Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW)/Customer Care Officer (CCO) within our Sexual Health department.
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual with an interest in sexual and reproductive health to join our services within Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.
This advertised post is primarily based at the Barnet sites and we have 18.75 hours available. Barnet is classed as outer London. Barnet has clinics in Edgware and High Barnet and staff can be expected to travel to other sites including Archway and MMC.
Main duties of the job
The successful applicants will be based at Barnet but may be required to work at other services within the Sexual Health Directorate. Flexible shift patterns and weekend work to be confirmed.
For the positions you will be:-
- A highly motivated individual
- Demonstrate an active interest in Sexual and Reproductive Health
- You will have a non-judgmental approach to sexual health and reproductive health.
- Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Have the ability to work within a team
- Computer literate - full training will be given for our computer system
The role of CCO/HCSW includes direct patient contact with individuals who may be presenting with highly sensitive sexual health issues; we need staff to support these individuals in a caring, sensitive and non-judgmental way, always maintaining their confidentiality. The HCSW part of the role will include chaperoning, venepuncture & assessing and doing screening for STI's following training and competency completion. You will also be trained in registering patients to our clinical system and helping patients book appointments, you will work alongside the administration & clinical teams ensuring all scanning, filing and other administrative duties are carried out.
About us
We offer a supportive, friendly environment, which is both challenging and rewarding. We have a genuine and active commitment to education and staff professional development. The role will provide the opportunity to gain valuable experience in sexual and reproductive health working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Our service covers a multicultural area and our patients are reflective of its varied and rich cultural background.
As an NHS Trust we strongly encourage and support vaccination as this remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course patients and service users when working on our healthcare settings
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Main Duties: Professional/Clinical
- Establish and maintain communication with people on routine and operational matters.
- Communicates clearly with people at an appropriate level and pace.
- Calls patients into clinical room and explains testing and examination procedure.
- Collects samples for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea testing and performs urinalysis and pregnancy testing with associated reading, recording and reporting of results.
- Offers the on the spot self administered STI tests Performs Venepuncture for sexually transmitted infections and routine blood tests.
- Manages asymptomatic male and female patients through the clinic providing sexual health screening including blood tests for HIV and Syphilis.
- Able to triage patients and refer patients that they are unable to manage to the nurse or doctor or signpost the patient to the next available appropriate clinical session.
- Processes routine samples by labelling, recording and storing appropriately.
- Transports specimens to other departments as necessary
- Aware of the equal entitlement to confidentiality due to under 16 years that attend the service.
- Raise awareness of testing for sexually transmitted infections and treatment service with a particular emphasis on vulnerable or risk communities within the area.
- Provide information, advice, support and guidance to 18-24 year olds on sexual health matter.
- Actively listens and observes behaviours and responds supportively.
- Is able to check patients pulse, blood pressure and temperature.
- Call for help in an emergency and acts to contain risk.
- Checks information from others and confirms accuracy e.g. patients identity details.
- Completes paper and electronic records correctly.
- Interact with patients in the age group less than 18 years taking into consideration their different needs and concerns.
- Discuss complex and sensitive issues of sexually transmitted infections and associated conditions with a range of clinical and non clinical staff and patients.
- Distribute condoms to patients as part of the local condoms schemes.
- Handles and uses stores, equipment and materials safely.
- Assists in maintaining a safe work environment, reporting any issues that present a risk.
- Undertakes service risk assessments in conjunction with the lead nurse.
- To be aware of CNWL NHS Trust procedure regarding safeguarding adults and children.
- To comply with CNWL NHS Trust safeguarding policies and local standard operational procedures..
- Carries out tasks related to evaluation of service when asked.
- Understand own position and role in the team and who to go to for support.
- Prepares examination rooms daily by replenishing supplies and cleaning equipment.
- Sets and clears trolleys for examinations and Procedures.
- Acts as patients chaperone, when required, for doctors and nurses during examinations and procedures providing privacy and dignity.
- Observes patients right to confidentiality specifically in relation to contraception and sexual health.
- Administrative
- Record information and maintain clinical records in accordance with NMC guidelines and Trust policy, taking account of Data Protection Act.
- To be up to date with checking all email correspondence
- To be the designated point of contact for patients, visitors and staff to the service Either face to face and via the telephone and to undertake this in a friendly, professional and courteous manner and advise them on clinic procedure.
- To register clients on the in-house computer software ensuring accuracy and direct clients to self-check-in kiosks and waiting area and assist as necessary. Recording the arrival and finishing times of each client
- To book appointments and follow- ups on the computer system and deal with information sensitively and professionally, refer where appropriate and take messages in a polite and professional manner ensuring these are given to appropriate staff
- To scan any documents received into the clients electronic or paper file and record on the computer system (virtual encounter) in order for the clinician to have up to date information available.
- To generate standardised negative letters/SMS/telephone/email messages for clients attending the service complying with relevant local and Trust policies/procedures
- To ensure the correct results are taken from the computer system and recorded in the clients electronic/paper notes, follow guidelines/local policies for positive/repeat testing/further action results and ensure the appropriate results are posted/texted/emailed or telephoned to the client as per clinic policy.
- To work in partnership with the Nursing teams to ensure clients receive their results; which may involve telephoning the client for updated contact details.
