Job summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Band 2 Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) to join our hard-working team at South Hams Hospital. This is an exciting opportunity to join our dynamic and committed team who are passionate about caring for our Health Care of the Elderly and rehabilitation patients. With strong leadership and an effective multi-disciplinary approach, we are focused on the speciality needs of our patients. We believe that all staff should be educated to support our patient group and support staff to attend further training. In this role you will also have the opportunity to develop your teaching skills as you will be required to support new and junior members of staff.
Applicants should be able to manage their own workload under the indirect supervision of a registered nurse whilst supporting any junior colleagues who may need your support. Enthusiasm for the specialty and the type of work is essential. For further information about specific areas and an informal discussion, please telephone:
Ward Manager: Mandy Ostenfeldt (01752 438287)
Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.
Main duties of the job
The Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) is part of the multidisciplinary team delivering personal care to patients and supporting Registered Practitioners to deliver high quality, compassionate care. Support and supervision is provided by Registered Practitioners.
You will carry out a range of non-clinical healthcare tasks, under the direct supervision of the Registered Practitioner. To achieve this the HCSW will competently perform the necessary aspects of care for patients, to agreed quality standards and in accordance with Trust values.
There will be opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills, specific to your needs. Training will be provided to ensure you have the required core skills for a Band 2 HCSW in your area of work. You will also be supported to obtain a Care Certificate if not already achieved.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Develop the skills to obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.
2. Under supervision follow individual patient care plans and report any changes immediately to the Registered Practitioner.
3. Demonstrate care and compassion to patients, carers, and relatives to help ensure high-quality person-centred patient care is delivered at all times.
4. Undertake basic patient assessment whilst providing personal care and feeding back to the Registered Practitioner to ensure high standards of care, in particular relating to skin integrity and the alertness of the patient.
5. Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able to concentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.
6. Ensure care is given in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.
7. Ensure that the patients bed space is clean, tidy, and accessible and that the person has what they need within easy reach.
8. Develop the skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients.
9. Undertake personal care duties.
10. Supporting with toileting, bathing, dressing, and feeding. Recording oral fluid balance and nutrition.
Note
This job description is neither definitive nor exhaustive and is not intended to be totally comprehensive. It may be reviewed in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder. This job description is to be read in conjunction with all current Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust policies, procedures & guidelines.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
1. Be able to work as a member of a team
2. Demonstrable experience of time management and prioritising work
Desirable
3. Demonstrable experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting
Qualifications
Essential
4. Training and qualifications are provided to enable the HCSW to comply with mandatory HCSW standards where you will obtain either: Vocational Qualification at Level 2 or equivalent relevant demonstrable experience. Note that if you are new to care, training will be provided to NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
Desirable
5. Vocational Qualification at Level 2 or equivalent relevant demonstrable experience. Note that if you are new to care, training will be provided to NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
Aptitude & Abilities
Essential
6. Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
7. Able to complete appropriate documentation accurately
Desirable
8. Demonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures