Health Care Assistants (NVQ 3) (Two posts at 36hrs p/w)

Hospice of the Valleys

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

The post holder will be a member of the Hospice at Home team and will undertake a broad range of duties relating to the care of patients with diverse end stage palliative conditions within their own homes, primarily working night shifts. The post holder will provide practical and emotional help and support for named patients at home through the final stages of their illness and into bereavement as directed by the Registered Manager, Deputy Head of Clinical Services and the patients Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Main duties of the job

To work under the direct and indirect supervision of the Registered Manager and the Clinical Nurse Specialist, in the delivery of quality holistic nursing care for patients in their own homes.

Deal with specific needs of palliative care patients and be aware of the needs of their friends and relatives deliver appropriate care in line with care plans

Recognise and feedback any changes in patient condition and where required take appropriate action to support care and treatment under the direction of a Healthcare Professional.

Ensure effective communication with staff and patients and refer questions from patients, relatives and carers to the appropriate personnel and communicate answers.

Record appropriate information in patient records in accordance with legal and professional requirements

Ensure that you are familiar with the patients capabilities and needs to allow you to assist the patient with their activities of daily living, including:

Care of patients with continence problems. Assist with toileting needs.

Ensure patients comfort and be aware of the needs for preventing pressure area problems.

Basic mouth care and elements of personal care (e.g. care of hair, nails, shaving)

If in a patients home when they die, assist with last offices and support other nursing staff with the care of the deceased.

A full job description is included in this vacancy

About us

Hospice of the Valleys provides specialist palliative care to the people of Blaenau Gwent.

We generally work with people who have a life limiting condition such as heart failure, Chronic Obstructive Disease (COPD) and cancer.

Specialist Palliative Care can help patients and their families with physical, emotional, social and financial problems that are difficult to control. We can help to plan ahead, provide support at the end of life and through bereavement.

Patients may only need care from Hospice of the Valleys for a short time and can be discharged from us if their symptoms are controlled.

We also have a designated service for patients with Dementia and their carers called CARIAD (Care and Respect in Advanced Dementia).

The team provide care for patients: At home, in their regular place of residence including nursing homes, Ysbyty Aneruin Bevan or Ysbyty Tri Chwm

At our out-patient clinical in the Hospice in Ebbw Vale

Our team work closely together and alongside all of Health and Social Care providers including GPs, district nurses, hospital teams and voluntary workers. We place the patient and their family at the heart of everything we do, so we can provide the right care and support.

Who we care for: People living in Blaenau Gwent whose illnesses are no longer curable. We aim to care for and support people in the place of their choice, whether it is in their own homes, supported by our Hospice at Home and Community Teams, in our Out-Patient Clinic, or in the local Hospitals.

Date posted

24 April 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

E0017-24-0006

Job locations

Festival Drive

Ebbw Vale

Gwent

NP23 8XF


Job description

Job responsibilities

1: Job Summary:

The post holder will be a member of the Hospice at Home team and will undertake a broad range of duties relating to the care of patients with diverse end stage palliative conditions within their own homes, primarily working night shifts. The post holder will provide practical and emotional help and support for named patients at home through the final stages of their illness and into bereavement as directed by the Registered Manager, Deputy Head of Clinical Services and the patients Clinical Nurse Specialist.

2: Main Responsibilities

1.To work under the direct and indirect supervision of the Registered Manager and the Clinical Nurse Specialist, in the delivery of quality holistic nursing care for patients in their own homes.

2. Deal with specific needs of palliative care patients and be aware of the needs of their friends and relatives deliver appropriate care in line with care plans.

3. Recognise and feedback any changes in patient condition and where required take appropriate action to support care and treatment under the direction of a trained nurse.

4. Ensure effective communication with staff and patients and refer questions from patients, relatives and carers to the appropriate personnel and communicate answers.

