Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Haematology Cancer Support Worker, Band 4

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person to join our compassionate and highly skilled team of Cancer Support Workers and Haematology Cancer Nurse Specialists , to provide support to adults diagnosed with blood cancers.

As a cancer support worker you will work alongside the senior nursing team to help improve and provide a personalised care and support package for patients and their families, supporting and signposting with the aim to facilitate a self-managed approach and a firm understanding of their cancer pathway. As a cancer support worker you can offer practical and emotional support, signpost and provide information around lifestyle changes such as diet and physical activity and assist with practical, social & emotional concerns.

The role is part time- 15 hours , with set days (likely to be Tuesday and Friday). It does involve working across both hospital sites in Cheltenham and Gloucester

Main duties of the job

A key aspect of the role involves daily and direct (e.g., face to face, virtual and telephone) communication with patients, relatives, carers and other health and social care professionals. The information and nature of the communication required is sensitive due to the nature of cancer. Communication in this context requires a high degree of empathy, understanding, diplomacy, honesty and integrity.

To meet the challenge of supporting patients living with the consequences of a cancer diagnosis. Encompassing patients receiving curative and palliative treatments and supportive care.

To provide general information and support about cancer services, to enable people to navigate the health and social care system and make choices that are best for their cancer and their life.

It is also anticipated that the successful candidate will be actively involved in service development plans such as Prehab etc.

About us

Gloucestershire Hospitals is one of the largest hospital trusts in England serving a diverse population of almost 620,000 people. We provide acute hospital services from two large district general hospitals, Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Maternity Services are also provided at Stroud Maternity Hospital.

We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our vision of providing Best Care for Everyone and our success depends on the commitment and dedication of our staff.

We are committed to diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity for everyone, valuing and celebrating differences and encouraging a workplace and culture where all can thrive. We endeavour to ensure each and every person working in our organisation feel respected and valued. Respecting and valuing differences will help to ensure that our policies and services reflect the needs and experiences of the people and community we serve.

Details

Date posted

08 August 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Home or remote working

Reference number

318-24-D&S-T1699

Job locations

Trust wide

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Gloucester

GL1 3NN


Job description

Job responsibilities

Job responsibilities

Knowledge and Skills

Good General Education with GCSE English and Mathematics (Grades A-C or equivalent)

Competence in the use of all Microsoft products

Relevant Health or Social Care experience at AFC Band 3 or equivalent

Efficient in the use of Microsoft Word for Windows, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and Internet

Understanding of person-centred support

Experience of multi-professional working

Evidence of good communication skills

Understanding of the health and social care environment

Able to use own initiative and work without supervision

Able to prioritise work and work of others

Possess excellent communication skills

Effective organization skills

Ability to communicate both verbally and non-verbally on a daily basis with people at all levels

Good observation skills

Practical problem-solving skills

Ability to work within a team

Ability to retrieve information from a wide range of sources and in different formats

Key Result areas:

The duties and responsibilities listed below should be undertaken in accordance with levels of competence. In addition, all staff are expected to act in accordance with the values and behaviours of the Trust.

Under the guidance and supervision of a registered practitioner:

To provide general information and support about cancer services, to enable people to navigate the health and social care system and make choices that are best for their cancer and their life.

A key aspect of the role involves daily and direct (e.g., face to face, virtual and telephone) communication with patients, relatives, carers and other health and social care professionals. The information and nature of the communication required is sensitive due to the nature of cancer. Communication in this context requires a high degree of empathy, understanding, diplomacy, honesty and integrity.

To utilise verbal and non-verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with patients, their families and carers. This will include patients/carers who may or may not have barriers to communication through cognitive or physical impairment e.g. hearing or visual impairment, confusion and depression.

To meet the challenge of supporting patients living with the consequences of a cancer diagnosis. Encompassing patients receiving curative and palliative treatments and supportive care.

Establish a process of Holistic Needs Assessment. Undertaking patient assessments and formulating individual Care Plans to best suit patient needs and preferences.

To be responsible for accessing written resources to provide information for patients and carers.

To support the CNS team by contributing to the redesign of care pathways for patients with a Haematological cancer in order to improve quality and patient safety.

To undertake by negotiation, administrative tasks currently undertaken by the CNS team .

Provide basic telephone advice and refer on or signpost to other sources of support.

Communicate and signpost to appropriate needs related information.

To be actively involved in service development plans such as PIFU etc.

Guide people through the use of self-assessment resources.

To strengthen the links with primary and secondary services and refer to multi-disciplinary team members as appropriate

Be proactive and motivated; to be able to identify areas of potential future role development, and demonstrate how this will contribute to an enhanced provision of patient care within the team.