- To participate in client transport & booking/cancelling appointments relating to language support (Interpreting /RNID/Language Line services) arrangements if requested by multidisciplinary team.
- To record client attendances and diagnosis codes on the computer system
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Main Duties: Professional/Clinical
- Establish and maintain communication with people on routine and operational matters.
- Communicates clearly with people at an appropriate level and pace.
- Calls patients into clinical room and explains testing and examination procedure.
- Collects samples for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea testing and performs urinalysis and pregnancy testing with associated reading, recording and reporting of results.
- Offers the on the spot self administered STI tests Performs Venepuncture for sexually transmitted infections and routine blood tests.
- Manages asymptomatic male and female patients through the clinic providing sexual health screening including blood tests for HIV and Syphilis.
- Able to triage patients and refer patients that they are unable to manage to the nurse or doctor or signpost the patient to the next available appropriate clinical session.
- Processes routine samples by labelling, recording and storing appropriately.
- Transports specimens to other departments as necessary
- Aware of the equal entitlement to confidentiality due to under 16 years that attend the service.
- Raise awareness of testing for sexually transmitted infections and treatment service with a particular emphasis on vulnerable or risk communities within the area.
- Provide information, advice, support and guidance to 18-24 year olds on sexual health matter.
- Actively listens and observes behaviours and responds supportively.
- Is able to check patients pulse, blood pressure and temperature.
- Call for help in an emergency and acts to contain risk.
- Checks information from others and confirms accuracy e.g. patients identity details.
- Completes paper and electronic records correctly.
- Interact with patients in the age group less than 18 years taking into consideration their different needs and concerns.
- Discuss complex and sensitive issues of sexually transmitted infections and associated conditions with a range of clinical and non clinical staff and patients.
- Distribute condoms to patients as part of the local condoms schemes.
- Handles and uses stores, equipment and materials safely.
- Assists in maintaining a safe work environment, reporting any issues that present a risk.
- Undertakes service risk assessments in conjunction with the lead nurse.
- To be aware of CNWL NHS Trust procedure regarding safeguarding adults and children.
- To comply with CNWL NHS Trust safeguarding policies and local standard operational procedures..
- Carries out tasks related to evaluation of service when asked.
- Understand own position and role in the team and who to go to for support.
- Prepares examination rooms daily by replenishing supplies and cleaning equipment.
- Sets and clears trolleys for examinations and Procedures.
- Acts as patients chaperone, when required, for doctors and nurses during examinations and procedures providing privacy and dignity.
- Observes patients right to confidentiality specifically in relation to contraception and sexual health.
- Administrative
- Record information and maintain clinical records in accordance with NMC guidelines and Trust policy, taking account of Data Protection Act.
- To be up to date with checking all email correspondence
- To be the designated point of contact for patients, visitors and staff to the service Either face to face and via the telephone and to undertake this in a friendly, professional and courteous manner and advise them on clinic procedure.
- To register clients on the in-house computer software ensuring accuracy and direct clients to self-check-in kiosks and waiting area and assist as necessary. Recording the arrival and finishing times of each client
- To book appointments and follow- ups on the computer system and deal with information sensitively and professionally, refer where appropriate and take messages in a polite and professional manner ensuring these are given to appropriate staff
- To scan any documents received into the clients electronic or paper file and record on the computer system (virtual encounter) in order for the clinician to have up to date information available.
- To generate standardised negative letters/SMS/telephone/email messages for clients attending the service complying with relevant local and Trust policies/procedures
- To ensure the correct results are taken from the computer system and recorded in the clients electronic/paper notes, follow guidelines/local policies for positive/repeat testing/further action results and ensure the appropriate results are posted/texted/emailed or telephoned to the client as per clinic policy.
- To work in partnership with the Nursing teams to ensure clients receive their results; which may involve telephoning the client for updated contact details.
- To participate in client transport & booking/cancelling appointments relating to language support (Interpreting /RNID/Language Line services) arrangements if requested by multidisciplinary team.
- To record client attendances and diagnosis codes on the computer system
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 relevant to post or relevant proven experience in healthcare setting/NHS or similar
Desirable
Skills
Essential
- Team worker - works well with other members of staff for the benefit of patients
- Communication skills - listens attentively and speaks clearly and confidentiality; able to converse with a variety of people
- Flexibility - able to change quickly from one task to another
- Record keeping - concise and legible signed entries
- Ability to work independently
- Organisational skills - keeping stores and work environment tidy and orderly
- Able to use own initiative
Experience
Desirable
- Working with members of the public
- Working with people from diverse backgrounds
- Work related experience in healthcare setting
Person Specification
Knowledge
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 relevant to post or relevant proven experience in healthcare setting/NHS or similar
Desirable
Skills
Essential
- Team worker - works well with other members of staff for the benefit of patients
- Communication skills - listens attentively and speaks clearly and confidentiality; able to converse with a variety of people
- Flexibility - able to change quickly from one task to another
- Record keeping - concise and legible signed entries
- Ability to work independently
- Organisational skills - keeping stores and work environment tidy and orderly
- Able to use own initiative
Experience
Desirable
- Working with members of the public
- Working with people from diverse backgrounds
- Work related experience in healthcare setting
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