5. Record appropriate information in patient records in accordance with legal and professional requirements.

6. Ensure that you are familiar with the patients capabilities and needs to allow you to assist the patient with their activities of daily living, including:

a) Care of patients with continence problems. Assist with toileting needs.

b) Assist patients as required with drinking and eating.

c) Ensure patients comfort and be aware of the needs for preventing pressure area problems.

d) Assist with the safe moving of patients and to mobilise with appropriate aids, within Hospice of the Valleys manual handling policies and guidelines.

e) Basic mouth care

f) Provide elements of personal care (e.g. care of hair, nails, shaving) where the completion of which will support the patients sense of well-being and dignity.

g) To assist in providing occupational activities as necessary

h) To be with the anxious/restless patient and sit with an unconscious patient.

i) Prompting of patients medication in line with Hospice of the Valleys policy.

j) If in a patients home when they die, assist with last offices and support other nursing staff with the care of the deceased.

k) To be aware of, and take into account, the physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs of the patient, their relatives and carers, recognising own levels of competence and referring on as necessary.

l)Help promote and maintain an environment that is safe and conducive to meeting the needs of patients, their relatives and carers.

m) Promote and maintain dignity and privacy at all times.

3: Education

1. Attend all mandatory and statutory training as required by the Hospice.

2. Attend study sessions as agreed by the Registered Manager and Deputy Head of Clinical Services to update knowledge, obtain new skills and support and share experiences to ensure best practice is maintained.

4: Clinical Effectiveness

1. Must possess a Level 3 NVQ in Health & Social Care. Must be registered with Social Care Wales and maintain registration.

2. Abide by and work to the policies and procedures of Hospice of the Valleys

3. Participate in annual appraisal, working in partnership with the line manager to identify gaps in knowledge/skills and develop a plan to enhance service and self-development.

4. Manage clinical duties and resources effectively to ensure the smooth running of the service, working alone for periods, adhering to the Hospice of the Valleys Lone Worker Policy

5. Attend clinical supervision, either on a one-to-one basis, or as part of a group in accordance with Hospice of the Valleys policy and guidelines from Social Care Wales.

6. At all times to maintain the following standards:

a) be approachable.

b) trustworthy

c) motivated to deliver high quality care.

d) supportive to the patient, their family, carers and colleagues.

e) demonstrate motivation and initiative.

f) ability to work autonomously or as part of a team.

g) flexible to meet service needs.

h) non-judgemental and sensitive to the patients culture, political views, sexuality, religious beliefs, hobbies and interests.

5: Health and Safety

All employees have a responsibility under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 to protect and promote their own health and that of others in the workplace.

6: No Smoking Policy

Hospice of the Valleys operates a No Smoking Policy

7: Data Protection

All employees are required to uphold the confidentiality of all information records in whatever format, encountered in the course of employment and after it. All employees are bound by the requirements of the Data Protection Act when, in the course of their employment, they deal with information records relating to individuals.

8: Equal Opportunities

It is the aim of Hospice of the Valleys to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, race, colour, nationality or ethnic origins, or is placed at a disadvantage by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable. To this end, Hospice of the Valleys has an Equal Opportunities Policy and it is for each employee to contribute to its success.

REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

Qualifications

NVQ 3 in Health & Social Care

Registered with Social Care Wales

Administration of Medicines Certificate

Experience

Minimum 2 years experience in a health care setting.

Palliative care experience

Community working experience

Specialist palliative care experience

Skills, knowledge, special aptitudes

Team player

Evidence of completing patient care plans

Desire to increase knowledge & skills within palliative care.

Ability to recognise causes of stress both individual and professional and know how to initiate appropriate action.

Evidence of further study undertaken in relation to palliative care needs

Personal qualities and circumstances

Good communication skills, both written and verbal

Flexible attitude

Calm under pressure.

Enthusiastic with can do approach.

Able to use own initiative.

Ability to respond to changing situations.