To undertake specific supervised and unsupervised work, organising and prioritising own caseload (within clearly defined boundaries).

To directly support patients with non-complex needs, providing practical support and advice.

To comply with Trust and Departmental policies and procedures e.g, Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handline, clinical equipment competency, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times. This will include demonstrating compliance with the terms of all safeguarding policies and processes relevant to the safeguarding of adults and children in the care of GHNHSFT and to undergo regular mandatory training concerned with safeguarding matters.

Support people to access appropriate information and support, by sign-posting to a range of support services and take an approach which helps people to self-manage where appropriate

Advise patients on individual self-care management principles and review/further promote this information

Encourage and support active and healthy lifestyle choices

Planning/inviting/organising of health and well-being events or other supported self-management

Communications and working relationships

To utilise verbal and nonverbal communication skills to effectively communicate with patients, their families and carers. This may include patients/carers who may or may not have barriers to communication e.g., language, through cognitive or physical impairment

To co-ordinate access to the right information and education resources to support people in making decisions about aspects of their own care, enable independence and support self-management as appropriate. Develop a partnership approach to working in order to empower the patient and carers

To motivate patients to enrol in rehabilitation, where there may be reluctance or communication difficulties

Comment on proposed changes to policies and procedures

Support and contribute to audit processes and service development

Make sure that people affected by cancer are aware that they are interacting with a healthcare professional and know about the full range of resources and services available

Understand that there will be frequent exposure to distressing/highly distressing situations and when to seek appropriate support/advice

Take an active part in team meetings and audits as required

Support people to access appropriate information and support, by sign-posting to a range of support services and take an approach which helps people to self-manage where appropriate

Encourage and support active and healthy lifestyle choices

To form a link with all health and well-being events, referring patients as appropriate

To encourage patients to enrol in prehab recommendations to optimise outcomes

Deliver patient-centred, self-management support and education as necessary to non-complex patients, including how to self-assess

Person Specification Essential
  • English and Maths GCSE (A- C grade or grade 5 or above)
  • Competence in the use of all Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Relevant Health or social care experience at Band 3 or equivalent
  • Relevant Health or social care experience at Band 3 or equivalent
  • Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
  • Understanding of the health and social care environment
  • Able to use own initiative and work without supervision
  • Able to prioritise work and work of others
  • Able to communicate verbally with patients and multi-disciplinary team
  • Ability to work flexibly depending on the needs of the service
Desirable
  • Basic counselling course/qualification
  • Knowledge of relevant cancer treatments, interventions and terminology
  • Knowledge of medical terminology
  • Experience in coordinating a patient workload

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job responsibilities

Knowledge and Skills

Good General Education with GCSE English and Mathematics (Grades A-C or equivalent)

Competence in the use of all Microsoft products

Relevant Health or Social Care experience at AFC Band 3 or equivalent

Efficient in the use of Microsoft Word for Windows, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and Internet

Understanding of person-centred support

Experience of multi-professional working

Evidence of good communication skills

Understanding of the health and social care environment

Able to use own initiative and work without supervision

Able to prioritise work and work of others

Possess excellent communication skills

Effective organization skills

Ability to communicate both verbally and non-verbally on a daily basis with people at all levels

Good observation skills

Practical problem-solving skills

Ability to work within a team

Ability to retrieve information from a wide range of sources and in different formats

Key Result areas:

The duties and responsibilities listed below should be undertaken in accordance with levels of competence. In addition, all staff are expected to act in accordance with the values and behaviours of the Trust.

Under the guidance and supervision of a registered practitioner:

To provide general information and support about cancer services, to enable people to navigate the health and social care system and make choices that are best for their cancer and their life.

A key aspect of the role involves daily and direct (e.g., face to face, virtual and telephone) communication with patients, relatives, carers and other health and social care professionals. The information and nature of the communication required is sensitive due to the nature of cancer. Communication in this context requires a high degree of empathy, understanding, diplomacy, honesty and integrity.

To utilise verbal and non-verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with patients, their families and carers. This will include patients/carers who may or may not have barriers to communication through cognitive or physical impairment e.g. hearing or visual impairment, confusion and depression.

To meet the challenge of supporting patients living with the consequences of a cancer diagnosis. Encompassing patients receiving curative and palliative treatments and supportive care.

Establish a process of Holistic Needs Assessment. Undertaking patient assessments and formulating individual Care Plans to best suit patient needs and preferences.

To be responsible for accessing written resources to provide information for patients and carers.

