Job summary
If you are able to work flexibly, offering a minimum of 20 hours permonth, during the day, at weekends, at night and are keen to experience the jobsatisfaction of being able to spend quality time with your patients in asupportive and caring organisation we would be delighted to receive yourapplication to join our bank of Hospice Support Workers.
Being diagnosed with a life limiting illness is a daunting experienceand being cared for in your own home is a positive choice for many people. Itis a privilege to be part of that patient journey.
Main duties of the job
Your role will include providing personal care and support to families, as well as contributing to the development of our services to increase access for patients.
You will joina bank of support workers who can work a minimum of 20 hours per month whichwill include weekend working, night duty and Bank Holidays. The night shiftsare from 10pm-7am and day shifts range from 1-4 hours. Experience in community work, palliativeand end of life care is desirable but not essential. This post would be idealfor anyone wishing to self- roster their availability to work.
About us
Tynedale Hospiceat Home is a progressive charity providing palliative and end of life care inpatients homes, in the communities of Tynedale, Ponteland and WestNorthumberland.
Unlike many hospices, Tynedale Hospice at Home's palliative nursing care is provided in the home where the patient and their families can be surrounded by familiar comforts and can be cared for in a place of their choosing.
We offer a competitive salary, pay in lieu of holiday, a generous sick pay scheme, paid for DBS checks, funded training and development to experienced, motivated support workers who are committed to delivering high quality care to patients who are nearing the end of their lives.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Title: Hospice Support Worker, flexible working, minimum 20 hours per month.
Location: Community of Tynedale, Scots Gap and Ponteland. Home based, travelling to patient homes and occasional travel to Hexham Office
Reports to: Deputy Head of Care
Hours: Bank, minimum availability 20 hours per month.
General Statement
As a Support Worker at Tynedale Hospice at Home you will be able to provide a minimum of 20 hours availability per month, including weekends, Bank Holidays and night duty. You will work as part of the multi disciplinary team providing supportive & palliative care to a range of patients with life limiting illnesses.
Summary of role
The Hospice Support Worker's role includes the delivery of personal and delegated nursing care by our Registered Nurses to individuals with life limiting illness and their families. You will mainly work alone in delivering care in the patients own home but you will have access to advice and support. The tasks, skills and duties you will undertake as a Hospice Support Worker are described under the following sub-headings:
Clinical
1. The performance of personal care tasks and clinical interventions delegated by Registered Nurses.
2. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, implement, monitor and review the End of Life Care plan.
3. Recognise and adhere to professional boundaries seeking support where appropriate.
4. The administration of medication, where appropriate, in line with appropriate training.
5. The delivery of personal care and support to patients with a life limiting illness and their families including the provision of emotional and psychological support.
6. The safe moving and handling of patients and inanimate loads including safe use of appropriate equipment/aids.
7. The ability to recognize clinical deterioration and emergency situations and institute an immediate First Aid response including where necessary CPR.
Communication/Documentation:
8. Work with patients, their families and friends in a sensitive and flexible manner, demonstrating an awareness of the impact of death, dying and bereavement and recognising that their priorities and ability to communicate may vary over time.
9. Manage unpredictable and/or volatile situations effectively.
10. Facilitate communication with clients for whom English is not the first language and those who have communication/language difficulties.
11. Develop and maintain communication with people about difficult and complex matters or situations relation to End of Life Care.
Advance Care Planning
12. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the legal status and implications of the Advance Care Planning process in accordance with the provisions of the Mental Capacity Act.
13. Show an understanding of Informed Consent and demonstrate the ability to give sufficient information in an appropriate manner.
14. Work sensitively with families and carers to support them as the patient decides upon their preferences and wishes during the Advance Care Planning process.
Supervision and Appraisal
15. Work without direct supervision to deliver personal care to patients, seeking advice from Care Co-ordinator where appropriate.
16. Take responsibility for personal learning and continuing professional development.
17. Attend Supervision sessions and appraisal as required by the Hospice.
18. Promote health and safety, undertaking risk assessments as necessary.
19. Contribute to Hospice policies, protocols and procedures where appropriate.
20. Successfully complete mandatory training and development courses as advocated by the Hospice.
Clinical Governance and Quality Standards
21. Implement and adhere to hospice policies at all times.
22. Ensure care delivered is in accordance with NICE Guidance (NG 31).
Person Specification
Skills, knowledge and aptitude
Essential
23. Communicates in a professional way (written and verbal).
24. IT literate.
Other
Essential
25. Ability to meet the transport requirements of the role.
Knowledge/Qualifications/Experience
Essential
26. Recent experience working in a care setting (for a minimum of 1 year).
Desirable
27. Knowledge and understanding of the principles of delivering care to patients in their own homes.
28. Medicines management qualification.
29. Recent experience of working in a setting delivering care at end of life.