Other

Ability to participate in 24hr/7day shift rotation. (Predominantly, but not exclusively, the work will be nights from 22.00-07.00)

Valid UK driving licence and regular use of a car

This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended following appropriate consultation

Job description

Job responsibilities

1: Job Summary:

The post holder will be a member of the Hospice at Home team and will undertake a broad range of duties relating to the care of patients with diverse end stage palliative conditions within their own homes, primarily working night shifts. The post holder will provide practical and emotional help and support for named patients at home through the final stages of their illness and into bereavement as directed by the Registered Manager, Deputy Head of Clinical Services and the patients Clinical Nurse Specialist.

2: Main Responsibilities

1.To work under the direct and indirect supervision of the Registered Manager and the Clinical Nurse Specialist, in the delivery of quality holistic nursing care for patients in their own homes.

2. Deal with specific needs of palliative care patients and be aware of the needs of their friends and relatives deliver appropriate care in line with care plans.

3. Recognise and feedback any changes in patient condition and where required take appropriate action to support care and treatment under the direction of a trained nurse.

4. Ensure effective communication with staff and patients and refer questions from patients, relatives and carers to the appropriate personnel and communicate answers.

5. Record appropriate information in patient records in accordance with legal and professional requirements.

6. Ensure that you are familiar with the patients capabilities and needs to allow you to assist the patient with their activities of daily living, including:

a) Care of patients with continence problems. Assist with toileting needs.

b) Assist patients as required with drinking and eating.

c) Ensure patients comfort and be aware of the needs for preventing pressure area problems.

d) Assist with the safe moving of patients and to mobilise with appropriate aids, within Hospice of the Valleys manual handling policies and guidelines.

e) Basic mouth care

f) Provide elements of personal care (e.g. care of hair, nails, shaving) where the completion of which will support the patients sense of well-being and dignity.

g) To assist in providing occupational activities as necessary

h) To be with the anxious/restless patient and sit with an unconscious patient.

i) Prompting of patients medication in line with Hospice of the Valleys policy.

j) If in a patients home when they die, assist with last offices and support other nursing staff with the care of the deceased.

k) To be aware of, and take into account, the physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs of the patient, their relatives and carers, recognising own levels of competence and referring on as necessary.

l)Help promote and maintain an environment that is safe and conducive to meeting the needs of patients, their relatives and carers.

m) Promote and maintain dignity and privacy at all times.

3: Education

1. Attend all mandatory and statutory training as required by the Hospice.

2. Attend study sessions as agreed by the Registered Manager and Deputy Head of Clinical Services to update knowledge, obtain new skills and support and share experiences to ensure best practice is maintained.

4: Clinical Effectiveness

1. Must possess a Level 3 NVQ in Health & Social Care. Must be registered with Social Care Wales and maintain registration.

2. Abide by and work to the policies and procedures of Hospice of the Valleys

3. Participate in annual appraisal, working in partnership with the line manager to identify gaps in knowledge/skills and develop a plan to enhance service and self-development.

4. Manage clinical duties and resources effectively to ensure the smooth running of the service, working alone for periods, adhering to the Hospice of the Valleys Lone Worker Policy

5. Attend clinical supervision, either on a one-to-one basis, or as part of a group in accordance with Hospice of the Valleys policy and guidelines from Social Care Wales.

6. At all times to maintain the following standards:

a) be approachable.

b) trustworthy

c) motivated to deliver high quality care.

d) supportive to the patient, their family, carers and colleagues.

e) demonstrate motivation and initiative.

f) ability to work autonomously or as part of a team.

g) flexible to meet service needs.

h) non-judgemental and sensitive to the patients culture, political views, sexuality, religious beliefs, hobbies and interests.

5: Health and Safety

All employees have a responsibility under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 to protect and promote their own health and that of others in the workplace.

