Job summary Are you a compassionate caregiver with experience in palliative care? Do you want to make a meaningful difference by delivering holistic support to patients in their own homes? Join our team at St Michaels Hospice, where were dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families. Main duties of the job As a Senior Health Care Assistant (Community), youll work closely with our skilled nursing team, providing individualised care and emotional support. Your responsibilities will include assisting with personal care, medication management, and health and safety assessments, all while maintaining dignity and respect for our patients. Youll also have the opportunity to develop skills in a supportive and collaborative environment. Shifts will cover early mornings, late shifts, weekends, and bank holidays, with additional pay for unsocial hours. About us St Michael's Hospice is nestled in the stunning Herefordshire countryside, in a state-of-the-art facility. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a transferrable NHS pension or you can enrol onto our own Hospice pension. We have a Life Assurance, and we offer a superb working environment and facilities, generous study leave allowance, discounts with local suppliers, individualised training needs analysis, advanced communication skills training, employee counselling service, free on-site parking, competitively priced meals and beverages, free tea, coffee and chilled water, friendly, welcoming work environment, 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays We are one of the top 100 best not for profit organisations to work for and have been caring to make a difference, to patients living with a terminal illness and their families, across Herefordshire and beyond for nearly 40 years. Date posted 05 November 2024 Pay scheme Other Salary £23,912 to £25,251 a year Plus unsocial hours payments Contract Fixed term Duration 1 years Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working Reference number B0210-5526 Job locations Bartestree Hereford HR1 4HA Job description Job responsibilities Job Purpose: To deliver individualised, holistic palliative nursing care to patients and their families in their own homes to enhance their quality of life. Care Provision To provide individualised care to the patient and family members under the delegated direction of registered nurses, following care plans and risk assessment. Following appropriate training to undertake a range of clinical care interventions e.g. stoma care. To develop and utilise skills in decision-making to enhance patient care, working in an autonomous environment. Contribute to clinical and health and safety risk assessments. Using discretion and judgement in emergency situation. To escalate changes in condition of patients/relatives to the hub senior nurse. Provide emotional/psychological support to the patient and their family, identifying referrals to the wider hospice services. Ensure patients privacy and dignity are maintained at all times. Provide final care for the deceased patient and verification of expected death (being the extension of GPs arm) Understand the complications/harm e.g. falls, pressure sores that can be caused by patient immobility and contribute to the prevention of such complications. To provide medication management level one. Induction of new members, sharing knowledge and skills. Communication To create and promote a positive image for the organisation. Communicate in a professional and effective manner with internal and external health care professionals, patients, relatives and carers. Recognise own limitations when offering emotional support. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times. To be a team player, following guidelines and policies. To keep accurate records of the care provided. Health and Safety Act at all times to promote the safety and wellbeing of patients, relatives and carers. Be aware of patients that are at risk e.g. of falling and ways to prevent falls. Contribute to health and safety risk assessments and actions as required. Follow the incident reporting process. Education Attend mandatory training and service training opportunities. Develop and maintain own knowledge and skills in palliative care. To undertake an appraisal and personal development review annually. Act as a role model to new staff members. Experience in Palliative Care: You should have hands-on experience caring for individuals in need of palliative care. Person Specification 1) Specialist Knowledge and Experience Essential Experience of delivering hands on care for people requiring palliative care NVQ Level 3 in care or equivalent Experience of dealing with challenging situations Basic IT skills In possession of a full UK driving licence, be over 21 and have held a full licence for 12 months Desirable Care Certificate Previous experience of providing care in the community 2) Skills and Behaviours Team Working: Fits in with the team. Develops effective and supportive relationships with colleagues. Is considerate towards them and creates a sense of team spirit. Patient Focus: Puts the patient first, works hard to meet their needs and look after their interests. Relating to others: Quickly builds rapport and easily establishes relationships. Relates well to different types of people, listens and gets on with them. Planning and organising: Organises own time effectively. Prioritises work load. Communication: Speaks clearly, fluently and demonstrates active listening. Reliability: Follows direction from supervisors and respect policies and procedures. Show commitment to the organisation and task completion. Resilient: Remains calm and self-controlled under pressure. Reacts well to change and stays positive despite setbacks. Keeps difficulties in perspective. 3) Special Conditions This post is conditional to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check. Requirement to work evenings, weekends and nights. Must be prepared to travel throughout county. Must hold a full clean driving licence Unsocial hours payments: o Saturdays Payment at basic salary 33.33% o Sundays Payment at basic salary 66.66% o Bank Holidays Payment at basic salary 66.66% o Nights Payment at basic salary 33.33% Job description Job responsibilities Job Purpose: To deliver individualised, holistic palliative nursing care to patients and their families in their own homes to enhance their quality of life. Care Provision To provide individualised care to the patient and family members under the delegated direction of registered nurses, following care plans and risk assessment. Following appropriate training to undertake a range of clinical care interventions e.g. stoma care. To develop and utilise skills in decision-making to enhance patient care, working in an autonomous environment. Contribute to clinical and health and safety risk assessments. Using discretion and judgement in emergency situation. To escalate changes in condition of patients/relatives to the hub senior nurse. Provide emotional/psychological support to the patient and their family, identifying referrals to the wider hospice services. Ensure patients privacy and dignity are maintained at all times. Provide final care for the deceased patient and verification of expected death (being the extension of GPs arm) Understand the complications/harm e.g. falls, pressure sores that can be caused by patient immobility and contribute to the prevention of such complications. To provide medication management level one. Induction of new members, sharing knowledge and skills. Communication To create and promote a positive image for the organisation. Communicate in a professional and effective manner with internal and external health care professionals, patients, relatives and carers. Recognise own limitations when offering emotional support. