An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Complementary Health & Wellbeing (CH&W) team at The Christie, who is looking for a multiskilled therapist to work within our integrated service. The CH&W team prides itself on offering personalised care that is supportive, compassionate, empowering, and resourceful, to all its service users. This new, unique role is a Band 4 Trainee Integrative Therapist (TInT) post and will help sustainability plans for building a workforce for future healthcare.
The training programme is fully funded for 12 months, consisting of 15 hours, per week Monday - Friday (Including satellites). The bespoke training programme will be run locally within the CH&W team, combining both academic and work-based learning in the physical, psychological, and public health aspects of care, specifically related to oncology.
The programme is structured around a number of clinical learning environments which will include:
* Supporting patients who are anxious receiving Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy/Trial Medications
* Supporting patients struggling to cope with procedures (Cannulation/Scans/Moulds/Drains/Surgery etc)
* Supporting patients' complex symptoms related to their disease or treatment.
* Offering virtual/telephone support to Patients, Carers, and Staff
Main duties of the job
We are looking for an enthusiastic therapist with a minimum of 1 year massage experience who wants to develop knowledge and experience in the field of oncology.
As a trainee B4, you will be supported to complete the training programme, developing a knowledge and skillset to support patients who are struggling with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, procedures, or symptoms related to disease/treatments. By the end of the training, you will provide a range of therapies, triage priority caseloads, making assessments and key decisions regarding service users' needs and treatment.
The CH&W team has a passion for teaching others our skills and evaluating the therapies we provide. The successful candidate will be confident and competent in using the required skills to fulfil the role, together with a genuine interest in developing complementary therapy skills and the ability to uphold our team's and trust values.
Education and support are seen as a priority in this service, making it an excellent opportunity for developing advanced skills in oncology.
On completion of the training, you will have the flexibility of joining the CH&W bank as a B5, apply for a B5 IT post (*if we are actively recruiting), or have gained the knowledge and experience to create your own private practice.
*Interviews are planned following a recruitment event in January 2025.
About us
The Complementary Health & Wellbeing team is Innovative, Passionate, and Caring. It has won various awards throughout the years for the service it provides to service users. You will be working in a supportive and engaged team environment, with a management team who will enable you to broaden your experience and develop a wide range of skills. The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist, around 15% of patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on-site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world-first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Deliver high-quality, compassionate care under the direction of the IT (or other registered care professional dependent on setting) with a focus on promoting Health and Wellbeing.
Work as part of a designated clinical and care team delivering care that focuses on the personal needs of the individual.
Carry out specific delegated clinical and care tasks to a high standard and competency, under the direction and supervision of an IT or other registered care professionals dependent on setting.
Work with a supervisor and assessor to take responsibility for developing own clinical competence, leadership, and reflective practice skills within the workplace while in learning environments.
Develop the ability to work without direct supervision, through structured progression to delivering care independently, in line with the service users' defined plan of care, within the parameters of practice of the TInT role, accessing clinical and care advice when needed. By the end of the TInT Training Programme, this will involve a caseload of up to five patients.
Have attitudes and behaviours compatible with NHS and Trust Values.
Provide feedback to assist in the evaluation of the Trainee Integrative Therapist (TInT) programme.
Clinical Support:
The following list is indicative as tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the care setting the trainee TInT is working in. The content will be reviewed in the light of the evaluation of the TInT programme.
The Trainee will:
* Develop an understanding of all elements of the CH&W protocols and be able to assist the IT in the ongoing assessment, planning, support, and evaluation of care.
* Support individuals providing person-centred care and promoting health and independence through awareness raising and care navigation to other professionals as appropriate.
* Record clinical assessments using the SBAR framework.
* Ensure the privacy, dignity, and safety of individuals is maintained at all times.
* Demonstrate the ability to recognise changing priorities seeking advice and guidance from the IT or other registered care professionals as appropriate.
2. Policy and service development
The trainee will:
* Promote health and safety maintaining best practice in health, safety, and security.
* Share ideas with colleagues to improve care and suggest areas for innovation.
* Participate in audit activities being undertaken in the area of practice.
* Contribute to the improvement of service by reflecting on own practice and supporting that of others.
* Adhere to legislation, policies, procedures, and guidelines both local and national. Regularly attend workplace and staff engagement meetings and contribute positively to discussions about the improvement of care.
3. Planning & Organisation
The trainee will:
* Plan and manage competing demands of the job role, study, and learning environment activities.
* Work in an effective and organised manner demonstrating excellent time management and organisational skills to effectively deliver person-centred care for an allocated group of individuals.
* Deliver effective care following treatment plans determined by the IT or registered care professional and provide feedback on progress against the plans.
4. Communication & relationships
The trainee will:
* Communicate effectively across a wide range of channels and with a wide range of individuals, the public, health, and social care professionals, maintaining the focus of communication on delivering and improving health and care services.
* Demonstrate those interpersonal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect, and trust.
* Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively.
