Job summary
We are looking for a Complementary Therapist to provide complementary therapies to our patients and carers, as well as working with our multi-professional team and coordinate the complementary therapy volunteers to provide a high standard support to our patients and families.
Main duties of the job
You will have experience of working with people affected by a life-limiting illness, as well as experience in different complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, massage, or reiki. You will have a CNHC professional registration or relevant.
If you are enthusiastic, flexible and share our values, and if you care about making a difference in the last years of someones life, we would love to hear from you!
About us
Princess Alice Hospice is one of the top ten adult hospices in the UK, providing specialist palliative care and support to a community of more than a million people living in Surrey, South West London and Middlesex.
About our Wellbeing team:
Here at Princess Alice Hospice, youll have the opportunity to make a satisfying, rewarding difference to the lives of our patients, their families and friends, and be supported every step of the way. Were small enough for you to see the impact your skills have, and big enough to support you with training, experience and opportunities.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Delivery of Complementary Therapy Service
1. Work alongside the complementary therapy volunteers to maintain a high standard of complementary therapy service.
Coordinate the day to day activity of Complementary Therapy services and Complementary Therapy volunteers through effective planning and prioritisation.
Respond to referrals for complementary therapy, ensuring that the patient/carer is contacted in a timely manner and the referrer is kept up to date as appropriate.
Deliver Complementary Therapy treatments, and act as a specialist resource to patients, carers and non-specialist groups of employees and volunteers.
Oversee appointment scheduling for volunteers to deliver complementary therapy sessions
Make accurate assessments of individual needs, liaising with the wider team as appropriate.
To be responsible for the safe storage, use, supply and ordering of aromatherapy oils.
To deliver talks about the role of Complementary Therapies in palliative care to patients and carers at the Breathlessness Group/ New Wellbeing programme
Communicate and work in partnership with the multidisciplinary team to ensure high standards of specialist palliative care to patients and their carers.
Ensure the maintenance of electronic patient records and other relevant records
2. Volunteer Management
Liaise with the volunteer team to support the recruitment and selection of new volunteers, including completing volunteer interviews
Complete inductions with new volunteer therapists, ensuring they are working within the Hospices policies and procedures.
Effectively supervise the volunteers, including annual reviews, team meetings and ongoing support and training.
3. Professional
Ensures own registration with the Complementary and Natural Health Council (CNHC), and is aware of the CNHC Code of Professional Conduct and Scope of Professional Practice.
Maintain own clinical competence and adhere to professional codes of conduct for Complementary Therapists.
Keep aware of current developments in palliative care and Complementary Therapies and their implications for practice.
Facilitate the continuing development of self and Complementary Therapy volunteers
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
1. Good standard of education
2. Registration with the CNHC
3. NVQ Level 3 ITEC or equivalent
4. NVQ Level 3 in Aromatherapy or equivalent
5. Qualification in a second Complementary Therapy related field
6. Willing to undertake further qualifications
7. Understanding of basic clinical care
Experience
Essential
8. Several years post graduate experience
9. Experience of multi-professional team working
10. Oncology, Palliative Care and/or neurological experience
11. Experience of working with volunteers
12. Experience of providing educational sessions
13. Experience of supporting staff/volunteers
14. Experience of using computerised patient records
15. Experience of working in a Hospice
Particular Skills and Aptitudes
Essential
16. Ability to work as an autonomous practitioner
17. Advanced clinical assessment skills
18. Commitment to professional development
19. Ability to work across a wide range of client ages and needs
20. Evidence of highly developed communication skills both written and verbal
21. Excellent interpersonal skills with particular ability to liaise effectively with patients and multidisciplinary team
22. Able to work effectively in an emotionally demanding environment
23. Computer literate
24. Leadership capabilities
25. Decision making skills
26. Good organizational and time management skills prioritizing and managing caseload under pressure
Specialist Knowledge
Essential
27. Understanding of specialist palliative care provision
28. Breadth of knowledge of Complementary Therapies and their application in palliative care.
29. Evidence of continuing professional development
30. Knowledge of current healthcare and Complementary Therapy policy and provision
31. Ability to facilitate induction and on-going training of volunteer therapists
32. Awareness of, and commitment to the Mission, Vision and Values of the Hospice