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times. To be a team player, following guidelines and policies. To keep accurate records of the care provided. Health and Safety Act at all times to promote the safety and wellbeing of patients, relatives and carers. Be aware of patients that are at risk e.g. of falling and ways to prevent falls. Contribute to health and safety risk assessments and actions as required. Follow the incident reporting process. Education Attend mandatory training and service training opportunities. Develop and maintain own knowledge and skills in palliative care. To undertake an appraisal and personal development review annually. Act as a role model to new staff members. Experience in Palliative Care: You should have hands-on experience caring for individuals in need of palliative care. Person Specification 1) Specialist Knowledge and Experience Essential Experience of delivering hands on care for people requiring palliative care NVQ Level 3 in care or equivalent Experience of dealing with challenging situations Basic IT skills In possession of a full UK driving licence, be over 21 and have held a full licence for 12 months Desirable Care Certificate Previous experience of providing care in the community 2) Skills and Behaviours Team Working: Fits in with the team. Develops effective and supportive relationships with colleagues. Is considerate towards them and creates a sense of team spirit. Patient Focus: Puts the patient first, works hard to meet their needs and look after their interests. Relating to others: Quickly builds rapport and easily establishes relationships. Relates well to different types of people, listens and gets on with them. Planning and organising: Organises own time effectively. Prioritises work load. Communication: Speaks clearly, fluently and demonstrates active listening. Reliability: Follows direction from supervisors and respect policies and procedures. Show commitment to the organisation and task completion. Resilient: Remains calm and self-controlled under pressure. Reacts well to change and stays positive despite setbacks. Keeps difficulties in perspective. 3) Special Conditions This post is conditional to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check. Requirement to work evenings, weekends and nights. Must be prepared to travel throughout county. Must hold a full clean driving licence Unsocial hours payments: o Saturdays Payment at basic salary 33.33% o Sundays Payment at basic salary 66.66% o Bank Holidays Payment at basic salary 66.66% o Nights Payment at basic salary 33.33% Person Specification Qualifications Essential Experience of delivering hands on care for people requiring palliative care NVQ Level 3 in care or equivalent Experience of dealing with challenging situations Basic IT skills In possession of a full UK driving licence, be over 21 and have held a full licence for 12 months Desirable Care Certificate Previous experience of providing care in the community Skills and Behaviours Essential Team Working: Fits in with the team. Develops effective and supportive relationships with colleagues. Is considerate towards them and creates a sense of team spirit. Patient Focus: Puts the patient first, works hard to meet their needs and look after their interests. Relating to others: Quickly builds rapport and easily establishes relationships. Relates well to different types of people, listens and gets on with them. Planning and organising: Organises own time effectively. Prioritises work load. Communication: Speaks clearly, fluently and demonstrates active listening. Reliability: Follows direction from supervisors and respect policies and procedures. Show commitment to the organisation and task completion. Resilient: Remains calm and self-controlled under pressure. Reacts well to change and stays positive despite setbacks. Keeps difficulties in perspective. Desirable This post is conditional to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check. Requirement to work evenings, weekends and nights. Must be prepared to travel throughout county. Must hold a full clean driving licence Unsocial hours payments: o Saturdays Payment at basic salary 33.33% o Sundays Payment at basic salary 66.66% o Bank Holidays Payment at basic salary 66.66% o Nights Payment at basic salary 33.33% Person Specification Qualifications Essential Experience of delivering hands on care for people requiring palliative care NVQ Level 3 in care or equivalent Experience of dealing with challenging situations Basic IT skills In possession of a full UK driving licence, be over 21 and have held a full licence for 12 months Desirable Care Certificate Previous experience of providing care in the community Skills and Behaviours Essential Team Working: Fits in with the team. Develops effective and supportive relationships with colleagues. Is considerate towards them and creates a sense of team spirit. Patient Focus: Puts the patient first, works hard to meet their needs and look after their interests. Relating to others: Quickly builds rapport and easily establishes relationships. Relates well to different types of people, listens and gets on with them. Planning and organising: Organises own time effectively. Prioritises work load. Communication: Speaks clearly, fluently and demonstrates active listening. Reliability: Follows direction from supervisors and respect policies and procedures. Show commitment to the organisation and task completion. Resilient: Remains calm and self-controlled under pressure. Reacts well to change and stays positive despite setbacks. Keeps difficulties in perspective. Desirable This post is conditional to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check. Requirement to work evenings, weekends and nights. Must be prepared to travel throughout county. Must hold a full clean driving licence Unsocial hours payments: o Saturdays Payment at basic salary 33.33% o Sundays Payment at basic salary 66.66% o Bank Holidays Payment at basic salary 66.66% o Nights Payment at basic salary 33.33% 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 St Michael’s Hospice Address Bartestree Hereford HR1 4HA Employer's website https://www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)