Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Independence Support Worker

This job is now closed

Job summary

Are you eager to work within a hospital environment?Do you want to help our patients remain independent?Do you want a job where you learn & develop?

The Independence Support Worker (ISW) is a hybrid role, encompassing skills of Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy. The aim of the role is to focus on working with patients to maintain their pre-admission mobility, function and well-being.

ISWs facilitate patients to engage in activities such as: transfers, mobility, toileting, eating and drinking, washing & dressing, and reminiscence, all with a therapeutic mind-set. An ISW will have their own self-directed case load, with support from nursing staff and therapy staff available for guidance when required.

This is a developmental role, the successful candidate would commence initially in a band 2 position, progressing to band 3 following successful completion of the following; the support worker induction, the Care Certificate, Band 3 ISW competencies (within a 6-12 month time frame) and subject to the post holder demonstrating the ability to fulfil all aspects of the role with minimal clinical supervision. Those with previous experience in the NHS will still need to complete role specific ISW competencies.For candidates that do not have GCSE (grade C/4 or more) or equivalent, if shortlisted for the job role, will attend a functional skills assessment consisting of a Math and English exam that needs to be passed before you can progress to an interview.

Main duties of the job

The Independence Support Worker (ISW) is a pivotal member of the multidisciplinary team, promoting a reablement and well-being ethos across all medical and/or orthopaedic and surgical wards.

The successful appointees will need to have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills and have the ability to adapt to the needs for a fast paced ward setting.

An ISW is expected to manage their own work load, as well as working collaboratively as a team member with the wider multi-disciplinary team when appropriate.

To undertake responsibility for establishing recent baseline function and social history of all patients admitted to the ward and documenting the information.

To ensure clarity of functional baseline is shared with the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), in board rounds and in the medical notes.

To work closely with nursing and therapy staff and to relay all necessary information to allow timely interventions as required.

An ISW should understand and maintain confidentiality of patients at all times.

Once competencies are reached progression from band 2 to 3 will be achieved (signed off by the team lead and therapy service lead).

Please see job description and person specification provided. In your application, please include how your current skills and experience link to the Independence Support Worker role. If further information is required, please speak to our contact on advert.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.

We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Date posted

14 February 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£23,615 to £25,674 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-DTO1445-KA

Job locations

Luton and Dunstable Hospital

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ

Job description

Job responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical

A highly skilled support worker, assisting qualified therapists and nurses in the assessment, treatment, maintenance, and rehabilitation of patients admitted to the ward, in order to maximise their potential and reduce risk of deconditioning.

To carry out treatment programmes and more general facilitation of independence with personal ADLs on the ward in order to simulate a typical functional day for the patient eg: washing & dressing/toileting/making bed etc).

To be able to identify and extract relevant information accurately from the patients medical notes, admission paperwork, patient and carer information to ensure accuracy of recent functional status.

To inform, as able, patient and family understanding of the ISW role, gain valid informed consent and promote reablement and rehabilitation.

To demonstrate skills that reflect an ability to work within a legal framework, especially in relation to patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

To monitor and analyse patients progress and behaviours during and following sessions. This necessitates the ability to record, understand and interpret clinical observations.

Following discussion with a therapist make recommendations to ward staff about physical and functional ability of patients under the post holders care.

Where required, to conduct formal and direct functional assessments with therapy assistants or students, analysing and reporting findings to the relevant therapist.

To maintain up to date, comprehensive and accurate patient treatment/care records.

To conduct clinical care and treatment with respect to individual patients dignity, privacy and cultural needs at all times.

To respect the diversity, values, cultural and religious beliefs of patients/families and to contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to those needs.

To have a sound working knowledge of the MDT and the availability of follow-up services.

Where required, to conduct stair assessments with other therapy assistants or students, analysing and reporting findings to the therapist.

Communication

To use a wide range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients in order to carry out treatment programmes. This will include patients who may have difficulties in understanding or in communicating. For example, patients may be dysphasic, depressed, confused or do not have English as a first language.

Able to persuade, negotiate and motivate patients to co-operate with their exercise programmes. Use tact and reassurance when dealing with patients, relatives and carers.

To provide and receive complex and/or sensitive information including information regarding progression or limitation to function and/or mobility and changes in social function. To communicate this information in an appropriate and sensitive manner to other physiotherapy staff and MDT members.

To maintain up-to-date, comprehensive and accurate patient records of assessment and treatment interventions in accordance with trust guidelines.

Organisational and Managerial

To plan and prioritise own daily activities (clinical and administrative) in liaison with the therapy and nursing/medical staff. Respond appropriately to changing circumstances that impact on delegated caseload and report back any difficulties to the qualified staff in a timely basis.

To remain flexible and respond to changing situations and priorities within the area and department.

To delegate/discuss division of work/caseload on the ward appropriately to the therapy/nursing assistants and within the scope of competence and to inform the relevant OT/PT/nursing staff of any difficulties or issues.

To advise and demonstrate, specific workplace routines and processes to staff new to the area (in conjunction with senior therapy/nursing staff). For example, locum staff, new rotational staff and students.

To ensure that all patient records are filed accurately in the correct location & in a timely manner.

Record all statistics on a daily basis and collate all relevant worksheets on a weekly basis.

Education and Training

Participate actively in the hospital induction programme and in the departmental local induction.

Be an active member of the in-service training programme by attending and participating in department in-service training sessions, tutorials, individual training sessions, external courses and peer review

Participate in the supervision and training of newly appointed TA/TI/HCAs eg teaching basic elements of patient care, ISW role, manual handling, health and safety policies, and inducting staff into the ward environment.

To attend all agreed trust mandatory training sessions and keep up-to date with e-learning in accordance with the trusts training and appraisal policies.

Quality and Effectiveness

To work within trust-wide clinical guidelines, policies and procedures and also those locally agreed within the ward & therapy department.

To undertake, as directed, the collection of data for use in service audit and research projects.

To assist, through discussions and comments, in the development of appropriate standards, protocols and operational policies.

Professional

To work within the bounds of own competencies and recognise limitations.

To participate in the staff appraisal & supervision framework

To participate in the first 12 to 18 months of training including independent study.

Please see job description and person specification provided. If further information is required, please speak to our contact on advert.