Job summary Acorns Children's Hospice Trust are looking for a Care Assistant for our Three Counties Hospice, Worcester, to deliver holistic care of children and young people who are life-limited or life-threatened at the hospice or in their home. This role is offered on a full time basis, working 37.5 hours per week Main duties of the job As a Care Assistant, you will: Assist the Nurses in assessing the care needs of the children and young people Deliver day to day care as detailed in the care plan Facilitate outings, play and activity that is appropriate to age and development needs. Youll take advantage of training opportunities to further develop your skills and expertise and access clinical supervision when required. Our Care Assistants have opportunities to apply for a Trainee Nursing Associate role with us, where youll study for a professional qualification, which could support your career into nursing. About You Previous experience in general childcare and experience in a hospital environment or looking after the physical care of children. Care Certificate or willing to work towards NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) Knowledge of safeguarding is essential. Were open every day of the year and are fully responsive to the needs of our children and young people, so we will ask for some flexibility as there will be day and night shifts. About us Acorns provides care for babies, children and young people, who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, both in our hospices and in their homes. Our Care Assistants are part of a supportive, multi-disciplinary team delivering care packages that are tailored to each childs individual holistic needs and were structured so that youll simply have the time to care. Each hospice is purpose-built with individually decorated rooms overlooking our gardens. We try to make it as welcoming and friendly as possible a homely environment for the children, young people and their families. What We Offer Up to £24,720per annum (FTE) 37.5 hour per week Based in Three Counties Hospice, Worcester (WR5 3EZ) Employee discounts from leading retailers Employee gym discount scheme Bike-to-Work scheme Generous contribution to group personal pension plan or continuation of current NHS pension scheme NHS pension scheme life assurance or Acorns group life assurance scheme Date posted 06 January 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary £23,400 to £24,720 a year plus additional enhancements Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number B0025-265098 Job locations Acorns Childrens Hospice 350 Bath Road Worcester WR5 3EZ Job description Job responsibilities Job Purpose: Deliver holistic care of children and young people who are life limited/ life threatened in their homes or at the hospice and to provide support to their families. Main Duties: 1. Nursing and Family Care > Actively encourage a family atmosphere within Acorns. > Assist the registered nurse in assessing the care needs of the child and young person when in the hospice or in their home. > Deliver day to day care as detailed in the care plan to a safe and consistent standard. > Work with colleagues to ensure all medication is given in a timely manner according to the Acorns medications administration record. > Facilitate outings play and activity that is appropriate to age and development needs of the child > Adhere to Acorns policies and maintain an awareness of new and developing care options. > Every employee has a professional responsibility to maintain an up to date knowledge and awareness of issues required to deliver quality care at the end of life. > Every employee has a professional responsibility to maintain an up to date knowledge and awareness of issues around the safeguarding of children, and to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to protect children facilitated through effective communication across multidisciplinary agencies. > Every employee has a responsibility to maintain confidential, accurate and timely records. > Develop the required computer skills to use technology-based solutions to facilitate effective communication and record keeping. > Maintain an awareness of the diversity of families supported by Acorns and ensure that the cultural needs of the children and families are met appropriately. > Ensure professional boundaries are maintained and that due attention is paid to confidentiality, privacy and dignity at all times. 2. Professional Development > Actively participate in projects to develop service provision. > Take advantage of training opportunities to further develop your skills and expertise to enhance your role within the Acorns Care Team including mandatory training sessions. > Access clinical supervision as and when required. 3. Management and Team Awareness > Support the Nurse-in-Charge of the shift in-house at Acorns as required. > Actively guide and supervise volunteer work with children. > Assist the Matron with ordering and purchasing requirements as necessary for day-to-day running of Acorns services. > Inform the relevant line manager / on call of incidents and concerns using agreed processes. > Participate in the induction of new employees as and when required. 