effectively with a range of children / adults in difficult situations
• Familiar with Excel & Word
• Effective time managing skills
• Ability to work as a team member as well as on an individual basis

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

Tynedale Hospice at Home

Address

1 Legion House, Beaufront Park

Anick Road

Hexham

Northumberland

NE46 1TU

Employer's website

https://tynedalehospice.com/ (Opens in a new tab)