TITLE OF POST: Support Worker (level 1) LOCATION: You will be employed at the hospice at North Anston but will be required to work at alternative community locations to meet the need of your duties. RESPONSIBLE TO: Team Leader ACCOUNTABLE TO: Head of Care JOB PURPOSE: To provide and ensure a high standard of holistic care to children and young people with life limiting/life threatening conditions. To create and provide opportunities for children and young people to experience play, social interaction and learning. To help support the transition of young adults, 14-25 years of age. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES To act as an advocate for children/young people and their families, maintaining professional boundaries. To implement, in conjunction with parents/carers, a plan of care to meet the identified needs of the child/young person. To provide emotional and psychological support to the child/young person and their family adjusting to illness, disability, end of life issues and bereavement. Assist in maintaining and developing high standard of patient care, by awareness of individual needs, following defined nursing care plans and working within related policies and procedures. To deliver complex technical interventions to support those with complex health needs i.e.: tracheostomy and ventilators, gastrostomy, jejunostomy and suctioning. To support the delivery of palliative and end of life care both in the hospice and at home. To support opportunities for children and young people building memories and experiences. To maintain and improve your own professional competence by keeping abreast of clinical developments, and by attending in-house and external training sessions. With appropriate qualifications and training to safely administer medicines to children and young people via a range of different routes in line with the Bluebell Wood Medicines Management Policy To keep clear, accurate and contemporaneous records, reporting where needed any deterioration, concerns or incidents. Provide nursing care and support to young people under the direction and supervision of the senior nurse/ clinical team. Ensure daily housekeeping in line with service needs. Contribute towards effective communication, by reporting to nurse in charge any information given by patient/relative, incident or observation which may affect patients physical/mental well-being. Understand the importance of, and maintain, the need for confidentiality in all patient matters. Work as an assistant in therapeutic activities, group work and life skills with the support and guidance of senior staff. WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work can involve exposure to children/young people with infections, infected linen and bodily fluids, protective aprons and gloves are provided. Work involves exposure to hazardous substances including chemicals, medical gases and medications. There is frequent contact with distressed children/young people, carers and relatives who require a high level of support. The role will involve working shifts in house & being part of a service that provides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. As a result of this, the job may involve working unsociable hours, including bank holidays, night hours and weekends. GOVERNANCE: Ensure a consistent approach to all aspects of care delivery by following guidelines. policies and prescribed care. Report all incidents/accidents and near misses in line with reporting procedures to facilitate change and improvements. Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff at all times PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Develop and maintain palliative care knowledge and skills across a range of procedures and practices. To actively participate in own regular appraisal process and be responsible for own professional development, including identification of own individual needs and professional development needs, and plan to achieve these Actively participate in a research and evidence-based culture Develop and maintain an awareness of evidence-based practice and current developments in children's palliative care and the implications these may have for the delivery of care Maintain professional development by keeping up to date with current research and developments within the field of palliative care and in accordance with continuing professional development requirements Comply with the Bluebell Wood - Code of Conduct for Support Workers Maintain a high standard of conduct and physical appearance to retain public confidence. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Attend staff development programmes, including all mandatory training and eLearning as required Take an active role in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee and to be responsible for setting and agreeing a personal development plan with your line manager Ensure personal and professional development through reflective practice and peer supervision SAFEGUARDING Compliance with hospice and Local Safeguarding Children's Board policies, procedures, and practice To follow hospice policy regarding the management of safeguarding concerns Communicating and escalating concerns over a child in need of protection or a child in need of support to safeguarding lead, child protection teams or other statutory partners or agencies EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY Promote equality, diversity, and rights of all, including children, young people and their families, and staff Actively promote the consultation of children, young people and families and encouraging their involvement and participation in decision-making Ensure a consistent approach to all aspects of care delivery by following guidelines. policies and prescribed care, recommending changes to advance practice. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS Ensure that your professional conduct within and outside of the hospice does not conflict with professional expectations Maintain and always promote confidentiality and ensure the data protection framework is met Maintain standards to reduce the risk of Health care associated infections Lead and guide staff, providing the support needed to maintain morale and enable them to work effectively GENERAL All Bluebell Wood employees are required to: Abide by the Health & Safety at Work Act Adhere to policy and procedures around safeguarding children and young adults Respect confidentiality applying to all Hospice areas Respect and work effectively with volunteers Work within Hospice policies and procedures Comply with the Hospice no smoking policy Participate in and contribute to team meetings Co-operate and liaise with colleagues Behave in a professional manner at all times, reflecting and maintaining the values and ethos of Bluebell Wood All Bluebell Wood employees are expected to: Demonstrate a commitment to their own development, to take advantage of education and training opportunities and develop their own competence. Support and encourage harmonious internal and external working relationships. Make a positive contribution to fundraising and raising the profile of the Hospice.