4. Communication > Encourage the philosophy of Acorns and present a good public image. > Liaise closely with the all professionals and volunteers working with the child/ young person and family to ensure a seamless service. > Attend team meetings and team briefings and participate in other meetings as appropriate (including external meetings) 5. Health and Safety > Ensure that infection control guidelines and policies are strictly adhered to. > Undertake risk assessment and management to ensure that clients, families, visitors and colleagues are safe. > Be aware of and work within the lone working policies of the organisation. > Maintain the Health & Safety Regulations of Acorns Childrens Hospice Trust including Fire Regulations within the Acorns buildings. Job description Job responsibilities Job Purpose: Deliver holistic care of children and young people who are life limited/ life threatened in their homes or at the hospice and to provide support to their families. Main Duties: 1. Nursing and Family Care > Actively encourage a family atmosphere within Acorns. > Assist the registered nurse in assessing the care needs of the child and young person when in the hospice or in their home. > Deliver day to day care as detailed in the care plan to a safe and consistent standard. > Work with colleagues to ensure all medication is given in a timely manner according to the Acorns medications administration record. > Facilitate outings play and activity that is appropriate to age and development needs of the child > Adhere to Acorns policies and maintain an awareness of new and developing care options. > Every employee has a professional responsibility to maintain an up to date knowledge and awareness of issues required to deliver quality care at the end of life. > Every employee has a professional responsibility to maintain an up to date knowledge and awareness of issues around the safeguarding of children, and to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to protect children facilitated through effective communication across multidisciplinary agencies. > Every employee has a responsibility to maintain confidential, accurate and timely records. > Develop the required computer skills to use technology-based solutions to facilitate effective communication and record keeping. > Maintain an awareness of the diversity of families supported by Acorns and ensure that the cultural needs of the children and families are met appropriately. > Ensure professional boundaries are maintained and that due attention is paid to confidentiality, privacy and dignity at all times. 2. Professional Development > Actively participate in projects to develop service provision. > Take advantage of training opportunities to further develop your skills and expertise to enhance your role within the Acorns Care Team including mandatory training sessions. > Access clinical supervision as and when required. 3. Management and Team Awareness > Support the Nurse-in-Charge of the shift in-house at Acorns as required. > Actively guide and supervise volunteer work with children. > Assist the Matron with ordering and purchasing requirements as necessary for day-to-day running of Acorns services. > Inform the relevant line manager / on call of incidents and concerns using agreed processes. > Participate in the induction of new employees as and when required. 4. Communication > Encourage the philosophy of Acorns and present a good public image. > Liaise closely with the all professionals and volunteers working with the child/ young person and family to ensure a seamless service. > Attend team meetings and team briefings and participate in other meetings as appropriate (including external meetings) 5. Health and Safety > Ensure that infection control guidelines and policies are strictly adhered to. > Undertake risk assessment and management to ensure that clients, families, visitors and colleagues are safe. > Be aware of and work within the lone working policies of the organisation. > Maintain the Health & Safety Regulations of Acorns Childrens Hospice Trust including Fire Regulations within the Acorns buildings. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Care Certificate or willing to work towards (within probation period) NVQ Level 2 or equivalent (in a subject related to children, families or health) Skills & Abilities Essential Ability to follow individual care plans. Ability to support profoundly disabled children. Competent IT skills with windows based programmes. Desirable General counselling skills. Awareness of death and dying. Experience Essential Experience in hospital/ physical care of children. Family/ child centered work. Desirable Experience of work with children with special needs or disability. Experience of working with very sick children. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Care Certificate or willing to work towards (within probation period) NVQ Level 2 or equivalent (in a subject related to children, families or health) Skills & Abilities Essential Ability to follow individual care plans. Ability to support profoundly disabled children. Competent IT skills with windows based programmes. Desirable General counselling skills. Awareness of death and dying. Experience Essential Experience in hospital/ physical care of children. Family/ child centered work. Desirable Experience of work with children with special needs or disability. Experience of working with very sick children. 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. Employer details Employer name Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust Address Acorns Childrens Hospice 350 Bath Road Worcester WR5 3EZ Employer's website https://www.acorns.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)