To support the CNS team by contributing to the redesign of care pathways for patients with a Haematological cancer in order to improve quality and patient safety.

To undertake by negotiation, administrative tasks currently undertaken by the CNS team .

Provide basic telephone advice and refer on or signpost to other sources of support.

Communicate and signpost to appropriate needs related information.

To be actively involved in service development plans such as PIFU etc.

Guide people through the use of self-assessment resources.

To strengthen the links with primary and secondary services and refer to multi-disciplinary team members as appropriate

Be proactive and motivated; to be able to identify areas of potential future role development, and demonstrate how this will contribute to an enhanced provision of patient care within the team.

To undertake specific supervised and unsupervised work, organising and prioritising own caseload (within clearly defined boundaries).

To directly support patients with non-complex needs, providing practical support and advice.

To comply with Trust and Departmental policies and procedures e.g, Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handline, clinical equipment competency, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times. This will include demonstrating compliance with the terms of all safeguarding policies and processes relevant to the safeguarding of adults and children in the care of GHNHSFT and to undergo regular mandatory training concerned with safeguarding matters.

Support people to access appropriate information and support, by sign-posting to a range of support services and take an approach which helps people to self-manage where appropriate

Advise patients on individual self-care management principles and review/further promote this information

Encourage and support active and healthy lifestyle choices

Planning/inviting/organising of health and well-being events or other supported self-management

Communications and working relationships

To utilise verbal and nonverbal communication skills to effectively communicate with patients, their families and carers. This may include patients/carers who may or may not have barriers to communication e.g., language, through cognitive or physical impairment

To co-ordinate access to the right information and education resources to support people in making decisions about aspects of their own care, enable independence and support self-management as appropriate. Develop a partnership approach to working in order to empower the patient and carers

To motivate patients to enrol in rehabilitation, where there may be reluctance or communication difficulties

Comment on proposed changes to policies and procedures

Support and contribute to audit processes and service development

Make sure that people affected by cancer are aware that they are interacting with a healthcare professional and know about the full range of resources and services available

Understand that there will be frequent exposure to distressing/highly distressing situations and when to seek appropriate support/advice

Take an active part in team meetings and audits as required

Support people to access appropriate information and support, by sign-posting to a range of support services and take an approach which helps people to self-manage where appropriate

Encourage and support active and healthy lifestyle choices

To form a link with all health and well-being events, referring patients as appropriate

To encourage patients to enrol in prehab recommendations to optimise outcomes

Deliver patient-centred, self-management support and education as necessary to non-complex patients, including how to self-assess

Person Specification Essential
  • English and Maths GCSE (A- C grade or grade 5 or above)
  • Competence in the use of all Microsoft products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Relevant Health or social care experience at Band 3 or equivalent
  • Relevant Health or social care experience at Band 3 or equivalent
  • Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
  • Understanding of the health and social care environment
  • Able to use own initiative and work without supervision
  • Able to prioritise work and work of others
  • Able to communicate verbally with patients and multi-disciplinary team
  • Ability to work flexibly depending on the needs of the service
Desirable
  • Basic counselling course/qualification
  • Knowledge of relevant cancer treatments, interventions and terminology
  • Knowledge of medical terminology
  • Experience in coordinating a patient workload

Person Specification

Qualifications / Experience

Essential

  • English and Maths GCSE (A- C grade or grade 5 or above)
  • Competence in the use of all Microsoft products (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)
  • Relevant Health or social care experience at AFC band 3 or equivalent
  • Experience of multi professional working
  • Understanding of the health and social care environment
  • Able to communicate verbally with patients and multi-disciplinary team

Desirable

  • Basic counselling
  • Knowledge of medical terminology
  • Experience coordinating a patient workload
Person Specification

Qualifications / Experience

Essential

  • English and Maths GCSE (A- C grade or grade 5 or above)
  • Competence in the use of all Microsoft products (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)
  • Relevant Health or social care experience at AFC band 3 or equivalent
  • Experience of multi professional working
  • Understanding of the health and social care environment
  • Able to communicate verbally with patients and multi-disciplinary team

Desirable

  • Basic counselling
  • Knowledge of medical terminology
  • Experience coordinating a patient workload

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

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Trust wide

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Gloucester

GL1 3NN


Employer's website

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Trust wide

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Gloucester

GL1 3NN


Employer's website

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Haematology ANP/ Lead Nurse

Joanna Stokes

jo.stokes@nhs.net

03004225257

Details

Date posted

08 August 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£26,530 to £29,114 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Home or remote working

Reference number

318-24-D&S-T1699

Job locations

Trust wide

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

Gloucester

GL1 3NN


Supporting documents

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