6: No Smoking Policy

Hospice of the Valleys operates a No Smoking Policy

7: Data Protection

All employees are required to uphold the confidentiality of all information records in whatever format, encountered in the course of employment and after it. All employees are bound by the requirements of the Data Protection Act when, in the course of their employment, they deal with information records relating to individuals.

8: Equal Opportunities

It is the aim of Hospice of the Valleys to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, race, colour, nationality or ethnic origins, or is placed at a disadvantage by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable. To this end, Hospice of the Valleys has an Equal Opportunities Policy and it is for each employee to contribute to its success.

REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

Qualifications

NVQ 3 in Health & Social Care

Registered with Social Care Wales

Administration of Medicines Certificate

Experience

Minimum 2 years experience in a health care setting.

Palliative care experience

Community working experience

Specialist palliative care experience

Skills, knowledge, special aptitudes

Team player

Evidence of completing patient care plans

Desire to increase knowledge & skills within palliative care.

Ability to recognise causes of stress both individual and professional and know how to initiate appropriate action.

Evidence of further study undertaken in relation to palliative care needs

Personal qualities and circumstances

Good communication skills, both written and verbal

Flexible attitude

Calm under pressure.

Enthusiastic with can do approach.

Able to use own initiative.

Ability to respond to changing situations.

Other

Ability to participate in 24hr/7day shift rotation. (Predominantly, but not exclusively, the work will be nights from 22.00-07.00)

Valid UK driving licence and regular use of a car

This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended following appropriate consultation

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ 3 in Health & Social Care
  • Registered with Social Care Wales

Desirable

  • Administration of Medicines Certificate

Experience

Essential

  • Minimum 2 years experience in a health care setting.
  • Palliative care experience

Desirable

  • Community working experience
  • Specialist palliative care experience

Skills, knowledge, special aptitudes

Essential

  • Team player
  • Evidence of completing patient care plans
  • Desire to increase knowledge & skills within palliative care
  • Ability to recognise causes of stress both individual and professional and know how to initiate appropriate action

Desirable

  • Evidence of further study undertaken in relation to palliative care needs

Personal qualities and circumstances

Essential

  • Good communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Flexible attitude
  • Calm under pressure
  • Enthusiastic with 'can do' approach
  • Able to use own initiative
  • Ability to respond to changing situations

Other

Essential

  • Ability to participate in 24hr/7day shift rotation. (Predominantly, but not exclusively, the work will be nights from 22.00-07.00)
  • Valid UK driving licence and regular use of a car
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ 3 in Health & Social Care
  • Registered with Social Care Wales

Desirable

  • Administration of Medicines Certificate

Experience

Essential

  • Minimum 2 years experience in a health care setting.
  • Palliative care experience

Desirable

  • Community working experience
  • Specialist palliative care experience

Skills, knowledge, special aptitudes

Essential

  • Team player
  • Evidence of completing patient care plans
  • Desire to increase knowledge & skills within palliative care
  • Ability to recognise causes of stress both individual and professional and know how to initiate appropriate action

Desirable

  • Evidence of further study undertaken in relation to palliative care needs

Personal qualities and circumstances

Essential

  • Good communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Flexible attitude
  • Calm under pressure
  • Enthusiastic with 'can do' approach
  • Able to use own initiative
  • Ability to respond to changing situations

Other

Essential

  • Ability to participate in 24hr/7day shift rotation. (Predominantly, but not exclusively, the work will be nights from 22.00-07.00)
  • Valid UK driving licence and regular use of a car

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Hospice of the Valleys

Address

Festival Drive

Ebbw Vale

Gwent

NP23 8XF


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Hospice of the Valleys

Address

Festival Drive

Ebbw Vale

Gwent

NP23 8XF


Employer's website

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

For questions about the job, contact:

Registered Manager

Rachel Mills

rachel.mills@hospiceofthevalleys.com

01495717277

Date posted

24 April 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

E0017-24-0006

Job locations

Festival Drive

Ebbw Vale

Gwent

NP23 8XF


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Hospice of the Valleys's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)