Job Summary
The Open Access Stratified Pathway (OAFU) Cancer Support Worker will form an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team approach in caring for the physical, social, and psychological needs of patients diagnosed with cancer and their carers throughout the care treatment pathway and aftercare support.
The OAFU Support Worker will work in close unison with the Clinical Nurse Specialists to ensure the coordination and management of patients at all points of their treatment.
The OAFU Cancer Support Worker will also act as a point of contact for patients who will have been prepared by their clinical team for Stratified Pathway Follow Up (OAFU) - and will be able to signpost patients to assist and support them with their self-management.
Recent experience in a clinical experience in a healthcare or social care setting, demonstrating a high level of knowledge and experience caring for adults with acute or chronic illness. Ideally, the post holder will have experience working with cancer although this is not essential.
The post is working 5 days per week (37.5 hours). This is a Fixed Term 12-month contract.
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Please note - we are unable to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (Work Permit) for this role.
Main Duties of the Job
The support worker will work closely with the cancer nurse specialists and other members of the multi-disciplinary team to support patients affected by cancer.
The post will include direct communication with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals involved in their care.
A fundamental part of the role will be to help deliver core elements of the Personalised Care Programme including undertaking holistic needs assessments, personalised care and support plans, and facilitating health and wellbeing events.
Assessing the needs of people and signposting to other appropriate services will be a key part of the role, enabling people to live well, with and beyond a cancer diagnosis.
The role will also involve working on the risk stratification project which underpins the safe care of patients who are deemed to be at low risk of cancer recurrence.
About Us
With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us.
We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes, and patient experience.
Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional, and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.
At West Herts, we offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work-life balance and the ability to work flexibly.
We kindly invite you to consider submitting an application.
If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net
If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.
We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants.
If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job Responsibilities
The role requires a knowledge or willingness to work with hospital systems, cancer care, and a multidisciplinary team.
Excellent communication skills are essential in providing support to individuals affected by cancer and their families including the ability to manage level 1 psychological distress and recognise and escalate level 2 psychological distress.
Ability to demonstrate a compassionate approach and to provide empathy with patients who may be experiencing a difficult time in their life is essential.
A commitment to further improving services for cancer patients and their families is essential.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
* Educated to Band 4
* A level or BTEC / GNVQ level - or relevant clinical experience
Desirable
* Sufficient experience as an NHS administrator.
* Good IT literacy
Knowledge
Essential
* Working knowledge of hospital computer systems (Cerner, Infoflex, CRIS).
Desirable
* Working with Breast Cancer Patients
Experience
Essential
* Previous NHS administration
* Working in/or with cancer MDT team(s).
* Proven experience of working to deadlines and targets
* Experience of communicating complex instructions with sensitivity to patients and relatives.
Desirable
* Working in a changing environment
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. #J-18808-Ljbffr