* Communicate with individuals, carers, and other visitors in a courteous and helpful manner, whilst being mindful that there may be barriers to understanding.
* Report to appropriate registered care professional information received from the individuals, carers, and members of the team.
* Ensure all patient-related information is treated sensitively and adhere to the principles of confidentiality at all times.
* Report any accidents or incidents and raise any concerns as per organisational policy.
* Ensure clear, concise, accurate, and legible records and all communication is maintained in relation to care delivered adhering to local and national guidance.
* Ensure ability to manage electronic records system taking cognisance of need to protect access (ID, passwords, swipe cards).
5. Analytical & Judgmental skills
The trainee will:
* Exercise personal responsibility and work independently within defined parameters of practice, taking the initiative in a variety of situations and performing a range of clinical and care skills consistent with the role, responsibilities, and professional values of a TInT role.
* Exercise judgment in assessing patient condition, comfort, and wellbeing using analysis of a range of possible factors.
* Ensure that only those activities for which competence has been achieved are undertaken without supervision and that recognition is given to the impact and consequences of practising outside capability.
6. Financial and physical resources
The trainee will:
* Exercise personal duty of care in the safe use and storage of equipment.
* Be environmentally aware and prudent in use of resources and energy.
7. Human resources
The trainee will:
* Act in ways which support equality and value diversity.
* Demonstrate own duties to new or less experienced staff.
8. Information resources
The trainee will:
* Develop skills to maintain professional standards of record keeping.
* Follow all information governance guidance and policies.
* Maintain confidentiality as outlined within data protection policies.
9. Freedom to Act
The trainee will:
* Work to standard operating procedures with IT professionals available for reference.
* Work within the organisational policy, procedures, and guidelines.
* Work within the TInT parameters of practice.
* Be responsible and accountable for own practice, working within limits of competence and within professional boundaries.
* Raise any concerns to a registered care professional or appropriate person.
10. Mental and Emotional effort
The trainee will:
* Frequently use concentration and experience work patterns which are unpredictable with regular interruptions, some requiring immediate response.
* Maintain a professional approach while working in challenging, distressing situations or dealing with challenging behaviour.
* Support individuals, their families, and carers when faced with unwelcome news and life-changing diagnoses.
11. Teaching and Training
The trainee will:
* Be proactive in seeking opportunities to develop own knowledge and skills, achieving clinical competencies. Seek support/guidance in a timely manner if any difficulties are encountered.
* Work in partnership with the manager to develop and deliver on Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) objectives at annual appraisal and personal development planning meeting.
* Take responsibility for organising and attending statutory/mandatory updates in accordance with organisational requirements.
* Act as an excellent role model by upholding and implementing good practice in the workplace. Recognising and either directly challenging or seeking support to challenge any poor practice observed.
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive but reflects the main responsibilities of the post holder. Other duties may be required from time to time, which are commensurate with the grade of the post. This job description is subject to regular review and appropriate modification.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Attained a good comprehensive secondary education.
* GCSE Maths and English at grade C/grade 4 or above or equivalent Functional Skills level 2.
* Complementary Therapy diploma inclusive of massage qualification.
* Teaching qualification/Student clinical educators course.
* Postgraduate specialist counselling skills course in oncology, hypnotherapy, or similar.
* RGN/AHP.
* Oncology Certificate or relevant experience.
* 1st degree in relevant subject or equivalent.
Experience
* Previous Massage experience.
* Experience of working within health/care setting.
* Participation in audits/research projects.
* Experience of delivering teaching/presentations.
* Evidence of multidisciplinary team working.
Skills
* Ability to be adaptable and flexible, think creatively and learn new skills quickly.
* Good communication skills (verbal and written).
* Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
* Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate.
* Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and telephone manner.
* Experience in use of IT packages such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
* Able to problem solve and deal with conflict.
* Self-motivated with a willingness to learn.
* Understanding of medical terminology and cancer.
* Knowledge of clinical Governance.
* Knowledge of patient information systems.
* Reflexology.
* Hypnotherapy.
* Counselling.
* Competent in use of databases and spreadsheets.
* Teaching.
* Good knowledge of clinical information systems.
* Behavioral change/motivational interviewing.
* Clinical supervision skills.
Knowledge
* Commit to completing TInT training programme.
* Understanding of the scope of the role of the TInT in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development.
* Understanding of the importance of data protection and confidentiality.
* Understanding of professional ethics and their application in practice.
* Knowledge of clinical governance.
* RGN/AHP.
* Use of essential oils.
* Understanding the effects of cancer and treatments on clinical status of patients.
* Holds NVQ level 2 in Care or care certificate.
* Evidence of recent work-based learning or self-directed learning.
* Understanding of evidence-based practice.
Values
* Ability to demonstrate the organizational values and behaviours.
Other
* Adaptable to change and flexible in approach to new procedures or working practices.
* Attention to detail and accuracy.
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.
Clinical Lead Complementary Health & Wellbeing
£26,530 to £36,483 a year per annum, pro rata.
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